Map Studios

The MajCom Map Studios

Here at MajorCommand our goal is to develop the highest quality maps of any online gaming site, both in terms of play features and design. We've put together a crack team of developers and artists to create new maps, but we will also be relying on our user community for fresh ideas and feedback. As the production manager of our Studios, it is my charge to ensure that our community works together to efficiently and smoothly create the best possible product.

We know that the best map ideas are going to come from those who spend the most time with the game: our players. Any member of the MajCom community may present a new map idea for review and discussion in the Map Studios. You simply need to create a new thread, and follow the steps and standards below. It will then be up to the community to provide feedback, suggest changes, and weigh in on the potential popularity of the project. Projects that (1) are original in theme and design, (2) go through a period of thoughtful review and development, and (3) win the support of both the community and our CentCom team will be assigned to a member of our design team for final production.

RjBeals and WidowMakers have been appointed the Senior Graphic Designers of the MajCom Studios. They will take the commuity's raw materials and create a playable image worthy of inclusion at this site. Community members whose maps reach this stage will receive credit on the map briefing page, as well as receive public recognition (medals, pats on the back, my undying affection, etc.) and other special goodies for their hard work.

-Shepherd

How to Propose (and Develop) Your Own Map Idea

Alright, so you want to create the next great MajCom map... now what? Well here's what, in eight easy steps.

1. Acquaint yourself with the lingo and the special map features used here at MajorCommand. As a map developer you'll want to have as many tricks up your sleeve as possible, so get to know what it means to when we talk about auto-deployments, breakouts, killer neutrals, ranged assaults, etc.

2. Read and acquaint yourself with our Map Development Standards, below.

3. Come up with an idea. Your idea should present something original in terms of its theme and layout. If you give the community something we'll get excited about you will get more feedback, and in the end create a better map.

4. Create an image. It doesn't have to be the Sistine Chapel (you aren't the final artist) it just has to be good enough to convey to the rest of us how the map will play. This image should communicate the locations of regions and borders, the bonus commands and their values, and the areas affected by any special play features or rules that this map will use. Keep in mind that the community will make suggestions and ask for changes, so we advise that you create your image in a format that you'll be able to make changes to. Photoshop or GIMP are excellent programs for creating easily manipulated images, but you may use whatever you are comfortable with.

5. Post your image in a new thread here in the Studios. Provide some background with the image: what was your inspiration, what will the theme of this map be, etc. And clearly note basic play features that we should be aware of: number of regions, value of commands, and any special rules we'll need to be aware of.

6. Check back regularly to see how the community is responding to your idea. Remember - you'll need community support for this idea to move forward, so you'll need to listen to the community, consider suggestions, and thoughtfully (and politely, please) respond to feedback.

7. Make changes! Nobody gets it right the first time (or the second, third, or fourth), so be willing and able to re-post your map with changes based on the community's feedback. MajCom's current maps all went through dozens of versions before we came up with what you see today.

8. Finally, if and when you've nailed it and been given the green light by the Production Manager (Shepherd) we'll assign one a member of our crack design team. You may be asked to dialogue with our designers about the intended theme and style of the map so that we fully capture your vision, but the final image will be in the hands of the assigned designer.

Map Development Standards

1. Map ideas that may be in violation of copyright laws will not be considered.

2. Map ideas that are not the intellectual property of the community map developer will not be considered unless the developer can produce proof of permission to use said property.

3. Map developers who ignore, dismiss, or reject public comments and suggestions, or who otherwise fail to engage in the community's discussion about their project, will not see their projects advance.

4. Decisions made by the MajCom Team regarding new map projects are not subject to public review, and the Team reserves the right to lock threads for any reason including, but not limited to, violation of site rules or failure to meet studio standards/follow the studio process.

5. Major Command retains ownership of the final images created by the MajCom design team; map designers or other community members may not use MajCom images for non-authorized uses.