Whats the next Mapping Contest theme and timeframe?

xitooner · Test Supervisor Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 139

Since the November contest ended partway through December, and no mention of a December contest so far, I just had to ask. . . .to make sure there actually IS a next mapping contest. Smile

I have a map coming out soon, and there is a fair chance it might qualify for any number of themes, as long as they arent too constraining. . .

youme · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject:

I suggest a Jan 01 start with a Feb 29 end thats 2 months so we'll get more than three maps this time, which will make it more dynamic or something like that.

msleeper · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:25 pm Post subject:

We're going to wait until atleast <Holiday Name Here> is over, since I'm sure everyone has plans for the holiday season. Don't worry, there will be a new mapping contest soon!.

Adair · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 4:46 pm Post subject:

I realize that a particular contest's theme isn't announced until the contest begins, but are contest maps actually restricted to have been created from start to finish within the time period of the contest?

Not that I have any intention of employing my crappy skills to make an entry, just curious.

msleeper · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:32 pm Post subject:

All of the contests to date have stated that no previously used content can be used in your map, since it is unfair for someone to have the extra time before the contest to make something. I don't think we'll be changing this rule for future contests either.

xitooner · Test Supervisor Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 139

taco · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:52 pm Post subject:

I pretty much agree with xitooner's post.

We really don't need 2 months to put out a map, we just need fewer restrictions (if any) as the number of mappers is still quite small.

We need to encourage creativity so that more people will participate.

Vengeil · New Employee Joined: 08 Nov 2007 Posts: 15

I still think the theme should be 'escape' in some way from the labs.

youme · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:20 pm Post subject:

msleeper · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:29 pm Post subject:

I agree, I think the next contest will be more about visual theme rather than gameplay.

Crooked Paul · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:43 pm Post subject:

I think it's valuable to have a theme of some sort. It provides at least one way the maps can be compared that isn't totally arbitrary. That said, I too think that a too-specific theme is probably counterproductive.

Rather than being based on any rules or even "guidelines," is there any reason a contest theme couldn't be totally open to interpretation? Example themes:

- Blue
- Entropy
- Claustrophobia
- "The lie is a cake."
- Recursion

youme · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject:

Personally I think something a little bit more specific than 'blue' or 'entropy' is needed to 'spark creativity'. But a theme of 'The cake is a lie' could make some good maps.
Perhaps we should try storey snippets as themes so 'The cake is a lie' or 'You are overworked' or 'GLaDOS is a Bitch' would be good

Hober · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:07 pm Post subject:

On the other hand, recursion could be a little bit hard to design for.

I'm of two minds on the "themes" debate.

Leck · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:29 pm Post subject:

The theme should be the same, then I could submit the map I didn't finish for the November contest Very Happy

xitooner · Test Supervisor Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 139