Accelerated Arenas: A New CP for People New to Deathmatch Mapping! DEADLINE: ***August 5th***

[Arrowhead]

***JUNE 29th EDIT: Now that I've received a map for this, and a few more people have expressed interest, I am making the deadline officially August 5th!

 

I won't accept any further maps for this project after that date - but if you do have an unfinished level, or an extra level you didn't use - hang onto it! I plan on doing multiple sessions of this!***

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

What is Accelerated Arenas?

 

This is a new speedmapping community project made to introduce new mappers / singleplayer mappers to deathmatch mapping!

 

This set is to be constructed of maps from people who are new to deathmatch mapping. This can include mappers who have made a handful of deathmatch maps prior, but it is brand new DM mappers I am primarily looking for.

 

This is intended to be a fun way to quickly try out a new genre of mapping - rules are not very strict, and I've tried to arrange this to allow as many people to participate as I can.

 

If you've only made singleplayer maps before, or have never made a map before, welcome, you're exactly the type of people I'm looking for! If you've made a few DM maps in the past, but want to try your hand at making a DM speedmap / practice making more levels - that's also great - I'd love to include you as well!

 

This set is not going to have a pre-set amount of map slots. I will take as many submissions as I am given, and submissions will be added in the order they are submitted. I will give a hard deadline once I begin receiving the first levels.

 

I'll get into the rules in just a moment (they're very simple) but here's some important technical information, first:

 

IWAD: Doom 2

Targeted sourceport: Zandronum.

Accepted map formats: Zandronum: UDMF, Boom, limit-removing D2.

Resource packs: GothMash + Doom 2

Resource pack download link: https://www.mediafire.com/file/ibzla9pfvlas1r4/GOTHMASH.WAD/file

Skies: Mechadon's Box o'Skies v3.

Skies download link: https://www.mediafire.com/file/z69eyws7yzzw2az/boxoskies-v3.zip/file

Jumping is allowed - but you do not need to incorporate jumping into your level if you don't wish to.

 

I am allowing for multiple map formats to be used, as I didn't want to force anyone into having to work with a format they are unfamiliar with.

 

Zandro:UDMF, Boom, and limit-removing D2 are all allowed. While Zandronum can feasibly run maps of other formats too, please keep it to the 3 selected formats above.

 

RULES:

 

1) A strict 3 hour time limit. Your map must be made from beginning to end in 3 hours' time. You are NOT required to record or stream yourself.

2) To participate, you must be new to deathmatch design. If you haven't made a DM map before, that's great - I'd love to include you. If you've made some DM maps before, but want a chance to improve / practice making a new DM map - I'd also like to include you.

Essentially, this is open to anybody who doesn't consider themselves experienced in deathmatch mapping. If you're new to the scene that's great, if you've only made a handful of levels prior, that's also great.

3) 100% symmetrical arenas will not be accepted. Symmetrical rooms are fine, but your entire level cannot be symmetrical. Any completely symmetrical level will not be accepted.

4) Maps can be of whatever size. Small duel maps are fine, larger FFA maps are also fine.

5) All deathmatch starts must be on a weapon. Pistol-starts are not allowed in this set.

 

That's it for the rules!

 

I've recently began streaming my mapping sessions on Twitch - I've decided to use my most recently completed speedmap as the beginning map for this pack.

 

Here is a VOD of me completing the first deathmatch map in this pack from beginning to end in 2 hours, 26 minutes:

 

 

Mapping starts at 0:3:50 and goes to 2:30:08.

 

Remember, you are NOT required to record or stream your mapping session, that is not necessary - I'm just including this as an example.

 

MAPSLOTS:

 

1) Keep of the Damned (by Arrowhead)

2) Face to the Floor (by TheGreenZap)

3) Bottoms Up ( by mothvox)

4) Mountainside Havoc (by Lorenz0)

5) City Slick (by mothvox)

6) Blood Rocks (by Raith138)

7) Fudge (by mothvox)

8) Blood and Water (by Raith138)

9) El Cielo está Enladrillado (by OceanMadman)

10) Quicksand (by mothvox)

11) Run for Cover (by TheGreenZap)

12) No es Solo Rock n' Roll (by Downcologo)

13) Permanently Benign (by Daytime Waitress)

14) Blood Circuit (by Razza)

15) ???

 

Here are some great resources for people new to deathmatch design:

 

Decay's great multiplayer mapping guide:

Spoiler

 

Doomkid's video on deathmatch design:

Spoiler

 

You can also reach out to me directly if you have any questions about DM design - I'll try my best to help you out!

 

DISCORD SERVER:

 

I've made a Discord server recently, (Arrowhead's Arenas) in preparation for a simple community project like this!

 

I intend for this WAD's development to mostly be discussed there. However, if you don't have Discord, or don't want to use it, I don't want to exclude you!

 

This thread will also be a hub for this project - feel free to post your map here, too, or any questions about DM mapping you may have.

 

Discord Invite Link:

https://discord.gg/3jrNeAGkSK

 

When submitting a map, whether here or on Discord, please ping me directly when doing so.

 

All maps will be accepted in this project, provided they follow the small set of rules listed above.

 

Please include what you want your mapname to be, as well as the name you wish to be credited by.

 

Also, if you have a specific MIDI you wish to use, you can either link the MIDI directly, or tell me the name of it + the composer's name.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

So yeah, this is my first attempt at something like this - I thought at first of just leaving the gates open fully, and accepting maps from veteran DM mappers too, but I think it will be more fun to try to introduce this type of thing to people who are new to it, or relatively new to it.

 

I'll keep this thread updated the best I can - remember, you can always reach out directly to me w/ any DM mapping questions!

 

 

:D

Edited July 31 by Arrowhead

[DoomGappy]

Not able to join right now, but curious to learn about deathmatch mapping. Good luck on the project!

[TheGreenZap]

Ok, even though I have been working on my own DM map pack. I haven't officially published a DM map, so I will work on a map for this. It will be fun to see what I can come up with in 3 hours, haha. 

 

I hope you get some maps for this. We need more DM mappers!

 

 

[Arrowhead]

2 minutes ago, TheGreenZap said:

Ok, even though I have been working on my own DM map pack. I haven't officially published a DM map, so I will work on a map for this. It will be fun to see what I can come up with in 3 hours, haha. 

 

I hope you get some maps for this. We need more DM mappers!

 

 

Would be great to see something from you!

 

This is all about fun, and trying new stuff- so don't feel too pressured by the time limit!

 

:)

[Raith138]

I have always wanted to give DM mapping a shot.
Not confirming anything but may make something.

[Arrowhead]

1 minute ago, Raith138 said:

I have always wanted to give DM mapping a shot.
Not confirming anything but may make something.

Yeah, sounds good - let me know if you're interested - I can help out w/ any questions you have about DM mapping.

 

No big deal if you don't end up making anything, but it's always fun to try new things!

 

:)

[Raith138]

3 hours for a first time ever may be a little tight.

[Arrowhead]

5 minutes ago, Raith138 said:

3 hours for a first time ever may be a little tight.

I get that it may seem tight, but this is more just a simple project for people to 'warm up' to deathmatch mapping. I mainly want people to try something new, and see what they can whip up in that time period.

 

If I raise the time limit too high, well, it's not really a speedmapping session, and that's kind of what I'm aiming for in this project.

 

I don't expect everyone's first DM work to be immaculate - this is more a fun way to ease into deathmatch design.

 

I am confident that people should be able to produce something in that time span, even if it is a relatively simple duel map. This is just meant to break people into this type of design - I have plans for more 'complex' community projects down the road, that will have longer time limits, or no time limit at all.

 

I intend on making a strict deadline, once I receive a few maps.

[Arrowhead]

Okay, so I've made an amendment to this community project's rules.

 

Nothing serious, it is still fundamentally the same project - I am just opening the requirements to participate a bit more.

 

Before, I had restricted this solely to brand new deathmatch mappers - people who have never made a DM map before - now I am widening that restriction to allow for more participants.

 

So:

 

If you've made some DM maps before, but want a chance to improve / practice making a new DM map - I'd also like to include you.

 

Essentially, this is open to anybody who doesn't consider themselves experienced in deathmatch mapping.

 

If you're new to the scene that's great, if you've only made a handful of levels prior, that's also great.

 

Yeah, so basically, as long as you consider yourself 'new' to deathmatch mapping, feel free to come aboard!

 

The primary goal of this community project is to introduce as many people to deathmatch mapping as possible - so, to achieve that - it only makes sense to open things up more.

 

 

:D

[dmh094]

Might have a go at this. Not sure yet. I will be in touch though! 😁 sounds like something different, which is always good! 👍

[Lorenz0]

Seems interesting, I might make a map for this.

 

I've never made a DM map before despite wanting to. My zandronum udmf experience should come in handy.

[OceanMadman]

Very nice. I made some DM maps for Durandos, but I don't think I'm very experienced. I'd like to try to make something for this :)

[Arrowhead]

I've just received the second map for this project!

 

@TheGreenZap just completed 'Face to the Floor'.

 

Here are some screenshots for this map:

 

It looks like a fun little duel map - probably would work well for 3-4 player FFA, as well!

 

I'm looking forward to seeing what gets made next!

 

This will be MAP02 in this project.

 

Once again, if anyone has any questions regarding this community project, please reach out to me - I'm happy to help out where I can.

 

I've yet to make a strict deadline for this project - once I receive a couple more maps, I'll look at doing that!

 

 

:D

[Lorenz0]

@Arrowhead

Hey, it seems like the discord invite link expired. Can you post a new one?

 

I'll probably start making my map soon :)

[Arrowhead]

____________________________________

***DEADLINE ANNOUNCEMENT***:

 

All maps must be submitted by August 5th!

 

I won't take any levels after that date - if, however, you do have another level, or you didn't finish something in time, don't worry!

 

I intend on doing multiple sessions of this - so that could always be used down the road.

____________________________________

@Lorenz0

 

Sure, here's a new invite link: https://discord.gg/nMaX2sxD

 

Good to hear you're thinking of making a map!

 

:D

[Arrowhead]

I've just received the third map for this project!

 

@mothvox just completed 'Bottoms Up'.

 

Here are some screenshots for this map:

 

This is an interesting techbase layout based around a large central courtyard. It features a unique BFG spawn. This would work well as either a duel map, or a fast-paced 3-4 person FFA map.

 

This will be MAP03 in this project.

 

 

:)

[Arrowhead]

I've just received the fourth map for this project!

 

@Lorenz0 just completed 'Mountainside Havoc'.

 

Here are some screenshots for this map:

 

This map is a large 3-4 person FFA map - it has some very clean aesthetics, and has a nice balance between natural geometry, (caverns, rocky mountains, etc.) and human-made areas.

 

The map also makes use of 3D floors, which is nice - I'm getting a good variety of contributions so far!

 

Looking forward to testing this one out!

 

 

:D

[Arrowhead]

I've also just received the fifth map for this project!

 

@mothvox recently completed a second map, 'City Slick'.

 

Here are some screenshots for this map:

 

This is a nice open layout that balances powerful items w/ the BFG - should make for some very intense experiences!

 

Can't believe this project is at 6 maps complete already! I've got another one from another participant that is almost ready, so things have been moving along quickly!

 

I'm still looking for more participants! If you're interested in joining up and giving this a whirl, let me know!

 

DEADLINE is AUGUST 5th!

 

 

:D

[Raith138]

The discord link seems to have expired

 

[Arrowhead]

1 hour ago, Raith138 said:

The discord link seems to have expired

 

Thanks, I'll update it now.

[Arrowhead]

Here's a new Discord invite link, I'm hoping this one doesn't expire - I selected the 'never' option.

 

Updating the main post now.

 

https://discord.gg/3jrNeAGkSK

[Arrowhead]

I've also just received the sixth map for this project!

 

@Raith138 recently completed a map, 'Blood Rocks'.

 

Here are some screenshots for this map:

 

This is a nice hellish level that features a lot of blood - there are some unique visual locations in this map, and it features some decent verticality.

 

Looking forward to testing this! Looks like it would be a lot of fun!

 

 

:D

[Arrowhead]

I've received the seventh map for this project! This will go on the MAP08 slot for the time being.

 

@Raith138 just completed a map, 'Blood and Water'.

 

Here are some screenshots!:

 

This is medium-sized FFA level featuring some nice natural formations, a lot of blood, and a lot of water. Everything comes together quite nicely - the green armor placement should see a lot of traffic.

____________________________

I'm very pleased w/ the contributions I've received for this project thus far. Some solid work for people new to this genre of mapping.

 

I'm still looking for more participants!

 

If you're interested in joining this project, please let me know! The more the merrier!

 

 

:D

[Arrowhead]

I've received the eighth map for this project! This will be MAP07 in the WAD.

 

@mothvox just completed a map, 'Fudge'.

 

That's the third map already - mothvox has been very productive as of late. Nice to see.

 

Here are some screenshots!:

 

This is a compact level that features a lot of the color brown, hence the mapname. Lots of interesting architecture in this map - and the sightlines are also very good.

 

There is a pair of power-ups in relative close proximity of each other near the centre of the map, which should really serve well to drive traffic through the middle of the map.

 

Another nice contribution! I'm happy to see so many maps as of late!

 

Remember, the submission deadline is AUGUST 5TH.

 

We'll do some testing / minor revising around that point, and then a week or so after the submission deadline, we'll likely release!

 

Very happy w/ the submissions thus far.

 

 

:D

[Major Arlene]

I've done my fair share of DM maps so I won't participate but just want to pop a quick message to thank you for giving new folks a space to share their maps! keen to play when it's done.

[Arrowhead]

6 minutes ago, Major Arlene said:

 

Thanks for the kind words!

 

Yeah, thought it was about time I started something like this. The central goal is to introduce more people to this genre of mapping - I think it's working out so far, thankfully!

 

:)

[Arrowhead]

I've done two small tests this week on the maps, and I'm happy to say that all 8 have played well thus far!

 

I'm sure there will be a few more revisions needed as we go along this next month.

 

But, things are turning out pretty solid already!

 

 

:)

[Mapping noob]

Hope it's not too late to join. I can whip something up in 3 hours.

[Mapping noob]

Noticed the rulses so here's some worthless text in lieu of deleting my post

[Arrowhead]

I've received another level for this project!

 

@OceanMadman just completed a map, 'El Cielo está Enladrillado'.

 

Here are some screenshots!:

 

This is an incredibly psychedelic looking level - which makes very unique use of the GothMash resource. The map balances some nice room-over-room action w/ large open areas designed to encourage constant movement. The effects used look very unique, I'm excited to try this one out in our Friday and Saturday playtests!

Remember, the submission deadline is AUGUST 5TH.

 

:D