Suggestion - Area/Level Builder (expanding to Equipment, Weapons and Even Mobs)

**Spiritualist** · 08-13-2010, 07:58 AM

I don't know if it's been suggested before (and forgive me if it has) but it would be very cool to be able to deisgn your own areas/levels and share them with other players. I've seen similar things on a few iDevice apps before so I'm sure it's possible.

If it were implemented, I guess it could be done several ways - firstly just to allow players to make areas/levels and then for them to share them with the world (let's call this the "informal" method), or alternatively for areas created to be sumbitted to a central team of checkers/validators, etc. before it's incorporated in the game (let's call this the "formal" method).

Personally I'd prefer the formal method as it would ensure the quality of areas added. Minimum requirements could obviously be incorporated into both who could create areas/levels but also what is required for it to be considered for use.

I'd also dare to suggest that Spacetime Studios charge a minimal amount for each user added area, just as they do today for their areas, but perhaps keep the price down to the minimum of 0.99c or �0.59 for an area or even group of areas.

I'm sure there are many of us out there with ideas of area/level designs using existing mobs, bosses and gold chests and it would be an excellent way to keep the game moving along, as I'm sure there is a balance for the developers thinking "do we add feature X, Y and Z?" or "do we make a new area/level?".

Over time this could even be expanded to enable users to create/develop equiment and weapons and perhaps even mobs, again with appropriate checking for suitableness.

As a final thought, perhaps if the concept is thought to be good, but not the idea of allowing almost any user to get involved, perhaps the developers could seek out a few key interested parties simply to create areas/levels on their behalf - unpaid work, but with the understanding that the areas are to be implemented into the game at a minimal cost.

I don't know about you, but I like the idea.

**vulgarstrike** · 08-13-2010, 08:13 AM

map design is a lot more intricate than you think; I have developed maps on the source engine of half life 2 for team fortress 2 using hammer software. if this idea is implemented the devs would have to create an internal software so map making can be done by anyone, and most of the stuff will have to be preset. I can't see this working successfully on pocket legends in the next 3 years.

**Spiritualist** · 08-13-2010, 09:08 AM

But how do the devs make maps today?

**vulgarstrike** · 08-13-2010, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Spiritualist

But how do the devs make maps today?

very intently focused for days and possibly weeks, and with professionals like cinco

**bmc85uk** · 08-13-2010, 01:34 PM

The developers would have their own form of not-so-user-friendly map making software, to adapt it/write one for customers to use would take time. Plus you would have all of the added work load from checking submissions, many of which are sure to be unacceptable.

Spawn placement would take time, and if it was left up to the player could be unbalanced.

Not to mention the amount of clutter to the campaign screen from various submissions. Personally I'd rather have maps from the developers, but perhaps some competitions for level design (drawn or modeled; not requiring a mapping kit).

**FluffNStuff** · 08-13-2010, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Spiritualist

I don't know if it's been suggested before (and forgive me if it has) but it would be very cool to be able to deisgn your own areas/levels and share them with other players. I've seen similar things on a few iDevice apps before so I'm sure it's possible.
.

The maps you are referring to are individual files that stand alone program would lode. Pocket Legends maps are hosted on and loaded from the central server, and it would be far to dangerous to give users the power to design something with that kind of access and reach.