Where do you guys get your forge map ideas from? Does it pop in your head one day or do you see something? Do you draw and plan it out or do you work as you go? I'm trying to see how each of us forge. Obviously we all have our own styles, and its interesting to know where people get their inspiration from. This may also help people when they hit a wall on a map in progress or give them ideas to create a new map.
For me I like to look at what already exists in the Halo universe / campaigns and try to use that as a theme for my maps currently because those levels can really be memorable and who wouldn't like to have a feeling of nostalgia while playing. I also keep a notebook for the ideas some are even original, some are difficult, and some may not ever leave that book; however, it is still there if ever want to try.
Mixture of both fantasy, surreal to the realistic. I try to blend these aspects at times, to challenge myself really.
Sometimes I just doodle in forge, half of my maps were created by putting stuff together with zero idea behind it and go from there. It creates itself most of the time and even though I used to draw a lot, I never did it for a map. I'm working on a few things at a time and the map that crosses my mind several times that day gets some attention obviously. I have too many small ideas really, but I build a lot and share everything. I just realized I've finished every doodle I started. Right now there are 2 arena maps in the making and 1 aesthetic. I have some creative hobbies and my work is also creative. It is that part of me that keeps me forging. Well for now.
Ideas usually come to me naturally, so I don't really have 'brainstorming' techniques I use. Here are some of the ways I get ideas for maps: - I've used all of the suggestions already posted in this thread - A lot of times I get ideas from things I see just walking around in my day to day life (In nature. In buildings/architecture) - Movies, TV, books, entertainment in general - Sometimes I just wake up with an idea in my head - Other peoples forge maps - Maps from other games There have also been times when I don't have an ideas at all. When that happens, I just don't forge, lol. Luckily, I have more ideas than I have time to build them, so that's pretty rare.
For me its that immersion factor at fuels my creative map ideas, so I like to do maps that bridge the gap of a "forge map" and something more. I usualy chose a setting and/or time of place that I want to replicate. Get a **** ton of reference photos and start designing the art. This allows me to see if I can replicate the art and once I'm satisfyied i design a layout that works hand in hand with the environment.
Hahahaha its all good. To be honest I created the post for us forgers to kinda share ideas and where they get their ideas/inspiration from and you guys are doing just that so no worries
Think of something I want to play See if anyone has made it, if so I play that If I can't find it then I make it Inspiration can come from elsewhere, but it is usually from above.