I like this idea too, its almost like a player-supported way of doing feature maps. If it works, it could be expanded so the top 5 or 10 maps are filled this way too. And maybe we can add map of the day too, for more daily variety.
So, what do you guyz think if we publish a map called "Map of the Week" (Category: SC2Mapster).
We start by publishing a popular map like Mafia or Element TD. We all advertise it everywhere. So, the map goes instantly to the first page.
Then, we replace this map every week by another map from SC2Mapster. Since we didn't change the publisher and the map name, it will keep its popularity from the previous week map. The map mode will be the real name of the map (changing the mode name does not affect the popularity).
Every week we change map. This map will never leave the top if we do a good job on balancing each week's map (niche maps between popular ones maybe and if the map is losing popularity too fast, it should be changed). Sixen could be the publisher on US (vjeux on EU?).
This way, everyone on SC2Mapster can have a popular map, and once popular, the owner of the map can publish the map with its official name and get some players. :)
"Map of the Week" is the best ads you can ever had for your map because it reaches all the millions of kids that do not read forums and all the map makers are promoting this same map.
I think it's a good idea. We should include a list of cool maps inside whatever map is the current one, and note those that were "Map of the Week". It would be good for advertising.
SC2Mapster members would vote each week's map.
I'm totally for this, count with me to gather support. We could even spam the first MotW so it gets page 1. I mean, this time it isn't us alone spamming our map, it's all of SC2M spamming it. This collaborative effort could help every of us a lot.
We don't need to start this with a "brand new map".
Using some that is currently dead would be a good idea, anyway. Photon Cycles, Sentry Scramble, etcetera. Those are good and had a spot before, but are now dead. Of course, author should be at SC2M for obvious reasons.
I was going to say Raynor Party, too, but that one doesn't get updates since ages (at least on EU).
Ok well I have a lot to say but I don't want anyone to tl;dr, so I will keep it quick, or at least try to. (Note that the first part in bullets is really the important part. The rest is just ideas on how to get the map popular)
We need to make sure we hide the true motives of this to the real BNET community.
We need them to think this is a map that is run by a bunch of experienced mappers, and that the maps are made by experienced mappers.
For example, in the description, "The authors of Element TD, Mafia, iCJug, Death Haven, (and then any other mappers we can get to support the map) ban together to bring you a brand new experience every week! Play TDs, play Arenas, play Tug of War, play RPGs!"
At the bottom, state the week's map TYPE. I think this will get more people to join, because there is less of a risk factor in joining. If people only want to play a TD, they can see that Map of the Week is a TD, and that it is made by experienced mappers, and must be fun.
I think we should be vague with who is actually making the map. Sort of back door imply that all the mappers listed actually worked on the map, even if that may not be directly true.
Don't list the author's name too quickly. Perhaps not even until the loading screen.
Also, I think we should have a trigger that is always updated with each new map. It could be some custom script that is copied in every map, that lists the name of the map, the author, the type of map, and maybe some other information in an interesting, fancy way using dialogs and what not.
Most importantly, and ad to SC2Mapster I think would do us all some good.
Well I think that is enough ideas for now. The rest is directed primarily at ProzaicMuze.
I think that you do have some valid points, but I don't think it will turn out that way. If we advertise this everywhere for a month or so, and hype it like crazy everywhere, it will get a rep of being a "big thing". If the map gains a reputation of being the work of the best mappers there are, and the best maps there are, an almost veil of protection will fall over the map. Blizzard's featured maps were supposed to do this, but failed when they featured crappy maps. These maps must ALL be amazing and polished, and must have done incredibly well on Map Night before being submitted.
If a strong reputation for the map is developed, then mappers of all types will check into the map. If the map is not of the type they want for that week, they will wait until next week to see. If it is perceived as being made by the best of the best, people might even try it if it isn't what they are looking for.
Another thing, is that NO BETAS should be allowed. The map should be 100% polished and fun, and there should be NO BUGS. It should be a finished, fun, polished game. This should be the reputation that is implanted on the map, and this should be the reputation that we follow.
The rest of the problems I don't think will be a big deal. If Blizzard bans the map, well there is nothing we can do about it. The fear of that should not stop us from trying. Besides, Blizzard likes Sixen. If we can get him to publish the maps for us (on NA obviously) than I don't think we will have to worry about it in the slightest.
I'm not going to read all the dif posts, but I do like the idea. I search through the maps on b.net and end up finding some good ones that no one even knows about. We need to create a way to make good unknown maps become popular, and I think this could be it. I do want to put emphasis on the word good tho =P.
I'll have one out soon enough.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Starcraft2 mapping is an art. It is inspired by the soul and crafted from within and brought out, but not all artists have the skills to create it, which is why I need data/trigger editors. Come find me if you want to be part of something great.
I agree with Taco, we need a template, at least on the MotW map (would be nice in the author's map, too, so we keep advertising everything even after, and to share popularity).
The map should have a history in F12, for example, with a section for each featured map, so people can join MotW, check that list and see that previous awesome map they played.
The MotW map could be named "Map of the Week" or something else like "SC2Mapster selection" or "SC2Mapster All Stars".
MotW category should be the correct one (Tug of War, Tower Defense...) and the current week's name should be at the description, with a "The best mappers/mapmakers/creators of SC2Mapster bring you an awesome map each week. This week, we bring <insert name>, a <insert genre> that <bla bla bla>".
@RodrigoAlves: Go
I like this idea too, its almost like a player-supported way of doing feature maps. If it works, it could be expanded so the top 5 or 10 maps are filled this way too. And maybe we can add map of the day too, for more daily variety.
I think it's a good idea. We should include a list of cool maps inside whatever map is the current one, and note those that were "Map of the Week". It would be good for advertising.
SC2Mapster members would vote each week's map.
I'm totally for this, count with me to gather support. We could even spam the first MotW so it gets page 1. I mean, this time it isn't us alone spamming our map, it's all of SC2M spamming it. This collaborative effort could help every of us a lot.
I'm not sure we will be able to reach the page 1 and stay there for more than one week, but we can try.
First thing we will need is to find a reliable person who will upload the maps. Any volunteer?
@IliIilI: Go
First thing we need is a good new map to start with.
How about Zed by Zolden?
http://www.sc2mapster.com/forums/player-zone/map-feedback/21284-the-z/
Some already popular map such as Mafia or Income Wars would be a good option to start with.
We don't need to start this with a "brand new map".
Using some that is currently dead would be a good idea, anyway. Photon Cycles, Sentry Scramble, etcetera. Those are good and had a spot before, but are now dead. Of course, author should be at SC2M for obvious reasons.
I was going to say Raynor Party, too, but that one doesn't get updates since ages (at least on EU).
I say we start with a TOFU demo. Or maybe Doodad Hunt (People love that one).
Good ideas, indeed :).
Ok well I have a lot to say but I don't want anyone to tl;dr, so I will keep it quick, or at least try to. (Note that the first part in bullets is really the important part. The rest is just ideas on how to get the map popular)
Well I think that is enough ideas for now. The rest is directed primarily at ProzaicMuze. I think that you do have some valid points, but I don't think it will turn out that way. If we advertise this everywhere for a month or so, and hype it like crazy everywhere, it will get a rep of being a "big thing". If the map gains a reputation of being the work of the best mappers there are, and the best maps there are, an almost veil of protection will fall over the map. Blizzard's featured maps were supposed to do this, but failed when they featured crappy maps. These maps must ALL be amazing and polished, and must have done incredibly well on Map Night before being submitted.
If a strong reputation for the map is developed, then mappers of all types will check into the map. If the map is not of the type they want for that week, they will wait until next week to see. If it is perceived as being made by the best of the best, people might even try it if it isn't what they are looking for.
Another thing, is that NO BETAS should be allowed. The map should be 100% polished and fun, and there should be NO BUGS. It should be a finished, fun, polished game. This should be the reputation that is implanted on the map, and this should be the reputation that we follow.
The rest of the problems I don't think will be a big deal. If Blizzard bans the map, well there is nothing we can do about it. The fear of that should not stop us from trying. Besides, Blizzard likes Sixen. If we can get him to publish the maps for us (on NA obviously) than I don't think we will have to worry about it in the slightest.
Great to be back and part of the community again!
Do we have any map on the first page who's publisher is an sc2mapster regular? What else besides Mafia and Sotis?
I'm not going to read all the dif posts, but I do like the idea. I search through the maps on b.net and end up finding some good ones that no one even knows about. We need to create a way to make good unknown maps become popular, and I think this could be it. I do want to put emphasis on the word good tho =P.
I'll have one out soon enough.
I agree with Taco, we need a template, at least on the MotW map (would be nice in the author's map, too, so we keep advertising everything even after, and to share popularity).
The map should have a history in F12, for example, with a section for each featured map, so people can join MotW, check that list and see that previous awesome map they played.
The MotW map could be named "Map of the Week" or something else like "SC2Mapster selection" or "SC2Mapster All Stars".
MotW category should be the correct one (Tug of War, Tower Defense...) and the current week's name should be at the description, with a "The best mappers/mapmakers/creators of SC2Mapster bring you an awesome map each week. This week, we bring <insert name>, a <insert genre> that <bla bla bla>".
Seems like a cool idea imo.
I'm up for it.
Guess I should post this here: http://www.sc2mapster.com/forums/general/general-chat/24201-official-map-of-the-week/ :).