Thoughts on resources for modders

[liteluvr 0]

As a new map maker, but an old hand at 3d modeling, I noticed there appears to be a noticeable lack of 'freestuff' resources for map makers. Don't get me wrong... the assistance and forum posts, etc. are valuable beyond measure, but *one* of the things I've noticed that separates a good map from a mediocre map is the details.

There are tons of resources out there for 3d models, but they primarily lean to the higher mesh side, and are not conducive to gaming.

In the latest map I've been working on, I've spent quite a lot of time modeling details like crates, desks, bunks, chairs, tables, etc. to add to realism.

What does everyone think about providing a means to share some of these 'extras' with other map makers?

Maybe gr.net could host it if the interest were there.

The concept is already at work in the mission area, ie some of the vehicles that are available.

There's probably some details to work through, such as mat librarys, etc., but I think those would be trivial.

Thoughts? Ideas?

Am I totally nuts?

[deleyt 0]

I believe this idea has been raised a few times before but mostly by people that didn't know how to model at all but still wanted to make a map ( )

If you want to devote the time into making a "lego-set" for other people, then who's there to stop you? If you don't have a problem with it, noone else can really.

I can see a "problem" though.

A library can easily lead to "copycat"-maps, destroying the most exciting part of a new map: it's uniqueness.

After the first few maps, you quickly get the feeling: "seen that, been there".

You'll probably also see a lot of very shallow maps with nothing but a terrain and your "lego-set".

Let's be honest, if you can't model a chair or a table, making a map shouldn't be on your mind afterall.

But like I said before, it's your stuff so you it's your decision.

[Lancer 1]

but mostly by people that didn't know how to model at all but still wanted to make a map ( )

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That'll be me then

[deleyt 0]

but mostly by people that didn't know how to model at all but still wanted to make a map ( )

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That'll be me then

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You've got other "qualities" matey

[GRT 0]

Let's be honest, if you can't model a chair or a table, making a map shouldn't be on your mind afterall.

Im with D on that. I like to make my own stuff anyway..its more exciting to see when it all comes together.

[XE_Joker 0]

i have no map making skills at all. so even if this was made, i couldn't use it. i still can't even set a playable ground in 3dsmax. if gr would have spent the time to make a map building program like most games do, it would live forever. but with only highly talented 3d modelers as the ones who make the maps, it is part of what is killing the community. even a world builder program like ravenshield's is alright. they should come out with a program that uses default textures and objects from the game and you should be able to add new model mods to it for new objects, buildings, textures, etc. just a crazy dream from a die hard gr gamer.

[sniper82 0]

i have no map making skills at all. so even if this was made, i couldn't use it. i still can't even set a playable ground in 3dsmax. if gr would have spent the time to make a map building program like most games do, it would live forever. but with only highly talented 3d modelers as the ones who make the maps, it is part of what is killing the community. even a world builder program like ravenshield's is alright. they should come out with a program that uses default textures and objects from the game and you should be able to add new model mods to it for new objects, buildings, textures, etc. just a crazy dream from a die hard gr gamer.

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Exactly my thoughts

[Chems 0]

I dunno, a map resource for map modders would be cool, Ive busted my ass of making things for SST, they wouldnt be useful really for many other maps, but stuff like barrels and beds would be ok and toilets and sinks. Must finish that map...only got a texture to do.

[liteluvr 0]

Chems, that's my thought. I agree with a lot of what's been said, but as a modeler of some skill, there's not a lot of gratification in making barrels and sandbags and crates. But if a resource were available for these more mundane elements, it would speed up the map making process IMHO.

And if someone modeled something really cool like a building, or some such, and wanted to share, so be it. I for one would appreciate being able to drop some of these elements in without having to remember to set the floor parameters, etc.

[sleeper 0]

This is how I feel about it. Make a map. Need some barrels or other b.s. elements? Ask around, someone will be more than happy to throw some your way. End of story.

[k1ller 0]

My two maps, MYTOAN Sniper and Guarded Forest are available as MAX5 files for anyone intersted. Guarded Forest MAX5 scene is here, and MYTOAN Sniper MAX5 scene is here.

Textures are in map packages.

MYTOAN MAX5 package has been downloaded about 500 times from @war and Guarded Forest about 150 times. Other sources probably double that amount. Still I haven't heard of anyone releasing any updates or modifications to those maps. Someone (mac-user apparently ) fixed MYTOAN's multiplayer game though, which was very nice.

Even though there are thousands of downloads, no one has yet released any geometry patches to either of those maps. When MYTOAN was released there were lots of requests in the forums that someone (not me) would expand MYTOAN scenery to a larger town. After few months someone tried but failed miserably even though adding new components to MYTOAN should be quite trivial task. Since then I haven't heard of anyone asking about MYTOAN modding. I think this pretty much proves the point that so called "GR community" doesn't work the way most people here seem to think about. I don't know if any other "communities" work any better though...

If, anyhow, you want to prove my point wrong, go ahead, try but don't fail ;-).

[deleyt 0]

no one has yet released any geometry patches to either of those maps. When MYTOAN was released there were lots of requests in the forums that someone (not me) would expand MYTOAN scenery to a larger town. After few months someone tried but failed miserably......

.....I think this pretty much proves the point that so called "GR community" doesn't work the way most people here seem to think about. I don't know if any other "communities" work any better though...

If, anyhow, you want to prove my point wrong, go ahead, try but don't fail ;-).

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Proving my point exactly.

Probably some guys tried taking it up, adding more content to your map, but failed ofcourse and gave up on it due to the lack of experience one needs, to make it work.

That experience can only be achieved by starting from the bottom, not by taking shortcuts.

And the ones that do have the experience usually don't like taking someone elses map and add some small things to them.

They rather like making a map of their own, with their own ideas. It's much more gratifying.

Whether you start your own map, or add content to an existing one, knowledge of how you tag floors, collisions, rooms, transistions, etc. is a must.

If you don't want to do the time, don't do the ...ehm...mod.