Mission Design Tips - Revision history

Thebigh: /* Creating Basic Geometry */ - words

2021-05-26T06:56:36Z

Creating Basic Geometry: - words

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:56, 26 May 2021
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	While mapping, write down all ideas you get while working on your map. You might get some cool location or plot elements, which would be a shame if you forgot them.		While mapping, write down all ideas you get while working on your map. You might get some cool location or plot elements, which would be a shame if you forgot them.

	When building the geometry or planning it, try to make it realistic. If people live in the region you create, there should be conveniences people require: sustenance, shelter and convenience. Create the rooms in a purposeful, logical locations. Like in real life, each room serve some kind of purpose. Try to relay the meaning to the player. Doing this makes your locale believable, which is important for immersion.		When building the geometry or planning it, try to make it realistic. If people live in the region you create, there should be conveniences people require: sustenance, shelter and convenience. Create the rooms in a purposeful, logical locations. Like in real life, each room should serve some kind of purpose. Try to relay the meaning to the player. Doing this makes your locale believable, which is important for immersion.

	If you find this difficult, check the net for castle/manor/crypt floorplans. Note ~~that~~ which rooms are where. This will get you on the right track.		If you find this difficult, check the net for castle/manor/crypt floorplans. Note which rooms are where. This will get you on the right track.

	==Difficulty==		==Difficulty==

Petike: /* See also */ update

2019-02-17T09:40:50Z

Petike: adding a See Also section (with relevant link)

2019-02-17T09:37:28Z

adding a See Also section (with relevant link)

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 17 February 2019
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	==Ladders==		==Ladders==
	Since AI cannot use ladders, they are a player breather element: a place to run away. Thus they should be used sparingly. Alternatively, you could use monsterclip brushes to allow the AI to follow the player. Keep in mind the opposite when designing your mission: the player should have at least some kind of escape and hiding place if things go awry.		Since AI cannot use ladders, they are a player breather element: a place to run away. Thus they should be used sparingly. Alternatively, you could use monsterclip brushes to allow the AI to follow the player. Keep in mind the opposite when designing your mission: the player should have at least some kind of escape and hiding place if things go awry.

			== See also ==

			* '''[[Story and Plot Design]]'''
			* '''[http://forums.thedarkmod.com/topic/17859-mapping-methodologies/ Mapping Methodologies]'''
			* '''[[DarkRadiant Video Tutorials]]'''

	[[Category:Editing]]		[[Category:Editing]]

Petike: adding category tag

2018-11-21T13:48:41Z

adding category tag

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:48, 21 November 2018
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	Since AI cannot use ladders, they are a player breather element: a place to run away. Thus they should be used sparingly. Alternatively, you could use monsterclip brushes to allow the AI to follow the player. Keep in mind the opposite when designing your mission: the player should have at least some kind of escape and hiding place if things go awry.		Since AI cannot use ladders, they are a player breather element: a place to run away. Thus they should be used sparingly. Alternatively, you could use monsterclip brushes to allow the AI to follow the player. Keep in mind the opposite when designing your mission: the player should have at least some kind of escape and hiding place if things go awry.

			[[Category:Editing]]
			[[Category:Tutorial]]
	~~{{tutorial-editing}}~~		[[Category:Mapping Tutorials]]

	[[Category:Narrative]]		[[Category:Narrative]]

Petike: added the "Narrative" subcategory, since the article also pays attention to an FM's plot design and immersion design

2018-05-16T13:40:42Z

added the "Narrative" subcategory, since the article also pays attention to an FM's plot design and immersion design

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 16 May 2018
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	{{tutorial-editing}}		{{tutorial-editing}}

			[[Category:Narrative]]

Fidcal: /* The Start Place */

2010-12-19T15:59:07Z

The Start Place

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 19 December 2010
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	Provide some imaginary way that the player has arrived at the start. This might be by starting in mid air near an unclimbable wall so at the start it is as if he just climbed and dropped over from the other side. Another common alternative is a closed, unopenable door or gate behind the player as if the player entered that way.		Provide some imaginary way that the player has arrived at the start. This might be by starting in mid air near an unclimbable wall so at the start it is as if he just climbed and dropped over from the other side. Another common alternative is a closed, unopenable door or gate behind the player as if the player entered that way.

	Some FMs can take a while to load first time, especially big FMs on low-end systems. It is highly recommended that you start the player where he cannot be seen, heard (dropping off a wall, or felt (yes, Dark Mod AI can 'feel' the player if they bump into him/her,) by enemy right at the start. If there is a special case such as the start of Alchemist then warn players in advance.		Some FMs can take a while to load first time, especially big FMs on low-end systems. It is highly recommended that you start the player where he cannot be seen, heard (dropping off a wall, or felt (yes, Dark Mod AI can 'feel' the player if they bump into him/her,) by enemy right at the start. If there is a special case such as the start of Alchemist then warn players in advance. Otherwise the player might not be attentive or even gone for a coffee and come back to find the FM not only started but failed already!


	==Secrets==		==Secrets==

Fidcal: /* Secrets */

2010-12-19T15:55:30Z

Secrets

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:55, 19 December 2010
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	==Gameplay and Design==		==Gameplay and Design==
	Your mission is for a game. Games should be fun, not frustrating. When creating something, ask yourself: "If I was playing this and I didn't know whats coming, would this be fun?" If the result is a 'no', then modify until you get a 'yes.' Ask this question very often. This question is probably the most important advice in this article. Write it down somewhere and look at it when you map. ;-D		Your mission is for a game. Games should be fun, not frustrating. When creating something, ask yourself: "If I was playing this and I didn't know whats coming, would this be fun?" If the result is a 'no', then modify until you get a 'yes.' Ask this question very often. This question is probably the most important advice in this article. Write it down somewhere and look at it when you map. ;-D


			==The Start Place==

			Provide some imaginary way that the player has arrived at the start. This might be by starting in mid air near an unclimbable wall so at the start it is as if he just climbed and dropped over from the other side. Another common alternative is a closed, unopenable door or gate behind the player as if the player entered that way.

			Some FMs can take a while to load first time, especially big FMs on low-end systems. It is highly recommended that you start the player where he cannot be seen, heard (dropping off a wall, or felt (yes, Dark Mod AI can 'feel' the player if they bump into him/her,) by enemy right at the start. If there is a special case such as the start of Alchemist then warn players in advance.


	==Secrets==		==Secrets==

Sotha: /* Puzzles and Hidden Objects */

2010-11-10T13:17:14Z

Puzzles and Hidden Objects

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:17, 10 November 2010
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	==Puzzles and Hidden Objects==		==Puzzles and Hidden Objects==
	Always bet on stupidity. People will misunderstand clues and riddles, so make them seem easier rather than difficult. What seems too easy for the map creator typically is challenging for the player. If it is challenging for the mapper it is most likely impossible for the player. I am not implying players are dumber than the mappers! Mappers know their own creation very well, and it is difficult for them to estimate whether their creation is challenging enough when viewed from the outside. Usually external view is more difficult than the mapper view. Take this into account when creating puzzles, hidden compartments and hidden keys.		Always bet on stupidity. People will misunderstand clues and riddles, so make them seem easier rather than difficult. What seems too easy for the map creator typically is challenging for the player. If it is challenging for the mapper it is most likely impossible for the player. I am not implying players are dumber than the mappers! Mappers know their own creation very well, and it is difficult for them to estimate whether their creation is challenging enough when viewed from the outside. Usually external view is more difficult than the mapper view. Take this into account when creating puzzles, hidden compartments and hidden keys.

			Puzzles and riddles should be solvable using game world help and assets. It is not a good idea to design a puzzle which requires the player to stop playing, quit and search the internet to solve the problem. This only breaks the playing session and frustrates people. If you put a latin text in your mission, you should put a latin dictionary in your mission, rather than expect the player to stop playing an grabbing a dictionary!

	There is a way to make as difficult puzzles as you like. Make the objective optional! Doing so you will reward the clever players who crack your difficult puzzle, but on the other hand the players who are already challenged by your map can enjoy it, without the map getting too rough for them.		There is a way to make as difficult puzzles as you like. Make the objective optional! Doing so you will reward the clever players who crack your difficult puzzle, but on the other hand the players who are already challenged by your map can enjoy it, without the map getting too rough for them.

Sotha: /* Secrets */

2010-09-11T06:14:26Z

Secrets

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:14, 11 September 2010
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	The other type of clue is the readable clue. In it's simplest form, you say in a readable "there is a secret in this and that room," then you can hide the secret without any visual clues. You need to be specific enough in your clue that the area to be searched is roughly the size of one room. "There is a secret in the mansion" clue would be useless. Note also that the player can not then find the secret if he cannot find the readable.		The other type of clue is the readable clue. In it's simplest form, you say in a readable "there is a secret in this and that room," then you can hide the secret without any visual clues. You need to be specific enough in your clue that the area to be searched is roughly the size of one room. "There is a secret in the mansion" clue would be useless. Note also that the player can not then find the secret if he cannot find the readable.

	Whatever clues you give to the player, always bet on stupidity and don't make them too cryptic. If the objective attached to the secret is optional, when there is no limits for your deviousness.		Whatever clues you give to the player, always bet on stupidity and don't make them too cryptic. If the objective attached to the secret is optional, when there is no limits for your deviousness.

			Also, most players do not have eidetic memory, so it would be nice to have the written clues to be moveable so the players can take them with them and re-examine them if they need to do so.

	==Puzzles and Hidden Objects==		==Puzzles and Hidden Objects==

Sotha at 07:07, 25 August 2010

2010-08-25T07:07:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:07, 25 August 2010
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	If you are a novice mapper, going forth to create your very first map, start small, fun and simple. Look at the Thief's Den 1, the Outpost and the Pandora's Box. Small, fun and excellent. Try not to create something really ambitious. Do something like that once you've more experience and confidence in your mapping skills. There are many things to be learned through trial and error.		If you are a novice mapper, going forth to create your very first map, start small, fun and simple. Look at the Thief's Den 1, the Outpost and the Pandora's Box. Small, fun and excellent. Try not to create something really ambitious. Do something like that once you've more experience and confidence in your mapping skills. There are many things to be learned through trial and error.

	It is always a good idea to think in advance how your mission flows. You should have a general idea what you're doing before you start mapping. Have a scetchy floorplan. Find some images for inspiration from the net. It is much easier to create a scene from an image than from your mind. Think about the plot. If you want an elaborate plot, you should think some kind of beginning, a turning point (the point of no return) and the ending. You do not need to think everything before mapping, but when your mapping project has a good foundation it is much more easy to stay on target and not get lost in trivialities. With a good plan, you will save time and your nerves. Remember nothing forces you to stick with the plan if you have an even better idea. But in order to get something done, it is better to stick with the plan and record the brilliant idea somewhere so you can use it in a later mission.		It is always a good idea to think in advance how your mission flows. You should have a general idea what you're doing before you start mapping. Have a scetchy floorplan. Find some images for inspiration from the net. It is much easier to create a scene from an image than from your mind. Think about the plot. If you want an elaborate plot, you should think some kind of beginning, a turning point (the point of no return) and the ending. This about the map difficulty. How to place zones of low, medium and high tension. You do not need to think everything before mapping, but when your mapping project has a good foundation it is much more easy to stay on target and not get lost in trivialities. With a good plan, you will save time and your nerves. Remember nothing forces you to stick with the plan if you have an even better idea. But in order to get something done, it is better to stick with the plan and record the brilliant idea somewhere so you can use it in a later mission.

	==Creating Basic Geometry==		==Creating Basic Geometry==
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	If you find this difficult, check the net for castle/manor/crypt floorplans. Note that which rooms are where. This will get you on the right track.		If you find this difficult, check the net for castle/manor/crypt floorplans. Note that which rooms are where. This will get you on the right track.

			==Difficulty==
			Once the basic level geometry is created and you're starting to add details, you should rethink about the mission difficulty. Basically you need to have your map bright enough so that the AI has possibility of seeing the player. Also you need to have enough AI's to challenge the player. It is boring to have a pitch black mission, where the player can just waltz through everything without the need of considering blackjacking or other use of equipment. On the other hand, you must not make the mission too difficult with many bright lights and too many AI.

			Try to add much variations in your map: there should be low tension zones with darkness (cellars, attics), medium tension zones (corridors with occasional patrols) and high tension zones with constantly present danger (barracks, the vault, the trophy room, the lords study). A constant tension throughout the mission is not a good idea.

			Typically decent difficulty is achieved by thinking about the mission as in "light, but with islands of darkness the player can hide in." Islands of darkness may also mean objects the player can hide behind.

			The difficulty is probably too low, if you can effortlessly walk in shadow all the time and through the mission. If you need to make quick rushes from a dark spot to another while the guard looks the other way, you're probably at correct difficulty. Also remember that the game has equipment. Set the mission difficulty so that the clever use of equipment is rewarded with success. In an excellent mission, the player is given options how to proceed and some equipment should be consumed to make progress.

	==The Plot==		==The Plot==
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	Since AI cannot use ladders, they are a player breather element: a place to run away. Thus they should be used sparingly. Alternatively, you could use monsterclip brushes to allow the AI to follow the player. Keep in mind the opposite when designing your mission: the player should have at least some kind of escape and hiding place if things go awry.		Since AI cannot use ladders, they are a player breather element: a place to run away. Thus they should be used sparingly. Alternatively, you could use monsterclip brushes to allow the AI to follow the player. Keep in mind the opposite when designing your mission: the player should have at least some kind of escape and hiding place if things go awry.

	~~==Difficulty==~~
	Once the basic level geometry is created and you're starting to add details, you should think about the mission difficulty. Basically you need to have your map bright enough so that the AI has possibility of seeing the player. Also you need to have enough AI's to challenge the player. It is boring to have a pitch black mission, where the player can just waltz through everything without the need of considering blackjacking or other use of equipment. On the other hand, you must not make the mission too difficult with many bright lights and too many AI.

	Try to add much variations in your map: there should be low tension zones with darkness (cellars, attics), medium tension zones (corridors with occasional patrols) and high tension zones with constantly present danger (barracks, the vault, the trophy room, the lords study). A constant tension throughout the mission is not a good idea.

	Typically decent difficulty is achieved by thinking about the mission as in "light, but with islands of darkness the player can hide in." Islands of darkness may also mean objects the player can hide behind.

	The difficulty is probably too low, if you can effortlessly walk in shadow all the time and through the mission. If you need to make quick rushes from a dark spot to another while the guard looks the other way, you're probably at correct difficulty. Also remember that the game has equipment. Set the mission difficulty so that the clever use of equipment is rewarded with success. In an excellent mission, the player is given options how to proceed and some equipment should be consumed to make progress.

	{{tutorial-editing}}		{{tutorial-editing}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:40, 17 February 2019
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	* '''[[Story and Plot Design]]'''		* '''[[Story and Plot Design]]'''
	* '''[http://forums.thedarkmod.com/topic/17859-mapping-methodologies/ Mapping Methodologies]'''		* '''[http://forums.thedarkmod.com/topic/17859-mapping-methodologies/ Mapping Methodologies]'''
			* '''[[Fan Mission Design Discussions Archive]]''' (especially "[[Fan_Mission_Design_Discussions_Archive#General_design_debates_and_resources\|General design]]")
	* '''[[DarkRadiant Video Tutorials]]'''		* '''[[DarkRadiant Video Tutorials]]'''