Guys/Gals/Mappers - Now that the tools are available and there are more models and the sort out there for you to use. Some people are turning out some pretty interesting maps.

Problem -

Some mappers give these beta maps out to their freinds and their clan members for testing, expecting to get good feedback from them. It doesn't work...

Its like going out and building what you believe to be the coolest bike in the neighborhood, only to have people laughing at you behind your back... (OK, so maybe thats not the best comparison but...)

My point is, Friends (usually) aren't going to tell you what you NEED to hear... they are going to tell you what you WANT to hear.

Get your map out to fellow mappers or a dedicated group of people that LIKE finding the problems/exploits in maps. People that will give you Accurate and Honest feedback on your work. Yes, you will hear some stuff you Don't want to hear - But the comments aren't directed at you personally, they are put out there to help you think of a better way of doing something.

If you don't know of a group, or you don't know any other mappers.... ASK!

We will be MORE than happy to direct you to the correct people to get this done!

Hail Cran !

But I like getting good feedback. :(
lol.
So yeah very true but I´ll still use my friends/clanmates as beta testers atleast until I start making more "serious" maps.

This topic fits my current situation quite well. I'm finishing up a dod:s map, but i don't play this game that much anymore and i don't know anyone else who does. I was planning on just releasing the map without testing it when I'm done, but if I can geta group of people to test it for me, I'm always up for some constructive criticism.

Do yourself a favor and post some screenshots of what you have (Starting your own thread, of course). What your plans are for the map and when you may be ready for a beta test.

Originally posted by eddi.
constructive criticism

garble garble garble!

I think I said it in a post before awhile back...

...but saying my map is good is nice and all... but I *WANT* to hear what's wrong with it. What's bad about it. How much it sucks and why. How it could be better. How it SHOULD be better, etc.

The negative feedback is the GOOD STUFF.

There is nothing like having a dedicated bunch of guys playing your map, friends or not. There's a reason professionals use beta testers/game testers all year round. Some guys have the attention to details others don't that will make all the difference in the world.

Again it all boils down to what you want your map (and therefore you through it) to be. You can just "play with Hammer a bit to make a fun map for your friends" or "try and become better and better through many months of development"

Custom maps don't have to suck. Including your first one. The difference will be your first one may take over a year to become good, but your second will only take half that time.

Being a custom map server since way back when DoD was only a cult following, I've seen enough maps in my time that were "thoroughly tested" by clan mates only. The end result was a map that a clan liked to play instead of a map that had some mass appeal and constructive criticism thrown at.

Regardless, I applaud the mappers for their countless hours and efforts. I only WISH I had the patience and talent you guys do. ;)

Let's see some good custom maps!!! It would seem everything is nothing but maps from 3 years ago transformed to use the Source engine. Nice...but extremely played out.