Map Editor / MightyScript Steam Guide

[♥♥♥♥ Goblin]

Since there hasn't been an updated guide for using the new functions of the map editor / MS for 2.0, and we don't know when the new MS guide will be released, I was thinking of creating a community guide where people can contribute their ideas/code snippets/algorithms/"hacks" for other players to learn from and use to improve their map.

I know we have a few active map creators on these forums, so I am hoping you guys would be able to submit some information / screenshots / tutorials.

If you are interested in helping, add me to your steam friends list and add your thoughts/discussion to this thread.


Initial thoughts:

1. The map editor has some features and "quirks" that can make map editing fun or frustrating. I'd like to have a section that talks about how to "have fun creating maps while avoiding pitfalls".

2. Similar to above, MightyScript has some issues that can cause confusion (like how an action can fail and it aborts the current script, ignoring other actions), so having a list of tips / debug strategies that can help people utilize MS better.

3. Multiple sections that discuss how to use mightyscript with code examples / discussion. Topics would be anything about MightyScript. I am thinking about more advanced topics like using timers; lists; spawning waves; overview/example of action use; looping list/array "hacks"; camera controls; playing voices; and so on.

4. Files / map shares of examples for people to download and view. For example, we could have a map that demonstrates using a list and looping through that list while using the "pick from list" action to affect entities within the list.

5. Similar to above, a section with code/script snippets for people to reference. For example, someone might have developed an algorithm for a timer based wave spawning mechanism (like crucible) and their code/algorithm/script/etc could be put here for other players to use.

6. There are some players that are familiar with video creation, so perhaps they might want to create a few videos on certain topics that aren't covered in the older tutorial videos (for people who prefer videos over text/images).

[nutter666]

This is a great idea for a thread, I'll try and help out as best as I can (mostly in a "help by answering questions" kind of way) since I have a load of experience with it.

What kind of stuff do people most commonly struggle with?

[♥♥♥♥ Goblin]

A few thoughts for people to consider / contribute to (if you feel you have knowledge that would help):

1. MightyScript Trigger/Condition/Action review: perhaps the most useful part of the guide IMO would be an area that describes in more detail (than the in-game tooltip) about what each trigger/condition/action does, what parameters are used, and examples of way to use them (ideally, both usage examples and examples/snipptets that would add quality to a map).

2. MightyScript object review: what each object does and examples on how to use them. (Object being "scripts", "timers", "objectives", etc)

3. Map editor tips/strategies for designing good maps. Could be anything that could help someone improve the quality of their map.

4. Map setup tutorial. Something that explains what all the map fields (ie. description, goals, mutators, etc) do and how one might utilize these fields to enhance players game experience.

5. Map editor design strategies. Could be anything that you think creates a WftO feel or overlooked details when creating maps. Two examples:
a) Creating a multiplayer map: how to balance it; planning how players attack/defend/routes taken; etc
b) Creating shapes/images with block placement: as in, "pixel art", "circles/ovals", etc.

6. "Example Projects": some example projects that cover some of the common things one might use mightyscript for. Feel free to provide your own thoughts on what these projects could be. Here are a few I think would help.

a) "Spawning parties / waves": different ways to spawn units; change their behaviours; use rally flags/groups/patrols; add "on spawn" scripts to units (ie. on spawn; where unit is from a template; change their stats and add them to a list)

b) "Updating objectives": how to add numbers/timers to objectives (ie. [0] of [1]); how timer objective action works; how to reward points for completing objectives (MPD mode)

c) "Unit/Block view/enter/change": some ways to use these actions/events to create events (ie. when a earth block changes to dirt, it has been dug out by the player, so use this as a trigger to start some event)

d) "Debug console": using the debug console action to help test maps and looking at variables in the 'watch variable' window

e) "AI": how to manipulate the AI via mightyscript actions; how to improve the ai opponents (for non-skrimish modes); using digpaths; how spawning units from gateways works

f) "Camera": how to use the camera

g) "Sfx / Vfx": how to use the audio and visual effects in mightyscript; useful effects that people might use (ie. audio: "Well Done Overlord!" vfx: fireworks on objective to indicate completion)

[strich]

This sounds really great! I just wanted to pop in and say that whilst we cannot spend much more time adding things to the editor for WftO right now, we're always around on Discord if you need help with anything in the guide. Just ping Noontide, our community manager, and he'll make sure to relay the question to the right person.

[♥♥♥♥ Goblin]

Originally posted by strich:

This sounds really great! I just wanted to pop in and say that whilst we cannot spend much more time adding things to the editor for WftO right now, we're always around on Discord if you need help with anything in the guide. Just ping Noontide, our community manager, and he'll make sure to relay the question to the right person.

Awesome! I'll do that.

Do you have any internal documents that I could add to the guide (ie. a list of all the triggers/conditions/actions with parameters so I don't have to type it all out) that would save us some time?

Also, if they have time, could you ask your map designers to provide some input? I'd love to hear what they did when designing the campaign maps (vanilla, HoG, UG, MP) and multiplayer maps. It doesn't have to be long (ie. brief / points). I think many people would find that information useful.

Also #2, any other dev comments/tips/suggestons for players designing content would be great.

PS: Unrelated, but I'd love to see you guys do an AMA (here or on reddit). Doesn't have to be WftO specific. I think it would be cool to learn more about you guys.

[strich]

I'm sure we could put something together! Noontide is away until the start of next week so I'll make sure he gets back to you within the week he is back. :)

[nutter666]

Originally posted by C0ck Goblin:

Also, if they have time, could you ask your map designers to provide some input? I'd love to hear what they did when designing the campaign maps (vanilla, HoG, UG, MP) and multiplayer maps. It doesn't have to be long (ie. brief / points). I think many people would find that information useful.

I'm already here aren't I? :P

[♥♥♥♥ Goblin]

Originally posted by nutter666:

I'm already here aren't I? :P

Get to work! I ain't paying you to just sit around and use the forums all day!

I want a 50 word essay about how mightyscript works on my desk by Monday.

[♥♥♥♥ Goblin]

I published a "working guide" here: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1475034406

If anyone wants to work on it, then I can add you as a contributor but you need to be on my friends list. Just pick a subject and put your name next to it.

PS: feel free to change anything including the guide image :P