A well thought out post, but your stance on using all your own assets is pointless, the only real reason to use this editor is so you dont HAVE to gather your own assets :P that being said a few custom models and Textures never hurt haha.
as far as skill that will be needed :DD, I have none of those well atleast I didnt when I began :D.
if you have all of that its better to just move to unity (as a good portion of the community has.).
Apart from that though great post :D.
my maps will always be Free. and Available to the public at the earliest possible date.
If you need a tester feel free to ask IShadowWolf.258
You can also catch me on the IRC most times.
Tehwildcard AuthorMost of you won't know me, I recently started getting back into modding for sc2. Some of the newer maps are really cool, a lot of them aren't. My hope from this post is to rejuvenate our community, share ideas and of course create some sick ass games.
Isn't it time we as a community evolved away from the standard "Blizzard assets" and start using our own? Create something original. Be creative! Make a game that you would want to play. Hell if one person loves your game isn't that the point? Isn't that why you started modding in the first place? Anyone can create a game if they have a passion for learning or anyone who gets excited when creating work of their own. If you're reading this, then most likely you're exactly that type of person. The SCII Editor is a powerful tool. Let's start using it to it's full potential.
Note: This is not a guide to make your map unique or creative. Just some helpful tips to get you back in the right direction.
Skills you or your team need
In their own right, all of these are necessary and vital to your creation. So lets go over them breifly
Game Design
A Game Designers main objective is to create game mechanics. Most game designers have a very analytical mind, these are the guys that play games to learn/understand how it works. Watch/Learn how different people play your game. In most cases the game designer also fills the role of programming.
Coding experience
Pretty obvious - LEARN TO CODE! Can't figure something out? Search for resources around the net. http://www.Sc2mapster.com http://www.hiveworkshop.com
Level Design
Design your levels to fit your game design. This is where you have endless possibilities to make your map "Pop" and usually what makes the difference between a good and great map.
Note: Don't try to create you're whole layout at once. Create a small map and expand.
Art
If you're going to be working as a team make sure you find an Artist/Modeler who will stick with the project until the end. Or just do it yourself.
So where do you start?
Choose a project with potential
Make a list of games you want to make, games you want to play, games you've had experience in making.
Usually the best choice is a project that falls under all three categories.
Brainstorm
Go back to the basics you learned in elementary school-
Brainstorm ideas (Write them down) Outline your story (if story based game) Draw out story boards Think of possible problems that may arrise with the map you're making What type of game are you making? (Has it been done before) If so- What makes your version unique? Will it be better? Are you sure??
Organize your work
Instead of having 500 files all over your desktop... ORGANIZE your folders. It will make your life/work much easier. This is probably one of my weakest skills and can be hard to learn.. just do it.
Make sure the core game is fun
Use core mechanics that are fun for the user, even the most basic mechanics should be fun or your game is already set up to fail. This will make it easier for you further on in development if you have to cut parts out of your game, you have your core to fall back on.
Make use of cameras/cutscenes
Finishing your game
Read this http://makegames.tumblr.com/post/1136623767/finishing-a-game
Everyone wants to make the "greatest game" ever created. But the fact is, you won't. "You have to walk before you run"
Although mostly overlooked when you start designing a game make sure you have the time needed to complete your project!
If you're feeling like you're getting ahead of yourself early on then you probably are; take a breath and go back to your basics.