A Custom TG Map

**-Str!ker-** · 08-28-2009 10:40 AM

Mapping for 2142 is tricky, there is no actual editor for it. I have to take the BF2 editor with BF2 installed and port the assets from 2142 in a way so the editor thinks 2142 is a mod of BF2. Both games use the same engine, but as far as DICE's tools go, they are considered two different games. Any one interested in level editing for 2142 should check out these forums.

http://bfeditor.org/forums/

Learning to create 2142 maps is pretty much just learning how to make BF2 maps, so make sure to check out the BF2 section, the 2142 section is mainly for people trying to get 2142 to work. I'll be honest, DICES's editor is a pain in the butt so you have to have patience. You are exactly right INSANE, the BF engine uses pre-made models called static meshes to display most of the worlds geometry besides the terrain. In order to make new stuff you need to have pretty good skills in a 3rd party modeling program and photoshop type programs for textures. Luckily I have a friend who is going to school for architecture and knows how to design things in architecture/modeling programs, but he is usually pretty busy won't be able to help me till winter break. Unfortunately I also lack the time to learn these programs, usually the editors are enough work by themselves with advanced tweaking and refinement.

A map creation team sounds like a great idea, I would love to be apart of that.

EDIT-You guys beat me to it, I'm at work so I still have to look productive.

**INSUNABULA** · 08-28-2009 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by Zoraster

Check out: http://www.tournamentgamingworld.com...hread.php?t=72

Thanks Zor, from what I can tell it seems that the options available are not as restrictive as I thought.

-Str!ker- I'm fluent in Maya (3D creation software package) and Photoshop too so if someone here is willing to learn the "mechanics" of the level creation side I can assist with the creation of brand-new objects that can be implemented.

I'm useless with coding and I tend to stick to the aesthetics instead - we will need someone with a good head for level creation mechanics to get this team off the ground. If anyone wants to be a part of this then shoot me a PM and we can start making a list of names - anyone interested in play-testing the map can come later but right now learning the limits of the map creation software is a must.

Secondly, this isn't something that can be done in a few weeks, the time frame will more likely be months per map. I'm saying this because I want anyone who is interested to know the level of commitment needed to see even one map through.

Progress can be as quick or slow as we like as long as we don't lose all momentum.

**Icehawk217** · 08-28-2009 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by di1lweed1212

where do you get the program, or tools to make a map

So i did a quick google and found that you use the BF2 editor but make changes so that it works with BF2142.

Which led me to: http://bfeditor.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8419&hl=

you download the .exe, and there are updated batch files at the top.

Im downloading now, so we'll see if it works

EDIT: Beaten to it. 3 posts in the same minute FTL

**-Str!ker-** · 08-28-2009 03:29 PM

If it's beneficial to making a good map, I can try to find a modeling program to make my own assets. Might take more time but could be worth the effort if i can make something professional. Also forgot, got bored last night and almost finished a small map with 16 tanks on each side. Should be done by the end of the weekend.

**Lorax74** · 08-28-2009 03:53 PM

Any custom maps would need to be loaded up to a server other than our ranked servers. We can not upload anything to the ranked servers.

**Argetnar** · 08-28-2009 03:54 PM

Im thinking a large map but it has lots of buildings close in to make the ultimate infantry map!

**-Str!ker-** · 08-31-2009 09:56 AM

One thing you guys should think about is making sure every design has some sort of visual hook or feature that really makes it stand out from other maps. Port Bavaria is an excellent example. Having everyone pod up the cliff from APCs is just awesome and really sets a feeling/tone for the level.

**EmperorMustard** · 08-31-2009 10:13 AM

How about an Istanbul map?

Think about it, it's the near perfect city for this game. BF2142 has two sides, PAC (asian) and EU, much like Istanbul, which also has two sides to the city, separated by the Bosphorus. the side west of the Bosphorus is very much westernised, whereas the east side is more traditional with Ottoman stylings etc. So you would have a map essentially split in half by a (potentially frozen over) sea and a bridge. Obviously the city other than that would be up to artistic interpretation to make it more than just a bridge deadlock, but there is plenty of styles and iconic buildings to make a decent map of of a beautiful city. You could add for example an underground railway (without the trains of course), kind of like the Eurostar route under the English channel, as another route between the two halves of the city.

Obviously it would be downscaled alot, you don't want the bridge too long, but it's a good city to base a map on in my opinion. It is essentially where, in real life, east does infact meet west.

**INSUNABULA** · 08-31-2009 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by -Str!ker-

One thing you guys should think about is making sure every design has some sort of visual hook or feature that really makes it stand out from other maps. Port Bavaria is an excellent example. Having everyone pod up the cliff from APCs is just awesome and really sets a feeling/tone for the level.

I'm writing up a check list of "properties" that a custom map needs to follow, that will take time as we explore the other custom maps that are currently out there and examine them for strengths and weaknesses. That being said the primary concern is the playability of the map and for that to be addressed properly each map will be created based on what niche it's trying to fill.

Example: it's no point saying a map is terrible for armor when it was in fact built for infantry engagements...etc....

**Zoraster** · 08-31-2009 10:36 AM

I think something you really need to think about is "how do I get these maps played?" If it's a tiny map, then it's probably fine. we can run a custom map night and include it. But the most these have gotten is around 30 people, so any large map is going to be way under covered.

You can make a great custom map, but it needs to be played and tested which is not an easy thing to accomplish.

**INSUNABULA** · 08-31-2009 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Zoraster

I think something you really need to think about is "how do I get these maps played?" If it's a tiny map, then it's probably fine. we can run a custom map night and include it. But the most these have gotten is around 30 people, so any large map is going to be way under covered.

You can make a great custom map, but it needs to be played and tested which is not an easy thing to accomplish.

Absolutely. One of the keys to the success of this project is if the community pulls together and really endorses what we're trying to accomplish here.

With good communication and constructive feedback we are hoping to eventually include the whole TG community in this process - with more voices comes the need for more organization but with the right tools at our disposal we can make this work.

**-Str!ker-** · 08-31-2009 11:04 AM

One thing I've found hard as a mapper for various games over the years is getting good testing and feedback; we should be able to accomplish great things with a community we can trust for great advice and ideas.

**di1lweed1212** · 08-31-2009 11:46 AM

very much agreed

**-Str!ker-** · 09-02-2009 09:51 AM

So just curious, how did it go with installing the editor and getting 2142 to work?

**INSUNABULA** · 09-02-2009 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by -Str!ker-

So just curious, how did it go with installing the editor and getting 2142 to work?

There are a couple of members working on this right now and as soon as we have more to report we will let you know

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