SuperApe/TOM Archive

This page is the starting point for all topics of Mapping, the design and creation of gaming areas (aka, maps or levels) with the Unreal Engine. Beginners should first acquaint themselves with the Mapping Lessons before going over these topics. Also, check out Basic Procedure for directions on tasks commonly performed when mapping.

Layout Design

This section covers general planning, layout, gameplay and flow.

• Gameplay – Super topic on concepts and elements of satisfying game design
  • Gametype – A hub page on mapping for each Unreal gametype
  • Map Design – Game concepts and elements related to map design
  • Map Flow – Maximizing the value of a map's gameplay through design
    • Z-Axis – Layout designing in the vertical dimension
    • Placing PlayerStart – Placing player start positions within the layout
    • Inventory Item Placement – Item, weapon and goal placement within the layout
    • Vehicle Gameplay – Vehicle spawn placement with the layout
  • Map Planning – Techniques to define and refine a map layout design

Construction

The technical specifics of creating the world. BSP, terrain, static meshes, skyboxes, PlayerStarts. For a gentle introduction to this, follow the Mapping Lessons. The technical concepts involved are explained on Unreal World.

• UnrealEd Interface – articles on the Wiki should explain as they go, but here we have the full reference for working with UnrealEd.
• General Scale and Dimensions
• Building with CSG
• Building with Static Meshes
• Terrain
• Map Optimization – How to Use Zoning and Antiportals to Get the Best Performance
• Map File Prefix

Visual Design

Using textures, lighting, materials.

• Using Materials
• Creating A Material
• Lighting
• Adding Polish To Maps
• Map Atmosphere – Comparison between maps' atmosphere between UT and UT2003

Bot Support

This section covers the standard practice of supporting AI players (aka, Bots).

• Bot Support – A hub page for bot support
  • Bot Pathing – Concepts and elements of the bot path network
    • Basic Bot Pathing – A tutorial for a basic bot path network
  • Strategic Bots – Advanced bot activities and maneuvers
  • Bot Mind – Understanding bot behavior and troubleshooting
  • Testing Botplay – Ensuring reliable bot support

Miscellaneous AI Support

This section covers non-standard AI support: Monsters, NPCs, etc.

• Artificial Intelligence – Super topic for all AI, including bot support, custom NPCs and monsters.
  • Trigger Systems – Complex behavior through Triggers and other actors
  • Monster Support – Unreal monsters
  • NPC Support – Custom non-player characters

Discussion

SuperApe: This page is just here to hold the Topics On Mapping stuff I worked on, in case it's needed after Graphik works on it. Please save.

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