First Official Map Makers' Contest

[LPhillips]

Greetings to all players, new and old.

An official mapmaking contest has now been sanctioned by Snotling, with a 600 point reward for the winner(s). There will be two parts to the contest. Finish date 12AM (24:00hrs) September 01, 2012

1) Large Map entries. These will be maps of 100x100 or 150x150 size. For this competition, the maps must take the form of a polygon with points equal to the number of players, featuring no advantage of "corners" to any player. Rough circles are also permitted. This map size must feature five or more players. An example distance-precise octagon on a 100x100 map is free to download in the map feedback forum, titled "No Corners 1.0". Be sure to rename entries. Also be aware that diagonal travel distance is expedited compared to vertical/horizontal travel in Warbarons, so geometric polygons are not as effective as distance-adjusted polygons.

2) Small Map entries. These maps will be up to 75x75 in size, featuring from two to four players. On these maps, play time is especially important. Something that typically finishes decisively in less than 10 turns is not likely to see much consideration.

Finally, the main purpose of this contest is to introduce a wealth of new and enjoyable ladder maps to the community. With that consideration, the entries will be judged on the following criteria:

1) Originality and Creativity. Recreating an old favorite may get you major popularity points and make us all appreciate you much more, but it won't get you far in the contest. Unique gameplay elements introduced by map design will net major points. Utilization of map making features to control map flow and influence tactics is highly recommended.

2) Balance. While mirror maps are not required (and may lose points in Creativity and Beauty), balance is highly valued in ladder maps. A severely imbalanced map will certainly be disqualified in final judging.

3) Polish. This is particularly about the use of the very nice features provided in the new mapmaker. You should make intentional decisions about city income, unit production settings, and player spawns. Particularly if you do not use the controlled player start (spawn) settings to properly regulate your map to its intended play features, the map will not be favored in final judging.

4) Beauty. This is least important from a ladder map point of view, but it may very well make the final difference that puts you ahead of your competitors. This is landscaping, non-strategic terrain features, and aesthetic presentation of your strategic terrain features.

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The contest runs through the end of August. It is to your advantage to get your entries in and begin testing them and polishing them for the final judging. Making and polishing the first copy of a good small map takes from 2 to 8 hours depending on your proficiency. A large map can take quite a long time, but if you win both entries then you will have credits for a free gold account for two months. With consecutive contests, a player could conceivably have indefinite gold without monetary payment.

The contest will be judged by the community. Barring an obvious consensus, I will make the final call. In the event that one of my maps is ever in the running for a contest, I will defer to another experienced player. Good luck to you all!