Map titles

[Astro]

In looking through all the custom maps I have played over the past two weeks something just striked me...there is no standard in map prefix. For instance with Day of Defeat all maps start with dod_ for Counter Strike defuse maps; de_

It just doesn't seem very professional to have one map called "stewsawesomecoolmap" and another called pl_obstacle

....

[xitooner]

A little too early in the Portal community life to expect any form of naming standard to be followed; but yes, it should be (eventually), and I would think that beginning with 'por_" would be the logical choice.

Its what I am going to do, anyway.

[Mapster]

Thats because all of the portal maps don't start with anything but yeah we should have maps named with "pl_<mapname>".

When i usually download a map i have to alt tab out of the game just to see what it's name was, now i realize thats my fault but usually people have the prefix as "pl" or "por" or even "portal_"

[Astro]

I think now is actually the best time to put forth a standard, that way everyone that follows will use it instead of trying to get people to change later on

[Shmitz]

Portal doesn't have different game modes like Counterstrike or Team Fortress 2. Is there really a point to having a prefix?

[msleeper]

I'd say we should do "twp_", but I might be a bit biased.

But yeah I'm with Shmitz, there's no point in having a prefix since that whole concept was introduced with CS when the prefix signified the gameplay type.

[youme]

not really much need for a prefix, unless you're using a well known maop name from a different steam game.

just dont call your map something stupid like "bobs_awesome_super_dooper_portal_map_made_of_pure_pwnage.bsp"

[Grudge]

[youme]

heh, nice one

[Astro]

Day of Defeat is just flag captures but all their maps start with dod_

Its a broad based identifier and it looks more professional. Its also easier for players to remember maps, I can't tell you how many times I have to alt tab about because I can't remember someones map they named after themselves instead of being original and making up a quality name that reflects the map.

[youme]

don't know this command then? "maps *"

it lists all the .bsp files in the maps folder.

[Astro]

ive been mapping for about 5 years in hl and hl2 i know how to bring up all the commands and my experience is why im stressing this point. The more streamlined and professional something is the more it catches on. I really cant understand why you guys are throwing up so much flak on just adding a little bit before your map name?

[youme]

eventually people will have about 50 custom maps loaded each, all with the same prefix... which is just as unhelpful as all 50 of them having no prefix.
But I can see where your coming from, there should probably be some standardised prefix. I went for pt_... because the way i pronounce it the P and T are the most prominat letters. although ptl_ or pl_ or por_ or even portal_ would do fine.

[Astro]

Well this problem goes hand in hand with the other issue I know plagues mappers. Naming sequences, you name a map jonssuperportal.bsp and you release it. Then a few hours later you find you are missing a texture or something so you re-compile and re-release jonssuperportal.bsp but you don't rename it....thats no good. When putting out a map for the first time don't use the name you really want to be the final. Put out something like this instead jonssuperportal_r1.bsp. Then just add up the "release" canadites until your satisfied and then you can go with jonssuperportal.bsp.

[espen180]

But "espen180_portal02" is okay right?