How exactly does a map have to be built to be an MLG map? Or is it just the specific weapon set that matters, because I haven't really seen anything that sets them apart other that the face there is usually more than one way to get somewhere (added boxes on pit for example)
Well they can't have vehicles (because since when have vehicles like the warthog been used for teamwork) it has to have an incredibly simple layout (because thinking is not MLG) and it can only have certain weapons (because since when has map diversity been a good thing). In essence, all user created MLG maps are symmetrical, bland, and hand crafted for maximum "skill".
i believe they must by symmetrical through and through. No equipment, no vehicles. Br's Carbines Shotguns "i think are allowed" and snipers but nothing other than that except maybe a rocket launcher.
All weapons are allowed, but only some are recommended: BRs, Carbines, Mauler, Sniper, Rockets, Plasmas, Invis, Overshield, Custom Powerup, Plasma Pistol. Asymmetrical (Regicide) and Symmetrical (Amplified) are allowed, but most importantly the point of the map has to be to encourage teamwork.
A real MLG map is much different from the average map. The map has to have a good flow, with geometry that allows good setups. The lines of sight need to be good, and you have to remember that MLG is very team oriented, so make sure the map encourages teamwork. Those are the only ways I know how to describe an MLG map, although you can often tell if a map isn't suitable for MLG just by quickly glancing at it.
A good MLG map and a good competitive map are basically the same, but an MLG map will try to offer faster paced gameplay, because MLG wants games to be interesting to watch not campfests. That is why the boxes are added to the Pit, and why weapons are on drop spawn, and it is a large part of the reason for banning equipment. The boxes offer movement options out of the pit on The Pit, which makes that area actually useful whereas in matchmaking everyone goes around it. Drop spawning weapons means both teams know when they're up, and most maps with power weapons have more than one at different respawn times, so there is frequently a power weapon to fight over. The forged maps added so far, Onslaught, Amplified, and Lockdown offer fast paced gameplay as well. They do this by offering several access routes to every location(at least 3) as well as keeping potential camping spots to a minimum. Also consider tactical jumps, MLG runs 110% speed, so you have a bit more room to space objects and allow jumping between them. This thread offers extensive details on what makes a good map, with a focus on the MLG weaponsets. The actual design guidelines described within apply to all good maps, but MLG wants faster pace than standard. T
You my friend, are an idiot. Back that up with some evidence and I'll believe it. You need at least two people to use a warthog effectively, and big team battle can pivot around that vehicle.