Its just a place to submit maps. If they make it through the gauntlet of tests, their added to MM. Only one has made it so far.
Octoplex, a terrible map that is only suitable for 2v2 gameplay yet is in a 4v4 playlist. Also there are 3 or 4 power weapons on it (including 2 snipes) and the map is about the size of half of the Pit.
The only maps accepted are maps that aren't geomerged, bydget glitched and most of the time they don't accept interlocked maps either. Also, they seem to accept extremely bad flowing or overpowered maps (e.g. octoplex)
Budget glitched maps aren't accepted for networking reasons. That's why we've been given a larger budget in Sandbox. And for the record, Octoplex features geo-merging and interlocking. The map works from a functional standpoint, which is why its in matchmaking. A map layout has to be simple enough for the average user to pick up and play. Anything too difficult or complex will confuse players. MM requires a certain kind of map, and people need to understand that we need to meet those requirements to even be considered. Not the other way around. [edit]: Smashed was made by Bungie. It was not created by a member of the community.
Seriously Microsnipe, I can't believe you've never heard of Atlas before. XP I hope Utah Mambo makes it, I would love to play some Big Team on it. :happy:
While that may be true, its certainly annoying. Matchmaking maps need to be easily understandable, as opposed to the staggering complexity of featured maps here. There are two completely different sets of standards between a good map here at forgehub, and a map that will make it into matchmaking. However, with the advent of Sandbox, that may be changing. The wide-open space, ridiculous budget, and tons of objects to create your map with, I think that we'll start to see more user-created maps in matchmaking. Whether they will be as bad a Smashed is yet to be seen.
Sandbox would then be worth playing on then. Seriously, that map is just perfect. I wish bungie had a playlist called forgehub, which includes all of our best maps. Halo 3 would then be worth playing.