Whats the next Mapping Contest theme and timeframe?

msleeper · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:51 pm Post subject:

Why do you think I haven't entered any contests? I have a map I am working on that I could pull stuff from and slap together a CC map if I wanted, but that's not the objective of the contests. The objective is to see who can create the best map within the given guidelines in the time frame that is set. There are always going to be people who have more time or less time than others because of real world responsibilities, but there's no way to "handicap" those without them.

Everything else sounds really good though, I'd like to know what type of contest people want (either to map for, or to play maps from).

Crooked Paul · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject:

msleeper · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:10 pm Post subject:

I guess that really isn't the best way to put what I was trying to say. What I meant was, there needs to be some sort of set-in-stone requirements for a map - no matter how loose or rigid they are - so that the people who play and vote for the maps know what to look for. The first mapping contest was pretty rigid, but keep in mind that for that one we had a really limited time frame, and the purpose was more "hey look what cool Portal maps we can make BEFORE the SDK comes out". Last month's contest was the Compaion Cube one because people have an obsession with the little fucker, so giving CC-themed maps is a way to generate some more buzz.

For the next contest, the staff was already thinking of having more open-ended guidelines and not "3 rooms, 2 puzzles, 6 cubes, go!" sort of thing. But as I said, I want to know what people want to map for and/or play, so we're not discouraging those who have nothing but free time.

Adair · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:54 pm Post subject:

Why not have the best of both worlds with two(or more) contests running:

One would be to continue the more strictly themed month to month contest.

Simultaneously hold an open themed contest:
type A) Each participant submits a single map made in a 4 month period. The judging criteria would be a single guideline along the lines of what xitooner posted before (best design, most original, ...etc.)

type B) Alternatively there could be a 4 month contest in which at the beginning each participant gives a brief description of what they hope to have created by the end of the contest. That would require a bit more trouble for each judge to read each description and decide which map best lives up to the originally stated idea. It could also inhibit the spontaneous creativity of the single simple guidline of type A.

taco · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 7:25 pm Post subject:

Multiple contests is a bad idea for a community of this size.

As for theme, how about "a map for Portal"? You know, kind of like how people make movies in order to win the best movie award.

bizob · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:52 pm Post subject:

Ok, here's my 2 cents on the matter.

Personally I like the idea of themes. I think just saying "hey make a Portal map" is too vague. Having some loose guideline helps you focus your efforts (at least for me it does) Now, some themes are going to work out better for some people then others, and some will produce better contests (community participation, quality of maps etc) then others. That's just the way things work. I think there needs to be some common elements in order to make a comparison.

Now as for the time debate... kind of a mute debate.
Let's say I'm working on a map for 3 months and it happens to have an industrial theme to it. Now the new contest guidelines are posted and guess what? this months theme is industrial! So whats to stop me from entering my map? It's not like any would know how long I spent on it as long as don't tell. Now you or I would be the first to admit how long a map took (cuz everyone knows I'm a noob with Hammer and would know I couldn't whip out a good map that fast) but not everyone is honest as me and you. Now I would think this kind of thing wouldn't happen all too often (even though it could and we probably can't do much to prevent it). So having a theme doesn't solve the time issue but it does to help level the playing field somewhat. I'm doing a CC map right now even though the contest is way over just because I thought it would be a good way to learn and some fun.

We could have the monthly contests with a theme voted by general population (as is) and have msleeper and/or the mods pick out a map from all maps posted in the release section that month and give it an official Map of the Month Award with a special avatar on the forums.

username · Superior Participant Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 73

Two Words:
Gravity. Gun.

Remmiz · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 3:29 am Post subject:

Hober · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 3:39 am Post subject:

I have to agree with dismissing the gravity gun out of hand. That is a ridiculous idea because it is an entirely separate puzzle solving mechanic from the ASHPD. Make a HLDM map with a physics puzzle if you like, but I'll be bored by it nonetheless.

Also, as far as themes go, the focus on msleeper's post brought something to the fore within my own mind I hadn't realized. I was thinking of making a contest map as being the only way to really participate.

While I concede this was shortsighted, I wouldn't be surprised if other people were under the same impression I was: the only way to get recognition is to make a contest map within the bounds of the contest.

This brings to mind a compromise like the above mentioned, with a bit of a twist. Every third contest or so can be a best-of-the-best contest. No rules, no time limits, except that it has to be done by the end of the entry period. It can be any map you have made for anything at any time. One map per entrant, and it can't be a map that won a previous contest, although it can be a map that lost.

In this case, it would be nice to have more than just a first place, especially if the field is as wide open (i.e. we get as many entrants) as this suggests.

yikkayaya · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 5:56 am Post subject:

What about having all (or just about) contest being open for a month. Half of the contests being strict month to month, enter as many as you want, with a theme and no using old material, like the two last ones.
The other half having a little less rules, only a general theme, and you can enter only one, but that one can be made at any time, even old entries (not winners?) as long as they're improved. Example: "All time best Behind The Scenes"
I would also like having two or something "Total Conversion" contests a year, with the only requirement being a series of maps "from sleeping chamber to <insert alternative to destroying GLaDOS here>"

Hober · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:09 pm Post subject:

taco · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 7:57 pm Post subject:

Where is the January contest thread? I've got some time over here to make a map so get the thread up before I decide to make a portal map about rearranging furniture!

msleeper · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 9:06 pm Post subject:

hang over, do you speak it Sad