Hey forgers, I don't mean to be condescending when I'm posting this. It's just some things that I have found to be useful when making a map. I might updated it with photos. Most of this only applies to Foundry maps. I will be focusing more on the psychology of the map- the feeling that comes with a map. What you should know when you're giving it a specific theme or look: -Real Indoors:On some maps, you may want it to be indoors. To really make a person feel like they are indoors, you shouldn't let the person see a default part of Foundry's geometry. If someone knows what location they are at on Foundry, they can tell that they are in the corner of the map or on the windowed side. This gives players an instinctive sense of direction, and they might not go where you want them to go, or it could mess up your general plan of gameplay for the map. Making the map fully enclosed could be time consuming, and part consuming, but it will give your map a more complete and unique sense because it makes it feel like more of a building than just a foundation built off of the floor. -Spawn Point Direction: First impression is important. The first time someone sees your map, they will instantly start learning the geography and direction (Which part is the center, sides, forward or back). So what ever they see first and how they see it is important. -Color/Texture/Organization: Now we all know that we are limited to the standard green and gray color scheme, but, the way you use those colors is important to the feel of your map. It's difficult to explain, but you can learn by testing out different objects for your walls and structures. Texture: The different sides of the Double Box are a good example of texture. The top has the shiny bar thing, the side is nothing really special, and the bottom is a gridded texture. The bottom of the Box is commonly used for floors and ceilings, but again, test out these textures to learn. Just be aware of the different options you have. Hope these tips help to hone your skills in the way of the Forge, blanman
Those are some very good and well thought out tips. This will really help out younger members and get them familiar with the forging techniques. The only thing I want to say is the thing about the indoors. Good Maps do not have to be indoors dude. It is just some peoples like in the style of map. Like I really like the spread out and using all of foundry maps. This way I can use more of the geometry to my liking and more space for me to work with. So anyways, a good tutorial and lets hope this really helps other members.
Nice info. I never really thought about those things. Good post, it will help on the map I am making. +rep Edit: I don't think he was saying that only indoor maps are good. He said "...you may want it to be indoors." Want. Not needs to be. He's just giving a tip on what to do if you want it to feel more indoorsy.
I didn't say that all maps should be indoors, it's just that a lot of crappy forgers try to make indoors and the maps just don't work. I have never made a truly indoor map myself actually. The aspect works for positioning of the map as a whole.