Is it possible to switch the teams around on Attack/Defense?

Simski

L2: Junior Member
May 17, 2010
57
11
I am sadly know very little of mapping myself, but I'm asking because I have a very talented mapping friend that thought that this might not be possible.

Basically, I'm wondering if the attack/defend gamemode for maps like dustbowl, gravelpit, and gorge... can have the teams switched around so that Red will be the attacking team, and Blue will be defending.
I'm not asking for those maps particularly, but could the gamemode in general be switched around when making a map?


I would also like to ask...
If this can be done, do you think it would be considered a major gameplay change if done in the artpass contest?
He's afraid that Valve would not like him doing this, if it was possible.
 

Ginger

L4: Comfortable Member
Jun 29, 2010
151
56
Traditionally, it's always Blu attacking, so i don't know how much people would be against it, :/ Imo, it could be interesting to try, but tbh, it's best to keep it how it is ;D
 

HeaH

L8: Fancy Shmancy Member
Oct 2, 2008
553
102
You could, but it would only confuse players, so don't

And it would definitely ruin all your chances in the artpass contest
 

Simski

L2: Junior Member
May 17, 2010
57
11
Well then I know it's possible... but then again it being "confusing" might be considered a gameplay change for the worse :(

Darn... his map would look so much better with the teams turned around.
 
Feb 18, 2009
640
629
Yeah it is perfectly possible, but could very easily confuse players. The most effective but time consuming method of fixing this is to create a set of textures and models that fit the desired theme of the map. But hey, his map, ultimately up to him what to do.

EDIT: 500 posts ^_^ where's the party? :p
 

Nimelrian

L2: Junior Member
Jun 13, 2010
64
6
Imagine you would swap the teams roles on dustbowl.

The attacking team (if the spawns would remain the same) would cap the endpoint of a stage in a couple of seconds OR the defending team would block the attacking one's spawn.
 

Huckle

L3: Member
May 31, 2010
149
101
What surprises me is how many just go "it could confuse players". Sure, red is usually the defender on attack/defend and payload maps but what about all of the others? People don't seem to be confused when they attack as red on arena, ctf, 5 point cp or plr maps.

While I agree that making custom maps for a game is a lot about making the maps themselves similar to what already exists in the game, I also think that playing a new map in itself is more confusing than suddenly being on one team or the other. Story-wise it also makes sense that both teams would attack equally. In my mind, I have a high enough opinion of the players of custom maps that I say "go for it". I'm not sure whether it is because I'm trying to defend my own look of the art pass which I think is excellent or if it's actually a valid opinion though.

That is unless it is hard-coded, giving a message of "you are now defending" while picking red on a map where you're actually attacking and auto-balancing teams as if one team was the defenders.
 
Apr 13, 2009
728
309
Meh. First thing I look for when playing an unknown map is the hud. that generally tells you what the map is about. If I'm red and see 2 BLU CPs, 1 locked on my hud, I'll just assume I have to take them in order while BLU defends...
 
Feb 18, 2009
640
629
Yeah, it seems weird that people get confused by a simple switch of team criteria, but its psychology. You can give someone as many indications that Blu are defending, but unless they are rehearsed in looking for such indications, then they wont actually take note of them. Every time I've been in a test of a map with the teams switched, people always mention how odd it is to attack as Blu.

Ok, so in short, and please please let this end the discussion, if he really thinks that making Red attack and Blu defend is the best solution, then there is nothing stopping. I mean, people might even get used to it if his entry wins and get official, so don't stress too much over it.

Now stop talking, everyone. :p
 

Nineaxis

Quack Doctor
aa
May 19, 2008
1,767
2,820
Switching teams goes completely and entirely against the base design of the entire game.

Don't do it.