Now that I have a bit more pull and since Mass got mauled by bears on his hiking trip, I can take control of the Mapping Contest (idea I had before mass) and help bring in some new maps into existence. Hopefully with a few adjustments, this contest can be an even bigger success than the last. So let&#039;s get started:<br /><br />[b]How do I play?[/b]<br /><br />1. Obtain a copy of Doom Builder 2: [url=http://www.doombuilder.com/index.php?p=downloads]http://www.doombuilder.com/index.php?p=downloads[/url]<br />2. Download the texture wad: [url=http://static.totaltrash.org/ctftex1c.zip]http://static.totaltrash.org/ctftex1c.zip[/url]<br />3. Add the wad to the Boom Configuration and link the texture resources and paint your map with its colors.<br />4. Use CTF standard things: http://doomwiki.org/wiki/Capture_the_Flag<br />5. You may use ZDoom configuration to build your map. However, you must stay within v. 1.22. <br />6. You can also use WadAuthor if you want to learn the basics quick and map a simpler design.<br /><br /><br />If you do not know how to map, it&#039;s easy.&nbsp; I strongly recommend Doom Builder&#039;s tutorials:<br />[url=http://www.doombuilder.com/index.php?p=tutorials]http://www.doombuilder.com/index.php?p=tutorials[/url]<br />and hesitantly recommend youtube tutorials:<br />[url=http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Doom+Builder+2+Tutorial&amp;aq=f]http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Doom+Builder+2+Tutorial&amp;aq=f[/url]<br /><br />Any further questions can be directed to me or simply posted in this topic. Keep in mind that I will not tutor you or basically make your map for you, [s]unless I like you[/s].<br /><br />[b]What rules do I have to follow?[/b]<br /><br />[u]Maps must be an original work[/u]. Maps that are submitted must not exist in any published project whether it be a beta or final. The only exception is if the map has a considerable amount of rework to the point where it is nearly completely different. I will be the judge of the amount of difference. Authors must notify me if they are using [b]their[/b] existing work as a base to start from. If you do not tell me, I will nuke your map. Just make it easier and start from scratch.<br /><br />[u]You must use the resource wad[/u]. This keeps the process of putting all the maps together easy. If you want to use custom textures, you must include them with your submission preferably in the same zip as your map. A couple of custom textures are fine but if you give me 20 textures I will tell you to re-texture your map. The resource wad has enough textures to satisfy your needs.<br /><br />[u]You can submit your own midi[/u]. I won&#039;t mind putting in music for authors as long as it isn&#039;t an mp3 or flac. However, keep in mind that Ralphis has a history of putting in his own (terrible) music when he compiles the IDL wad.<br /><br />[u]You can submit up to two maps[/u]. However, depending on the amount of participants, I may allow more submissions from an author if there is room in the wad. I&#039;m not making any promises though!<br /><br />[u]Submit your maps in this topic[/u]. You may use this topic to post your submissions as well. You can also PM me your maps on IRC; irc.quakenet.org #idl. However, I have a tendency to [s]ignore irc[/s] time out a lot and I&#039;m not always at my computer.<br /><br />[u]Use proper naming conventions[/u]. Do not give me a wad named idlsubmission1a then proceed to give me a wad titled idlmapretexuturev2. Use the following format: idlsubmiss-username-v1 etc. If you are going to submit 2 maps put them in the same wad, change the version accordingly and notify me.<br /><br />[u]Your map must work in Odamex[/u]. If you use some crazy ZDoom feature not currently supported, your map will probably break itself. It should go without saying that you should test your map in Oda while you are developing it.<br /><br />[u]The deadline is September 17th[/u]. That is about 4 weeks of time alotted. It should be more than enough time, especially for those that wait til the last minute.<br /><br />[b]How do I win?[/b]<br /><br />The best map(s) will be determined by a vote of the IDL board. Players can also also give input either directly to board members or via a discussion topic. [u]However, playtesting the maps is the absolute best way to ensure maps are fit for the IDL.[/u] I urge everyone to take part in the 3v3 sessions we&#039;ll be hosting in the near future.<br /><br />[b]What do I win?[/b]<br /><br />If your map wins, it will be placed into the next IDL wad (2013). What this means is that it could be featured on the schedule for upcoming seasons, possibly be played in priv (oda/zandro), and kept in the wad for a very long time if it&#039;s really good.<br /><br />[b]Tips on making a good ctf map:[/b]<br /><br />Keep it small/medium--Sanguinary Longshot is not popular; ReakuCTF is not popular; Under Siege (zdmp3) IS NOT POPULAR. They are maps designed for gigantic matches and not for the 3v3 style employed by the IDL.<br /><br />Keep it straightforward--Nobody likes getting lost in the middle of a map except [s]Chaindude[/s] Mionic Donut. It should be presently clear at all times where one is and where both flags are. If you are going to go crazy, distinguish your rooms well enough so we don&#039;t have to use automap to maneuver around.<br /><br />Keep it outside the box--Literally. While map01 and 04 are popular maps, I encourage participants to move beyond creating a square base with ssg spawns connected to the other square base via a square, barren mid.<br /><br />Keep it fairly plain--The success of map20 demonstrates that a map doesn&#039;t need a lot of fancy textures to be fun.&nbsp; The success of map22 demonstrates that maps can be considered good _in spite of_ those textures. (J/K Luv ya Rott). We are looking for structural playability more than pretty, flashy maps. I will allow the winners to polish up their maps to their heart&#039;s desire while the IDL wad is in construction. This means you will have to work with Ralphis regarding resources and textures.<br /><br />Keep the gimmicks down--We are looking for quality maps fit for competition, not pub. No weird asymmetrical designs like grotesque map10 unless you know what you are doing. If you are going to do something crazy, make sure you put enough thought into the map so it makes sense and doesn&#039;t end up as a mess.<br /><br />Keep it gay.<br /><br />[u]Example maps can be found here[/u]: <br />Last year&#039;s contest: http://forums.intldoomleague.org/index.php?topic=483.0<br /><br />Last year&#039;s altdeath posting: [url=http://www.altdeath.com/fluxbb/viewtopic.php?id=171]http://www.altdeath.com/fluxbb/viewtopic.php?id=171[/url]<br /><br /><br />Disclaimer: I may change any details about this contest at any time.<br /><br />[b]What else is there?[/b]<br /><br />If there are any lingering questions, feel free to ask them here and I will address them as quickly as I can [b]as long as questions pertain to the contest[/b]. Good luck to everyone and happy mapping.