TSGK Clan Forum

gtamike_TSGK · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 14:15 Post subject: Suffixes

Map Suffixes for Deathmatch

This is how to use/identify map suffixes/extensions

dm_ = Deathmatch

For a first map release it will be in beta stage.

Beta 1 (b1 for short)

dm_mapname_b1
The beta (b1) stages are likely to have small bugs that a mapper has missed.
Also will be the first map release to public or map testers.

dm_mapname_b2
The beta 2 (b2) would be a more stable map version with bugs fixed/found.
Feedback from public or map testers would suggest the bugs if any found.
Also bad frame rate in an area would be suggested to be fixed, design improvements might be suggested by public also.

When you think the map is out of a beta stage and is stable on windows servers and Linux it would be time to change the suffix name to Release Candidate.

Release Candidate 1 (rc1 for short)
dm_mapname_rc1

The Release Candidate 1 (rc1) for a map is unlikely to have any big bugs/problems.

The Release Candidate versions (rc1, rc2 etc) of a map are likely to have just small gameplay improvements and tweaks. This could be placing the weapon SLAM in a higher area of a map or removing all SLAMS apart for one. Also making the weapon placement more balanced for players.

E.G. There will be a weapon near by a player spawn, and more powerful weapons based in opposite ends of map to keep player not staying in one area of map.
E.G. Not all weapon types are at middle of map (this is not balanced)

Other small tweaks could be physic prop placements HP/Suit the list goes on.
(Overall small tweaks that helps gameplay in some way)

When a mapper has made a map that has gone through _b1 _b2... _rc1 _rc2... stages etc fixed all bugs, done lots of map testing, gameplay tweaks, and used all useful feedback from public, then it will be time to make a final map version, if the mapper fills he/she is ready.

dm_mapname_final

_Final
When a map has the suffix _final it clearly shows it's the final map version and obviously means there will be no more updates from the mapper.

In a final map version it's likely to be more polished this means texture improvements in Render or Detail. This could be Carpet textures looking more real with detail, or Tiles being more shiny ingame for a more real look. Also new graphical effects are likely to be added in final, this could be improved Sun, dust particles, lighting effects and so on. Final gamplay tweaks might be added if the mapper fills this needed and was not covered in Release Candidate (rc1,rc2 etc) versions.

Final map versions must be tested on windows and Linux servers for final testing before release to public.

E.G. of final update list
http://gtamikes-maps.piczo.com/dm_battle_lobby_final

If a map has no suffixes/extensions it can be unclear to a host if the map is the first version (maybe old) or a final version. b1, rc1 etc and final make it more obvious to identify what map version stage it's at and makes life easier.

gtamike Cool

StonedCabbage · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 14:20 Post subject:

nice post mike, be nice to have some format for map names that everyone adheres to. Sticky!!!!! Cool

Osiris_TSGK · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 19:45 Post subject:

StonedCabbage · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 22:34 Post subject:

A good sticky anyway, for experienced and new map dev's

gtamike_TSGK · Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2009 22:44 Post subject: RE: Deathmatch

The topic is about about Deathmatch, I didn't really fill the need to talk about ctf_ Suffixes etc in a dm_ topic.
I think dm_killbox_final started the _final (way back)
People have used _final the right way.
http://hl2mp.tsgk.com/index.php?mode=search&game=hl2mp&st=map&q=_final
The word _final also saves hosts time looking on the internet for the up to update Release Candidate could be 9 out there. But when they see _final they know this is the Final can't be any simpler then that.
If a mapper does not want to add updates anymore add _final and move on, map has to be 100% ready, you will know when. Wink

I was going to talk about V1, V2, V3 etc not really needed unless the map has gone on a very big change.
E.G. dm_council_tsgk_v2 To dm_council_tsgk_v3
(very big structure change in layout)
Why was the word Final ever invented if no one uses it. Rolling Eyes

Hope this clears things up for people
gtamike

Osiris_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 00:13 Post subject: Re: RE: Deathmatch

gtamike_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 00:31 Post subject:

Shimmy_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 01:24 Post subject:

I second Osi on the removal of final. If all maps had final around it would seem a bit odd. Once the map is released strip down everything, it gives it a professional look otherwise we'd have dm_lockdown_final, dm_overwatch_final.

Tis not a mess Mikemeister, nothing wrong with a healthy debate Very Happy

You made your point, Osiman made his point no need to get defensive Very Happy

The Borg_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 09:04 Post subject:

I'd love to get the old wooden spoon out here Twisted Evil

, but i got lost what where arguing about Embarassed

Xmeagol · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 19:24 Post subject:

i don't map for source (mainly because the tools are primitive), but on wars i never add Final to the name, looks ugly.

I also think those dm_ things look gay, but that's just me most overworked maps have like dm_this_beta_final_v43_bullshit

StonedCabbage · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 20:00 Post subject:

Xmeagol · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 20:34 Post subject:

Diet H2O_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 21:08 Post subject:

Pffft.

I know ziltch about what conventions are used for maps. But I know a lot about IT development. If mapping conventions follow software development conventions (and there are standardised conventions for the industry) then the term final is to be avoided. As was said this is because nothing is ever final (and it can confuse version control applications)

In programming there will always be another patch/update until it runs out of support / discontinued. Perhaps not in mapping (indeed some maps are never finished). There's no harm in having a dm_mapname_final except that if dm_mapname_final_v2 comes out it will look a bit silly.

Mike is (was) trying to set a standard. Osiris is simply ponting out that maps more often follow an IT development convention. Mike is free to suggest his standard and use whatever map names he wants. Indeed, I see his dm_attack_house_tsgk_finalwhich he finalised a few days ago follows his mapping convention and does not follow the convention used on all other tsgk maps.

This is a discussion forum - not a message board. I fail to see how anyone could take offence over a discussion (at worst a debate). It's not helpful in deleting the entire post, it only serves to remind people to reply with history.

Ghost Dog_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 21:28 Post subject:

gtamike_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 21:29 Post subject:

Yeah you will not see software with _final at the end, cause of hackers, holes, cracks, compatible problems e.g. Vista (at start) list goes on.

Maps are more of art most of the list above does not really come in to mapping e.g. cracks, some but it's not pages pages of software code.

When a mapper has finished with a map well it's finished. Laughing

StonedCabbage · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 22:03 Post subject:

gtamike_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 22:07 Post subject:

Mapping is like a panting, the artist draws the picture, then adds colour, detail, tweaks maybe to picture (like shape).
when the artist can't add anymore or fills it's just right it will be a Final panting, with no more updates.

Mapping is the same but more a 3D view and 3D place to move about in.
And software is software endless updates...

Diet H2O_TSGK · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 22:21 Post subject:

Interestingly, the next Office is called Office 14 because MS use release numbers internally regarding their Office versions. Office 2007 was Office 12 to them. Office 14 skips 13 because MS didn't want to call it after an unlucky number. I kid you not.

Xmeagol · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 22:57 Post subject:

Freelancer · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 23:43 Post subject:

just in the end has to be a blank spot... shows proffesionalism , as Shimmy-san Said Very Happy

But _final tag is ANNOYING, dont get me wrong but there are more than enought _final maps Very Happy

Diet H2O_TSGK · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 00:18 Post subject:

Shimmy_TSGK · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 00:23 Post subject:

StonedCabbage · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 00:29 Post subject:

this thread is fulla red hot pumpin love Laughing

Xmeagol · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 02:00 Post subject:

gtamike_TSGK · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 15:11 Post subject: