Bonus Map Scripts and You
What They Are And Why You Should Be Using Them
In a nutshell, a Bonus Map Script is what tells Portal to allow your map to be loaded via the nifty Import Maps option, and also to have a Challenge versions of your map available. Creating and editing these files is very simple, and should become a standard for Portal map releases.
Links And Useful Information
Valve Developer Wiki Article
Link:
http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Portal_Challenge_Script
This explains the general concept of what the BMS format is and how to use them, and has some links to other relevant information.
BNS script generator by S.SkillZ
Link:
Release Thread
THIS IS INVALUABLE!! Use this to create your own BMS files, atleast until someone comes along and does it better! This is an endlessly handy tool.
TWP Wiki Article on Bonus Map Scripts
Link:
Wiki Article
Currently in-progress at the time of this update, but currently explains a lot of the concepts and inner workings of the scripts. Also explains how to get your maps working with them. Check back often!
Old Shit, Being Depreciated Into The Wiki
Step 1 - Directory Structure
I will make a screenshot of this if I need to, or some sort of graphical version that is better than the text. But your folder layout should be like this:
-- /SteamApps/(Username)/Portal/portal/
-- -- /maps/(Username)
**Create a directory with your name, your script files will go here**
-- -- /VGUI
**You will put your VMTs and VTFs in here, for the preview screenshot**
In short, you need to create a directory under the /portal/maps directory where you will store your files. You should probably name it after your nickname, so people know how to group the files together. You will place your
map files, the relevant
script files, and a file called
folderinfo.bns which will contain your personal contact information for your maps.
Step 2 - folderinfo.bns
Here is an example folderinfo.bns. Feel free to copy and edit this for your own uses.
Code:
// Info describing the folder must be in folderinfo.txt!
// The image shown for the folder is assumed to be foldericon.tga if none is specified!
"msleeper PORTAL maps"
{
"image" "msleeper"
"comment" "contact: msleeper@msleeper.com"
}
Note that
image is the name of the VTF in the /VGUI directory. So for example, I should have a file called /VGUI/msleeper.vtf and /VGUI/msleeper.vmt in order for my custom image to work.
Step 3 - Map Script File
Removed, check the Wiki.
Step 4 - Wrap-Up and Test
Remember to put your map file, map script file, and folderinfo.bns into the /portal/maps/(your name) directory.
Remember to put your personal icon, as well as your map screenshots in /VGUI.
Note: This is not 100%! If you run into errors, or have useful input, please post it!
Notes
You might be able to create a /VGUI/(your name) directory to store your VMT/VTFs into, which will clean your directory structure up significantly. If anyone can confirm this, please do!