Steam workshop is confusing for downloads

[Thespikedballofdoom]

I don't think it's a very good system to have users not be able to access their subscribed maps via the "Launch server" button, or see them auto-completed in the console when typing map <mapname>. It doesn't help that the console prints all the workshop maps it successfully downloaded every launch, making it seem like they're all good to go.
If the console is cleared or the boot text is spammed out the tf_workshop_map commands don't do anything either.

Seeing that server operators can set maps to be downloaded via the workshop, "Updating steam resources...", it's really confusing to me that such a basic thing is like this. L4D2 does it fine. Especially considering there's a workshop folder in the maps folder by default.

Steam Community :: Team Fortress 2

steamcommunity.com

These posts show how obtuse the method is, so I've been wondering what the general mapping community thinks of this. Or if there's another, easy way to access these maps right after subscribing.
Or if, for some reason, this is the desired way for workshop subscribe downloads to be.

Sorry if this is already posted somewhere. I just want to learn.

 

[worMatty]

Subscribing to maps in the Workshop is pointless really as there's no way to play them offline without knowing how to load them in the console, and even then who are you going to play with? What is the point? It's a half-arsed system that doesn't tie in with the server browser or in-game server launcher in the ways that it should, and to this day several years later there are still problems with TF2's understanding of Workshop maps that causes it to ignore certain important script files, so uploading your own map becomes something you have to do out of necessity to prevent other people doing it before you, and you can do nothing about the compromised, broken experience your players will have.

The Workshop is little more than a catalogue for people to look at pretty pictures of maps, upvote them and comment in chat with "Valve pls add."

Server operators can load maps from the Workshop but again, with broken scripts, and if the map author dares to update their map and the server tries to switch to it while Valve is still checking it for rule-breaking content, the server will crash.

It only takes one or two minor problems to cause the whole system to be worse than just downloading maps the traditional way. Here we are a few years later though. Valve may or may not be using the Workshop to select maps for inclusion in updates, though whether they are paying attention to ratings, feedback or actually play-testing them is anyone's guess. It certainly looks as if they've taken their hands off the steering wheel.

 

[Thespikedballofdoom]

What kind of script files?

 

[Tumby]

Sadly the workshop isn't made for playing maps. The top priority of the TF2 Steam Workshop is and always was to be a submission page for Valve. Being able to play maps AT ALL is just a nice bonus.
In fact, Valve created the Steam Workshop for TF2. And even before then, Valve had a website where you could upload files for Valve to add to the game. (Or they would simply notice your project and contact you directly.)

so uploading your own map becomes something you have to do out of necessity to prevent other people doing it before you

If somebody uploads your map without permission, you can file a dmca takedown request.

What kind of script files?

Definitely soundscripts and soundscapes. Maybe cubemaps and particle effects?

 

[Izotope]

Because it hasn't been said yet, you can play a workshop map locally by copying the workshop ID of a map (which your console prints for you on boot).
Then type "map workshop/0123456789" in the console and it'll load as you'd expect.
(Yes, you can omit the mapname.ugc part of the console print)