random map gametype

[MORMEGIL]

I was thinking about gametypes and instead came up with this:

A random map mode, independent of gametype, with dynamically generated maps. If you could find a way to make this work, it would take tournaments to a whole new level. If the round was memorable, ie the map was just too sweet, it can be - and is - saved by the server for possible distribution with a filename that gives the date, time, and place at which it was generated or maybe just the name of the tournament in which it was used. If nothing else, it would add to the excitement, enforce team tactics, and empasize the importance of the more seldom-used items and techniques, such as sensors and scouting. One could set up tournaments based on a random map generated on the fly and set on multiple servers. With testing, a generator could be made to generate usable maps every time.

Also, I was thinking of a map type that I've never seen: cavernous underground. If each suit of armor could have a nightvision or thermal optic option, an enormous underground map with island chains, pits, caves in sheer walls, etc etc etc could be played in near-total darkness. Finding things in the dark..... hee hee. Give armor and vehicles headlights. Hee hee!!!

[PB*Tech]

Randomly generated maps?? Might work for deathmatch.

[teratos]

Randomly generated maps might be difficult to do.

I'm not sure about cavernous maps. Our giant cave map was on the chopping block last I heard. It might not make the cut.

[Avisan]

Whoa. Whoa whoa whoa. Possibly no more big indoor map?

[Danderson]

Random map could be possible. I believe the map editor has a function for random terrain (it did in T2/TGE, at least). If it were then made symmetrical, and bases placed symmetrically, it's possible. There might have to be certain presets, however (ie where inventories go in each separate base, etc). But I think its entirely plausible. Note, however, that the chances of a random map being as good as a designed and possibly playtested map are low, and that chances are that the players would prefer the hand-made maps anyway. And if we were to get a quarter of the amount of 3rd party maps T2 did, we'd be set for variety for a while.

[Gideon]

I wonder if it would even be possible...

In theory it could be done, but to get one that is playable is Very unlikely.

Even if you set up the system items (inv's etc), and had prefab bases.
They would likely be floating 10 meters in the air, be half barred in the terrain, or literally inside of each other.
Things like water blocks would also be just floating around randomly.

I guess some sort of code could be developed to keep these things from happening.
But Ski routes would most likely be very week w/o some one making sure that there are at least a couple of good ones.

And the aesthetics are most likely to be just as week.

In short I'd think they would either be pretty boring “cookie cutter” maps, or very... well "Vango-esk".
(Ya know the painter that makes everything look like it’s just peaces cut up, and put together randomly...)

[Himura]

Torque Game Engine does have a random seed for making Legacy terrains at random in the map editor. Torque game engine advanced (at least the version we use) does not. We use Atlas terrain System that in essence is a 3d modeled terrain. It is possible im sure, if a version of Legacy terrain was implemented or a Atlas editing method was created that this could be done, though would be difficult, I would say Calsa or Byte would be the ones with 100% for sure answer to this suggestion. On the other hand. GREAT SUGGESTION =P I like the idea.

[PB*Tech]

Even if you just used terrains that came with Ascension and randomly generated asset coordinates, the odds of getting a half way decent map for playing any game type other than deathmatch are pretty high imo.

[Gideon]

Just to make sure I want to add this to my post above.

This not a bad ideah.
If it worked it would much cool!!
And save months of "man hours" spent building/editing levels.

I just feel it would be very hard to make practical.

[Cytonuclear]

NOOOOO!!! Don't kick the giant cave map! (Aka the map that contains the Ios Dam.) It looks so cool!!!

I can, maybe, see random maps working, but the programming required to make this work anywhere near well enough...

Not worth the effort, and player created maps that seem like something real are more fun anyways.

[Danderson]

My guess is the Ios Dam map won't have a real roof, probably just some lazy sky map.

[fleeky]

you would be guessing wrong

Originally Posted by Danderson

My guess is the Ios Dam map won't have a real roof, probably just some lazy sky map.

[teratos]

Originally Posted by fleeky

you would be guessing wrong

What he said. Also, fleeky is the only person on the entire internet that posts above the quote.

[Cytonuclear]

Oh.... ok... (/me files that away in his database of arcane knowledge designed to facilitate the manipulation of random RenWerx staff members and achieve the first kill on Teratos, thereby humiliating Teratos for all eternity and assuring Cyto's Place in the Ascension Hall Of Fame.)


No one saw that. No one.

[Gideon]

Hmm...
Well if all the cool kids are doing it.........

Originally Posted by teratos

What he said. Also, fleeky is the only person on the entire internet that posts above the quote.