Why do you map?

[KILLA-COW]

I map because it's like a release from reality, you can make whatever you want whenever you feel like it, and so when I'm mapping all of lifes other problems go out of the window. Also in a map your totally free to express yourself in which ever way you see fit, I love that about mapping, because it allows you to explore you wildest architectural fantasies.

Also mapping has taught me everything I know about computers, I started mapping on NILE for Joint Operations then had to forget everything I knew and start mapping on hammer, this forced me to learn other things as well as just mapping.

With me hoping to go into game design or (preferably) architecture when I'm older mapping is kind of killing two birds with one stone, it allows me to explore architectural styles and build in a semi realistic manner which will no doubt be helpful in architecture, the people at the architects I went to for work experience were very, very, very impressed with mapping and the capabilities of source engine.

But mostly I map for fun because its a bloody good laugh and you meet some well good people!

[Dead-Inside]

I map whenever I have time (not so much) and don't feel like doing other things (This include playing games, which I do 98% of the time over mapping).

But when I map, it's the freedom that I like. The ability to create something, relatively easy, and play it.

[Grantax]

It's like cleaning up.
I don't LOVE to do it, but I like the result

[Quezalcoatl]

It's like creating your own world that you show everyone.

[zatoichi]

I started mapping when HL2 was released with the sdk. Just thought i would go have a wee peek at how they created the game and so on. Little did i know that i had slowly become addicted to creating my own levels (that suck but i am getting their). I love all the diffrent things that can be done so easily (relativly) like chain reactions and just all the good stuff explosions lights going out sounds its so much fun.

[Woe Kitten]

Artistic expression and the fun of knowing that people will get joy out of something I made. But the main thing is that I love the way it makes me look at the world. I see everything in super-detailed made these days

[Ripper_hugme]

yes, woe you just sounded like my year 7 art teacher, but yes i have to say everything you said aswell.

a bad thing: i can look at look at level design in other games and i can 'read' for example: tell between a textured brush and a static mesh.

[UberSpeed]

I love to map because I love design.

Because I love design...

...I want to be able to model but...

...IT'S WAY TOO HARD!

[Quasar]

I do it because the voices in my head tell me to.

But seriously, I love games, and when there's a game I want to play that doesn't exist, I find myself compelled to make it! Unfortunately, with the attention span of a deranged goldfish, I never finish anything.

[alexroyce]

One of the best experiences with mapping is watching others have fun on something youve made.

Why I do it is more because of how fun it is, plus its productive unlike just playing games. You have absolute control over everything aswell, so as long as you know how to create what youre aiming to make, nothing can stop you from creating what you dream of. Memories, experiences, thoughts, personality, knowledge and skill all come together in maps to create something unique.

'Tis a good thing

[elshawn]

I map as a way to escape the realities of this world, and to create something unique that when looked at, people will say "Hmmm, how did he do that?"

[Blink]

I like to put a player through emotions and set pieces I intended all along.

[Generalvivi]

i was born with a hammer in my left hand and a mouse and a very strong pointer finger on my right.

[Woe Kitten]

i was born with a hammer in my left hand and a mouse and a very strong pointer finger on my right.

But it took him years of practice to develop that wrist action

[DarkMortar]

To try something orginal and to prove soemthing. And to give me an atmosphere "I" enjoy and make me feel proud of and hang out in.