We have lost our way and need new maps!
Basically, we need new stock maps for the OP serverkit. Well designed, legal values and bug free.
I will outline the requirements here and will be looking for some input on those requirements (Dizzy, DH, S'Cippy?).
Map requirements:
(to be filled in / finalised)
1 - Must use all races.
2 - Initial economies must be separated by a reasonable margin for the scale of the map and be sufficient for stable shipyard operation (read base production).
2a - It has been observed that a tight distribution of economy on the map for each empire and mostly zero economy hexes in between can significantly reduce serverload. Bear this in mind and try to design your map so that economic zones on the map are somewhat concentrated with other space having strategic significance. (not to say there can't be a few zones of high economy unocupied space)
3 - Each race must have a valid homeworld start location.
4 - All hex attributes (DV etc) must fall within the legal vales (to be) outlined here.
5 - Maps must be a reasonable size - I'd say between 10x10 and 60x60. (somewhat flexible - and not necessarily square)
6 - Pirate layer interactions: be aware of the default alliances and keep this in mind for your map design (mandatories) - pirates need some friendly space to move around in. Though don't restrict your map designs because of this requirement, just provide new default alliances if needed.
7 - Name your maps for easy ID.
8 ) ... I'll fill in more requirements later today, I just want to get this idea out for discussion.
The idea is that we will accept submissions for new stock maps (and gfs to accompany them if you feel so inclined). To make a submission simply attach a zip of your maps (and gfs) to a post in this thread.
I do not want to get into shiplist QA at this point which is another whole can of worms, so we will use either the stock or full OP+ shiplist with the submitted maps. (come to think of it we really do need a quality standard reference shiplist too, like a trimmed down OP+, but not as extreme as hardcore, so as to still meet server requirements, like an SGO shiplist without the fancy mods...). If anyone wants to make the effort to produce a reference shiplist too, then I will make the effort to QA it.
I will review all submissions for compliance with the requirements for legal/stable values. Once we have a few good candidates, we'll put it to a community poll and the winner's maps will be used in testing and included in the upcoming serverkit stability release.
It is important to recognise the talent and creativity of our community, and this is a great opportunity to do so and to help kick start the testing and release schedule of the serverkit as well.
I'm hoping for three good maps. I'll post an example map and set of gfs soon.
This will also be a good opportunity to share map making techniques and tricks. (I'll try and explain a few of mine)
So start your copies of Artifex, spreadsheets and text editors of choice and make your mark on the Dynaverse!
Topic: Calling all cartographers! (Read 1621 times)