Contest idea thread!

[Ravidge]

I'm actually keeping track of this, believe it or not.
The Assignment frenzy period ended 2 months ago, and another minor contest is sort of expected around now-ish. However, it's the middle of Halloween and people are busy, so I'm not starting something right this moment.

Contests are obviously a core part of this whole community so rest assured that it won't be forgotten (as long as I'm a mod, at least).

 

[Mr. Wimples]

You need to understand that the original artpass was done at the convinience of Valve because an ex-site mod had direct connections with Valve staff; we can't do an official artpass like in the past unless one of the site mods.

I haven't been in a hole for the past year, I do realize that. I use the term because the contest was named that and people have commonly referred to detailing contests as an "artpass". Also I do realize we have a few mini contests going on, and I definitely wouldn't advise springing a contest right now. I just meant that I'd like to see an artpass-like contest coming around in the near future. Possibly In December. The trick is we have to figure out what map to do it on and I'd prefer it's one which is generally liked, unlike Mountainlab which I rarely see played.

 

[Fruity Snacks]

The trick is we have to figure out what map to do it on and I'd prefer it's one which is generally liked, unlike Mountainlab which I rarely see played.

It gets played less because Manor is the same map and enviromentally, its more "fun"... it is also isn't an event map.

 

[Loc_n_lol]

RE: artpass contest. Rather than arbitrarily pick a map that half the site regulars are likely to dislike for whatever reason (see: batt unofficial contest), why not make a 2-part contest ? First, contestants make a undetailed map, best 2-3 layouts win. Then, they pick whatever base they prefer among the winners and detail it, best detail entries win this second phase.

 

[English Mobster]

RE: artpass contest. Rather than arbitrarily pick a map that half the site regulars are likely to dislike for whatever reason (see: batt unofficial contest), why not make a 2-part contest ? First, contestants make a undetailed map, best 2-3 layouts win. Then, they pick whatever base they prefer among the winners and detail it, best detail entries win this second phase.

I like this idea.
I like this idea a lot.

 

[Terwonick]

that/\

I think it would be a great official contest, that way, if you get behind in one section, you sill have the other to work on... i got behind on my artpass and BATT, so I ended up dropping both of them.

 

[Fruity Snacks]

The issue with that, is that it will be double the length of a normal contest.

If you look at the (a)sym contest it was 6 months, which is kinda long... To do that, at minimum if you wanted a GOOD dev map, it would take 3-4 months, then probably take another month just to test and judge (based on how many entrants) and then another 3-4 month just to detail, then another month to judge... That is 8-10 months for a single contest... That is a LONG time and would be a lot of effort for the host. (not to mention, its double the prizes)

 

[Terwonick]

why not make it 2-3 months for the actual making of the map, then 2-3 for artpass, then it's more like 7-8 months, not as bad. plus stressful time limits make me work faster... if I like what I'm doing, and I'd like building my own map from scratch. and I would suggest just have it be two or three map types, preferably A/D CP, PL, and A/D CTF... You could call it the "Attack / Defend Contest" with every map being blu attack and red defend

 

[zpqrei]

I think that idea would only work with smaller maps. Maybe a koth or 3cp (GP style). I can't see it working with bigger maps on anything but an epic timescale.

 

[English Mobster]

A reasonable Single-Stage Payload or 5 CP could be blocked out in 3 months as well. It's the multi-stage ones that give problems, as it's triple the work.

 

[Lubaf]

Really Stupid Idea for a Contest: Payload Race TC

For the next contest, why not combine the two most unpopular map types into one unpopular monstrosity: A Payload Race Territory Control Map!

Okay, I know that was stupid, but I wanted to suggest it anyway.

Thanks
Luc "Random Map" French

 

[English Mobster]

I have a working version of that gametype. Granted, it's not RANDOM, but it is the same concept. It can't be random due to the hard 8 CP limit. Having 4 center points eats up the entire limit, so you would be forced to limit yourself to 3 center PLR rounds and 2 A/D rounds.

 

[Bermuda Cake]

A reasonable Single-Stage Payload or 5 CP could be blocked out in 3 months as well. It's the multi-stage ones that give problems, as it's triple the work.

I don't think a multi stage map is TRIPLE the work, especially compared to a five CP, it's only one more CP. Granted there's more work to do with spawns and splitting up the stage, but not triple.

 

[LeSwordfish]

5cp in terms of coldfront? remember that's mirrored. And 5cp in an artpass way would be... tiring.

 

[WastedMeerkat]

How about a contest where the person who serves me best for the duration of the rest of their life wins? The prize could be a clipping of my hair or a personal belonging I don't find very valuable.

 

[re1wind]

payload map. indiana jones style. With the giant skull from eyeaduct.

 

[Prestige]

reverse artpass: use a theme pack and make the best map outta it (bulletcrops, construction). gotta use like 50% of the assets? i dunno. allow self made props/textures probably too.

 

[Montezuma]

reverse artpass: use a theme pack and make the best map outta it (bulletcrops, construction). gotta use like 50% of the assets? i dunno. allow self made props/textures probably too.

interesting, maybe add a specific gametype? Suppose it would make judging hard though. Kinda hard to remember which ones you liked when all your entries would be swamp-style payload maps

 

[Codename22]

I like it.
Then people would be graded on their actual design more instead of the map's aesthetics.
OK, the props still need to be used right but now the emphasize is not so on the looks anymore since everyone is using the same theme. Now the implementation of the theme & the actual design skills can be tested in this contest.
I like a design contest much more over an artistic style of contest.
Also I think that most of us here are here to become a level designer and not a level artist!

 

[MoonHitler]

I'm here to become both