Announcements

• Main Page Additions

  Posted by Mozared Jan 01, 2032 at 00:00 UTC

  1. 18 comments

• Arcade 1.5 Alpha / Beta

  Posted by zeldarules28 May 13, 2012 at 20:27 UTC

  Small Note: A Forum RPG is being started here on mapster, with TheAlmaity as one of the GMs, in case anyone is interested in participating.

  Arcade 1.5 Alpha / Beta

  As I'm sure most of you are already aware, the Arcade 1.5 Alpha began a few weeks ago, and the Beta has just begun, Relatively soon, we'll be hearing the official news from Blizzard, and as far as I'm aware, this will become "open beta" and just act as a glorified Public Test Region. Below you can find the custom maps/arcade-related patch notes as well as the native Galaxy API Changes.

  We also have a nice quick video created by OneTwo of the new Battle.net interface.

  Update List

  Below is the current list of changes and improvements made in the 1.5 arcade preview. The article is organized into a few different categories, so you can get to the information you care about quickly. Keep in mind that all of this is still being worked on, and nothing is final. Additionally, this is not a complete list, as features are still being discovered.

  Super Quick Summary

  • Sc2 has been split into "melee" and "arcade", and maps must be in either the melee maps or custom maps list, NOT both
  • Major improvements made to custom games system- games now have reviews, patch logs, tutorial support, ratings, and much more (read the full list below for details)
  • Major improvements made to the editor, including a re-worked UI for the data editor, a cinematic editor, an AI editor, a 3DS max plugin, a far improved trigger debugger, a new physics engine, and more.

  Global Changes

  • Sc2 Battlenet menus improved
  • Instead of "single player and multiplayer" we have "starcraft 2 and arcade"
  • Custom maps must be either "starcraft" or "arcade". They cannot be both. This means that melee-oriented games (like 1v1 Obs, or straight-up melee maps) will be separate from non-melee custom games

  The Arcade

  • Players can search for games based on genre, overall popularity, star rating, newness, and recent spikes in popularity.
  • Players create an icon for their games, which will be what players see in the arcade list (sort of like the apple app store)
  • Clicking on a game icon brings players into the Game Info page, a section devoted entirely to showing off what a game is all about, providing play instructions, and revealing other important information about the game.
  • All the content in Game Info is under control of the game creator, except for reviews of course.
  • Joining public matches and creating private games is done from the Game Info page. This will be the portal players return to again and again to play the game.
  • The game info page will contain the following sections, all of which you will set up
    • Overview: This will contain the game description, as well as screenshots that show off the action.
    • How to Play: This is where players will find the Basic Instructions, How to Win, and Advanced Instructions sections. You can also include images.
    • Patch Notes: You’re able to update patch notes as often as you like, so players can see how the game is growing and improving.
    • Reviews: After playing, players can give your game a star rating and enter a text review. Once enough ratings are provided, your game gets an average score to let players get a general idea of quality.
    • Star Rating. Players can also mark each other’s reviews as “Helpful” which will ensure that the best reviews rise to the top.
  • Tutorials are supported! Players can attach a separate map file that will be a tutorial for players. This will allow you to set up a tutorial mission specifically for new players.
  • Games have their own chat-channels automatically, allowing your players to jump into a chat easily

  The Sc2 Platform

  • Sc2 is now a streaming game
  • This means it will only be necessary to download a fraction of game data to get into the action

  The Editor

  • Added UI XML Editor for adding and modifying SC2Layout files
  • Editor updated to use Visual Styles in Editor
  • Added high resolution minimap support
  • Font Style editing added to Text Editor
  • Added Data Editor horizontal auto-layout to better utilize available screen space
  • User-defined data system, accessed through the new User type in the Data module as well as the corresponding functions in the trigger library.
  • Cinematic Editor
    • New editor module with powerful tools for creating in-game cinematic sequences (not many changes from what we saw of it during blizzcon)
  • AI Editor
    • New editor module for user friendly management of AI wave timing and composition
    • Much easier to set up AI, instead of just using clunky trigger commands
  • Error Debugger
    • Trigger Debug Window support for breakpoints, stepping through functions, and variable inspection
    • Galaxy script code memory limit increased; 4x -10x more memory can be utilized depending on how scripts are being used
    • Added support for passing structure, array, and function references as function parameters
    • Improved Galaxy error message output
  • Actors
    • Camera Actor added for controlling camera through actor events
    • Scene Actor added for controlling global actor settings (Halo settings, Power visual hiding)
    • Light Actor added for creating lights in the world
    • Terrain Actor added for physics impact FX support
    • Creep Actor added for higher performance creep effects including creep engulfment
    • Ragdoll deaths and support for combat driven physics impulses
    • Added support for water ripples and physics collision based water splashes
    • Terrain squib support for tileset specific dust or snow clouds FX
    • Line and Arc targeting cursor support
    • Added ActorInfoDisplay cheat for live actor debugging

  Game Engine Improvements

  • Game Engine
    • Max unit selection size increased from 255 to 500
    • New trigger event for Behavior apply/remove
    • New Stunned flag for Behaviors that allows queuing commands
  • Graphics Engine
    • Added support to define lighting regions in the game world
    • Lighting can now be set per player
    • Added unit specific Halo support for pre-targeting
    • Anti-aliasing support
  • UI Improvements
    • Custom unit status bar support added
    • Added new in-game pathing display that shows the path a unit will take on the minimap
    • Added self-cast hotkey support
    • Added Font Glow support
    • Added powerful control over frames, portraits, status bars, text, trigger dialogs and more. Full details, tips, and tutorials are being created to help creators take full advantage of these tools.
  • StarTools
    • Blizzard is releasing their company art tools to the community
    • StarTools is a set of plugins for Discreet®'s 3ds max®, these tools allow advanced users to create, modify, and quickly preview models and animations, including particle and ribbon effects, that can be used in StarCraft II custom maps.
    • This means you can quickly and easily get models created and added to sc2

  Updating your map for 1.5

  • You do not need to do this for your maps yet, since this is only a closed beta
  • All game types
    • Set up your Type and Genre
      • Games published prior to Patch 1.5 will still be available on the service when the patch goes live. All user created games will default to appearing in Arcade, under the “Other” genre.
      • Creators will need to re-save their game in the 1.5.0 client version and select the Type and Genre where they want to their game to appear.
    • Arcade game types
      • Add a Game Icon Image
      • The icon image is the first thing players see. It’s a great opportunity to make a first impression on potential players - check out existing app-stores for inspiration.
      • Game Icon Images are added through the StarCraft II Editor.
    • Add Game Info
      • Game Info is where players learn about your game and see what cool experiences it has to offer. At a minimum, you’ll want to provide a complete Description, easy to understand How to Play Instructions, and some screenshots that make your game look awesome.
      • Going a step further and creating customized images (e.g. a diagram of game controls, or a simple guide map of the play area) for Game Info will really help you stand out. The old saying about “show not tell” should be your motto here!
      • Game Info is added through the StarCraft II Editor
    • Set up a default mode
    • From the Game Info page, there’s a big “PLAY” button that most players will use to get into your game. This creates or joins a public lobby, of the default mode you define for your game.
    • Alternatively, some games have players set up gameplay parameters after they load into the match. This is fine, but it’s recommended to make the setup process as streamlined and user friendly as possible so new players aren’t scared off right when they start the game.
    • This means you likely want to set the default to what you consider your “core” game experience.
    • Build a Tutorial
      • Tutorials can also be built and used as a practice mode for players to experiment in a sandbox type environment.
      • To use the Tutorial feature, first publish the tutorial map to Battle.net. Then you can configure your main game to point to the tutorial.

  1. 16 comments

• Hand of Humanity

  Posted by Sixen May 11, 2012 at 08:05 UTC

  FYI, the Tower Defense Tycoon Millionaire Contest already has a winner, Andrenden.

  Hand of Humanity (Campaign) by Terhonator

  It is year 2511 and all races are fighting for remaining resources of Koprulu Sector. Minestar Corporation owns almost 70% of remaining resources. Hand of Humanity is a military organization who wants to stop Minestar Corporation from selling resources outside Koprulu Sector and overspending natural resources This campaign is a casual single player gameplay consisting of 10 missions and contains a few new units and balance changes.

  This mod is a portion of the Custom Campaign Initiative, a project dedicated to gathering single player campaigns under one roof.

  1. 0 comments

• Tower Defense Tycoon

  Posted by Sixen May 08, 2012 at 07:50 UTC

  There's a new update regarding Heart of the Swarm from Blizzard here. Here's some of the cool new changes that we can expect for HotS:

  • Multiplayer resume from replay
  • Global Play
  • Multilanguage support
  • Clan/group system
  • Unranked matchmaking
  • Multiplayer replay viewing

  In addition, the Patch 1.5 Beta should be beginning Soon(TM).

  Tower Defense Tycoon by SkrowFunk

  Tower Defense Tycoon is an FFA survival tower defense for 1 to 6 players. In the game, you operate and manage a tower defense theme park, where you need to construct towers, build up your park, attract spectators, and raise admission rates. Each night you must entertain your visitors with explosive tower defense shows and score bloody kills to impress the audience and attract new visitors.

  Tower Defense Tycoon is a completely solo project, and it has been his only focus in the Starcraft map editor since the beta began, which means this game is 2 years in the making!

  TDT Millionaire Contest

  Quote:

  Are you an elite tower defense master? Do you have what it takes to become the wealthiest tycoon? Then try your hand at the Tower Defense Tycoon: Millionaire Contest!

  It’s simple: Be the first person to complete Tower Defense Tycoon with a final score of over $1,000,000!

  To cash in on this contest, you must save a replay of your successful attempt. Send the replay to me, you can PM me here at sc2mapster.com, or you can e-mail me at skrowmaps@gmail.com. If you’re the first person who can accomplish this, you’ll win the top prize! The second and third people to do this will also get a little something, so don’t despair.

  • 1st Prize: $100 (U.S. currency), and a 1-year curse premium membership
  • 2nd Prize: 6-month curse premium membership
  • 3rd Prize: 3-month curse premium membership

  Each prize will be sent to only ONE person. The money can be sent to the winner via pay pal, or I can issue it through something else like an e-mailed Amazon gift certificate. Winner’s choice.

  1. 17 comments

• Genetic Lab Wars

  Posted by Sixen May 05, 2012 at 08:22 UTC

  Genetic Lab Wars by irok2002

  A 3v3 tug style map with 3 lanes; top, middle and bottom. Two bases are on either end and units are sent along each lane. You choose which lane to attack in co-ordination with your team. Combines the macro of a tug map with a small amount of micro from the defensive units. The game features 22 Zerg "tug" units and 10 Terran units.

  1. 6 comments

• Sc2 Balance Changes

  Posted by zeldarules28 May 03, 2012 at 03:01 UTC

  Melee Balance Changes by Blizzard

  For those of you who are interested in starcraft 2 melee play, Blizzard has announced a few small balance changes. You can read the full article here if you're interested. For those who don't feel like reading, here's the summary:

  • Overall, all race matchups are well balanced. Therefore, future balance changes will be small tweaks.
  • At the pro level, zerg struggle with early scouting
    • Overlord movement speed increased to 0.586, up from 0.4687.
    • Upgraded overlord movement speed unchanged.
    • Blizzard feels that this is the right way to encourage zerg players to scout early, without giving them something that allows them to see everything most of the time.
    • Blizzard will keep a close eye on this change just in case
  • At the pro level, zerg are too susceptible to all-in rushes
    • Queen starting energy increased to 50, up from 25
    • Update: Blizzard has restored Queen starting energy to 25, but increased their anti-air range weapon range to 5 (up from 3)
    • Now, each queen will have either one more chain of creep tumors, or slightly faster transfusions.
    • Blizzard will see whether zerg end up with too many creep tumors early on, or the general upgrade in defensive capabilities makes it too difficult for other races to attempt any early pressure.
  • Protoss at the pro-level are doing well, but not at the very top of the pro-level.
    • Observer build time decreased to 30, down from 40
    • This allows protoss players to get out an immortal faster (if they need an observer first)
    • This keeps the Robotics Facility from being tied up in the later game
  • Blizzard is closely watching TvP to see if the offensive capabilities of terran in the early/mid game becomes too much, or if late game strength of protoss becomes too much.
    • Blizzard is not making a change to affect this now, but it’s very near the top of their list of things to keep an eye on.

  All of these changes have been implement into a custom map called "Antiga Shipyard (1.4.3 Balance v2.0)". If you're interested in the changes, make sure to check it out!

  1. 10 comments

• Zerg Rush!

  Posted by zeldarules28 Apr 29, 2012 at 21:24 UTC

  Update: Newbie Wednesday will start later today. If you have any questions for the show, ask them here!

  Zerg Rush by Google

  Google has a surprise for you. You might be innocently googling around, maybe searching for minerals, when you make the mistake of typing zerg rush into your search bar.

  For a moment all is still, but then suddenly they appear. Ravenous google-lings zerging the screen from all directions, relentlessly nibbling at your search results. If you’ve got a quick clicking finger you might hold off the assault for a time but, ultimately, the zerg are relentless and implacable. Your screen is barren, the text all but devoured by the swarm, and the GG appears on your screen.

  For those too lazy to check it out themselves, Husky Starcraft created a video about it.

  1. 3 comments

• Curse Author Reward Premium Improvements!

  Posted by wishfire Apr 26, 2012 at 20:45 UTC

  Curse is happy to announce that our complimentary author reward Premium program is once again properly giving free Premium!  With this change also comes a few new parameters.

  As of today, if you are a contributor of any sort to a currently active project with 1000 downloads or more, you will receive a free monthly subscription!  This service is now extended to all authors, as even more games are eligible!  Currently, all games supported on the various CurseForge sites are eligible, provided  you meet the requirements.  As such, the following sites are currently included:

  • CurseForge
  • WowAce
  • SkyrimForge
  • Sc2mapster
  • Bukkit Dev

  If you believe you should be receiving your complimentary Premium but have yet to, please wait 24 hours to make sure that the email and complimentary subscription have had time to be granted.  Also please remember that you will need to log out and back in to both the Client and Curse.com to receive your benefits.  If after a 24 hour period you are not receiving your complimentary subscription, please either make a report or ticket on CurseForge, or leave a forum post.

  We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience the lack of Premium may have caused our authors!  Thank you for your patience!

  1. 23 comments

• Upcoming site maintenance at 2pm CST / 19:00 UTC (completed)

  Posted by prencher Apr 26, 2012 at 17:03 UTC

  We will be performing site maintenance today at 2pm CST / 19:00 UTC. We expect the maintenance to last no more than 30 minutes.

  UPDATE 2:15pm CST / 19:15 UTC: The maintenance has been completed.

  1. 1 comment

• TotalCraft

  Posted by Sixen Apr 26, 2012 at 08:55 UTC

  TotalCraft by TwoDie

  As we see here, another relatively interesting idea. We have TwoDie turning SC2, an RTS, into a Turn Based game, similar to TotalWar. From what I understand, the game is still a concept/in-development. The video below shows off some single player mechanics, as well as how things function with multiple players.

  1. 0 comments
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