A.Bullet - 5-2-2004 at 05:54 AM
DFBarracks begins an innovative new additon to the map database beginning today. We have always made every attempt to balance our users ability to
contribute maps, with the ability of map downloaders to find the maps they like in a timely manner.
One thing about the map database that several members have made comments about is the infrequency of updates to the featured maps page, in an attempt
to be able to provide more frequent updates - we have sought a method to include you the end user into the MOTM decision making process in a number of
new and in my opinion, very exciting ways.
In an effort designed to promote the making of high quality maps by the Delta Force map making comunity we are instituting a pre-requisite for entry
of any map into the MOTM competiton. What we have implemented is a system of user review before a map is allowed entry into the MOTM competion.
We have created a new forum for Technical Reviews of maps - what this means is that as a map maker you may submit your map as a thread in the Map
reviews forum for whichever game the map is for, and at that point, other users are then invited to find fault with your map, users are invited to:
- Locate any items which flash because of overlapping or misalignment.
- Locate any floating items where it is obvious they are not floating intentionally.
- Locate any Walls, Fences or other multiple object custom items which are un-intentionally misaligned.
- Locate any areas of the map where there are glitches not noted above.
- Note any map which uses less than 200 items in the entire map.
It is essential to note that based on design of the map, and the amount of custom work within a given map combined with the overall quality of the map
that a DFB review may specify certain small problems as not worthy of revocation of that maps status as having passed technical review.
This is to keep an otherwise stunning map from being revoked entry into MOTM simply because of a very limited problem such as one very small
unavoidable section of flashing, or mismatched edges which on the whole do not significantly detract from the maps construction.
When reporting any of the aforementioned problems the report is to be accompanied by a description of the problem and grid coordinates from the in
game map which specify where the problem is located within the map.
Maps that can withstand public examination for 2 weeks from the time of the threads posting without any problems being found will then be marked as
having passed 'Technical Review', once this happens these maps will then be allowed to be nominated as a map for the MOTM contest. Users will also be
able to locate these maps in the map databse by looking for the 'techreview' icon in the maplisting.
We think this friendly competion should help raise the bar for mapmakers in the Delta Force map making comunity and help us all to improve our map
making skills.
So what this means is - you have two challenges, first you aboslutely need to focus on making a quality map, because a hurried or unchecked placement
of an obect could cost you your entry into the MOTM contest and second you need to take the time to review your opponents submissions and provide a
peer review - so you will in effect be helping your opponent find all the problems in thier map so they can improove thier skills, however at the same
time you will have eliminated them from competing with your map. However keep in mind reviewing maps is not restricted just to entrants of the MOTM
competition, anyone may provide a technical review provided they follow the rules for submitting a review as posted in the Tech Reviews forum.
Existing entrants to the MOTM contest will be added by staff to the Tech Review forum for user tech review so, what are you waiting for, get out there
and review some of these maps today.
wiseco - 7-14-2004 at 12:22 PM
ummm how do u subit your map 2 the map techreview
it always says i do not have
permission
SAS private LoL - 6-8-2006 at 07:34 AM
Is this only for map raters?
'cos I'd like to review maps, since I don't have anything else to do and a lot of maps, which I find in database or random map section, don't have a
DFB rating and some are here for months. Also it would be a good idea to hire some more map raters, you guys can't keep track with new maps, if you're
busy with the forums and the site...
re:maps
mrgagger - 8-12-2006 at 12:33 AM
hey a.bullet. just wondering if youd mind making a post asking mappers to try n put env. files in the maps they make. myself and others are having
issues with our geforce cards. (thought id ask you as im not sure how. thanks a lot...newf-bong-.
chrislew200 - 8-12-2006 at 02:29 AM
Hi there i will make a post in the joe map making forums for you. This isnt caused by people using custom enviroment files its caused by them leaving
it at the default env file.
This can be sorted by them just simply selecting a env file from within nile or the DFX med.
I will make a post either later today concerning this or tommorow morning when my brain decidds to return to normal.
Chrislew200
Cool AB
Iceman - 8-12-2006 at 08:41 AM
I like this idea it will make for good' clean, friendly competition between map makers.
at the same time allow constructive criticism.. which I am totally behind..
Iceman
SAS private LoL - 1-15-2007 at 03:59 PM
Would be a good thing to re-run this....got time, since there are no new maps featured and you can review others, while waiting for the Map DB issue
to be solved...