Hello

[Parker]

Hi

My names Parker (obviously) and ive decided to stop just snooping around these forums and join up.

I'm very interested in mapping for Source games (especialy l4d2), and have been following a few tutorials to get me started.

My dream project to complete would be a vineyard themed campaign or even single high quality map for L4D2.

Can anyone recommend a good way to come up with ideas for the layout/architecture of my map? as i said i want to do a Vineyard style day time map for L4D2.

I'm great at starting, but seem to come to a dead end after a few displacments and buildings.

[Parker]

Bump

[Phott]

Bump

lol do you seriously expect answers within 4 hours?

If you're that impatient you're gonna have a hard time on this forum.

Anyways, welcome!

[Major Banter]

No need to bump to frontpage, we do browse the listing here.

[Hollow]

Lol, bumping your introductory post probably won't get you on the good side with some of the people lurking here
But Hello and welcome!

And regarding your question. Always plan first. Find references pictures for style and themes, so you have them at hand further down the line. And ALWAYS draw out a layout plan on paper or in Photoshop or whatever, prior to mapping, it helps significantly in finding the flow of things before you commit to the actual mapping. Make lots of notes also of what you want where etc..just get as many ideas you want to input into the map onto paper, it'll be less likely that you'll be stuck with a mind block down the road. You don't have to be a concept artist either to strike up a scene. Just basic doodles can help greatly in fleshing out your vision.

Once that is done just begin with blocking out your map with dev textures..test, pick out certain things/changes/points of interest/problems, change. Then when it comes to detailing the buildings and areas, use all those references and doodles and ideas you stored up and get working. Hopefully it should all piece together more easily.

Hope this helps!

[Parker]

Thanks a lot for the info hollow night, sorry for the bumpage lol. i didnt want my thread to go un-noticed but i won't be doing that in future

[Major Banter]

I recommend you go absolutely nuts with the google image search until you find something good. And are you thinking French, Spanish, American or Italian? Each have very different architecture styles and you'll have to plan heavily for all of them to make it playable.

[Parker]

I would actualy love to find some images of Maynard James keenan's (Singer from a rock band) Vineyard in Arizona. But if i can't find any i guess i'll go with an american style vineyard.

[Zipfinator]

You should get something from this. Once it's actually out I'm sure it'll have a ton of reference for you.

[Parker]

yeah, i can't wait for that to come out. counting the days lol.