[Official] Conquer Club Mapmaker Handbook

[thenobodies80]

Table of Contents

Getting Started:


Introduction
The Dynamics of the Foundry

Mapmaking Policies:


General Mapmaking Rules
Conquer Club Copyright Agreement
Abandoned & Vacationed Maps
Medals

The Map Foundry:


The Drafting Room
Map Ideas & Recycling Box
Drafting Room

Main Foundry Workshops
Gameplay
Graphics

Final Forge
XML
Beta & Quench

Helpful Information:


Contacts
Mapmaking Tools
How to Use [Tags] & Attachments

[thenobodies80]

Hi and welcome to the Map Foundry.

Whether you're a veteran map maker or thinking about your first map, this guide is here to help you make the most out of the Foundry. We want to help your map's journey from an idea to a playable map to be the smoothest and best possible. By sticking to this guide, you can do just that.
If you have any questions about making a map or are considering making a map, but don't know where to start, the Foundry Cartographers are here to help. Feel free to ask us any questions as that's what we're here for.

The Cartography Assistants



** A special thanks to MrBenn, natty_dread, DiM, ender516 and to all those who have contributed to the production of this guide.

[thenobodies80]

Click image to enlarge.

[thenobodies80]

General Mapmaking Rules

Now, before starting your own map it is recommended that you read and understand the following rules to ensure that the process is as enjoyable and efficient as possible for you and the community at large.

Map Accuracy Disclaimer
Although mapmakers are encuraged to be accurate while developing their maps, it is clear that the maps we have (and develop) on Conquer Club are not meant to depict any actual reality or history, etc. but made more for playability reasons. Graphics and historical accuracy are always utterly servient to the gameplay. We make maps that are meant to be played.

Title Requirements

1. Map Name
2. A Tag with the date of your latest update [dd Mmm yyyy] (e.g. [06 Jul 2011])
3. List what page(s) the latest update is on (e.g. [p1/5])
4. If you're after feedback for something specific, then you can always add a suffix (e.g. Thread Title wrote:Map Name [dd Mmm yyyy] p1/5 - Something for feedback? )
5. For every stamp received a CA will add a topic icon to your title; the color of the icon always identifies the latest stamp.

Icons Schema:
= Draft (once given the map is working towards the Gameplay stamp)
= Gameplay (once given the map is working towards the Graphics stamp)
= Graphics (once given the map is working towards the XML stamp)
= XML (once given the map is practically ready for Beta play)
= Beta (once given the map is in Beta and awaiting Final Quench)

Information Requirements on the first post of a map thread

If you are looking to create a map yourself and you have a first draft, when you post it into the Drafting Room as a new topic, a pre-populated post will show:



show: pre-populated post


All fields MUST be filled (otherwise the map draft won't be considered for a stamp).

General Rules

1. A map should be ‘inherently unique either in gameplay, location, or theme’.
2. Gameplay features must be compatible with the game engine's currently usable XML.
3. A map's content must be the original work of the cartographer unless consent to use copyrighted works is gained. This is your responsibility.
4. All sound advice must be followed unless a logical rebuttal by the mapmaker or another member of the community is provided.
5. To proceed through the foundry the community must show a reasonable amount of interest towards a map.
6. Host the image using Photobucket.com, imageshack.us, or something similar. The type of image file must be PNG or JPEG.
7. For a map to be used for live play the cartographer must agree to the Conquer Club Copyright Agreement.
8. All maps should be posted using [bigimg] tags instead of the standard [img] tags when posting map drafts.
9. A map must work within the following map size restrictions:


show: size restrictions

Good Foundry Conduct

We know everyone has their own way of doing things. Below is our advice to you on good foundry conduct when it comes to posting map updates or posting feedback for a map you have interest in.


show: Good conduct when posting a map update

show: Good conduct when posting feedback on a map

[thenobodies80]

Conquer Club Copyright Agreement

While many people contribute towards development of a map, it is the graphical artist who has recognised ownership of the map imagery, and must agree to the the following copyright agreement upon quenching:


The author retains copyright on their work, and gives Conquer Club permission to use the imagery free of charge, for as long as Conquer Club sees fit on the Conquer Club website. Conquer Club cannot sell, lease, or lend the right to use the images to anyone else. The author swears that their map is their own work, or a legal derivative work and by submitting it, do hereby claim all responsibility for that being true.

[thenobodies80]

Abandoned & Vacationed Maps Policy

The topics placed into the Recycling Box are those map projects that have either been put on "Vacation" or have been "Abandoned":

Vacationed Maps

All of us have a real life and everyone knows that sometimes it becomes hectic. For this reason, if a mapmaker has no way to work on a map for more than a month, but he is unwilling to abandon the project, he has the option to put the map on vacation. When the mapmaker asks for a vacation period, a CA will move the map topic into the Recycling Box, adding the [Vacation] tag to the map title.


• A map is put on Vacation only upon a clear request by the mapmaker.
  
• A map can NOT stay on Vacation for more than 6 months. If the mapmaker doesn't express a clear interest to continue the project, it will be considered abandoned.
• Regardless of the time needed by the mapmaker, the CAs will grant in every case 6 months.
• A mapmaker can start to work again on the map at any time, within the six months. Upon explicit request of the mapmaker, a CA will move the topic back into the Foundry Process, but only after that an update has been provided.
• Vacationed maps are easily recognizable because they have the [Vacation - valid untill MMM YY] tag into the title. (e.g. [Vacation - valid untill Aug 11])

Abandoned Maps

Sometimes a mapmaker decides that he doesn't want to pursue a map project anymore. When it happens the map project is considered abandoned.
A map topic may be abandoned in two different ways: upon an explicit request of the mapmaker, or because there's a lack of updates.

When a map is abandoned a Cartography Assistant will move the topic to the appropriate forum, after having checked the status of development:

• If the map has received at least the Draft Stamp, the CA will add the [Abandoned] tag to the title and the topic will be moved into the Recycling Box.
  
• If the map has NOT received at least the Draft Stamp, it will be considered just an advanced idea and therefore it will be moved back to the Idea Subforum. No tag added in this case.

IMPORTANT: Regardless of the current stage of development, a map will be considered abandoned after a month has passed without an update or it has been vacationed for more than 6 months.

[thenobodies80]

Mapmaking Medals Policy

There is a maximum of two medal recipients per map. One Mapmaking Medal will be awarded to the graphical artist who has recognised ownership of the map imagery. At the discretion of the Foundry Foreman, a second mapmaking medal may be awarded to one other co-developer. These "Primary Developer(s)" don't necessarily have to be the Graphics and XML developers, but usually are. Co-developers are not guaranteed a medal. In cases where more than one person has collaborated/assumed primacy on a map, the Foundry Foreman and Cartography Assistants will determine who has made the most significant contribution to the development of map mechanics and graphics and decide whether or not a second medal should be awarded.

[thenobodies80]

Map Ideas & Recycling Box


Melting Pot: Map Ideas

This is the perfect place for CC members to discuss what kind of new maps they would like to see at this site.
You don't have to be a mapmaker to post a new topic here - you just have to have an idea that you would like to see turned into a map. And if you are a mapmaker - or would like to be one - this is the place to kick around new ideas before you get started.
This forum tends to contain raw material that has already been tempered, and may be picked by new mapmakers; an effort should be made to inform the original mapmaker of your interest in using his/her idea. The new mapmaker must start a new Draft topic and any artwork from the abandoned map may not be used without the original mapmaker's consent. Before posting, it's always a good idea to check that your shiny new idea for a map hasn't already been suggested/developed - the Forum Search Tool is your friend.

Recycling Box

This is the place where Abandoned or Vacationed maps stay. All maps in this subforum have been placed here for one of the following reasons:


1. The mapmaker requested that the map be given Vacation or Abandoned status.
   
2. Went more than 1 month without an update from the mapmaker.

If the original maker wants to resume work on his/her map, the original mapmaker may contact a CA to have their map moved out of the Recycling Box and placed back in the appropriate forum (based on the latest stamp) after that an update has been provided.

Maps in this subforum that have been abandoned may be also picked up by new mapmakers; an effort should be made to inform the original mapmaker of your interest in using his/her idea. The new mapmaker must start a new Draft topic and any artwork from the abandoned map may not be used without the original mapmaker's consent.

Map projects in this subforum that have been tagged as [Vacation] and stickied should not be taken up by a new mapmaker unless permission has been secured from the original mapmaker.

[thenobodies80]

The Drafting Room



The draft stamp is required for a map project to be moved from the Drafting Room to the Main Foundry Workshops.
To earn this stamp the map must meet the following conditions:

1)The map, first and foremost, must have a clear plan of how production will go
2) Have a playable image. (If it would be quenched instead of Draft stamped, would it be possible to play on it?)
This should include the following:

• Territory names
  
• Working legends
• Speculative Bonuses
• Tentative Border Divisions
3) The working image needs to be beyond rough draft state. This means that you must provide the following:

• A working image done in some kind of graphic software. Pencil-drawn images and images done on Microsoft Paint will not be accepted or considered a working draft.
• At least two quality updates must be provided.(*)
4) Have honest and interested discussion. Not just you and three friends.

(*) Note: This requirement applies only to mapmakers with no maps quenched. The quality updates are required only to ensure that the mapmaker has got what it takes to use graphics software and reach Conquer Club standards.

Supersize Applications

Sometimes developing a map within the standard limits can be a pain. For this reason the Cartographers may authorize the use of additional space. Obviously, a map project must need the additional space (i.e., they shouldn't be unnecessarily big, just for the heck of it), and mapmakers will be required to suggest their intended image sizes while the map is in the Drafting room. Please read the Supersize Maps Announcement on what the guidelines are to receive supersize status!

In some situations it may happen that the map needs extra space only after going beyond the Drafting Room. In these situations the application is not necessary and a decision will be made ​​on a case-by-case basis by the Cartographers.

[thenobodies80]

Main Foundry Workshop: Gameplay



The development of solid, balanced gameplay is the first challenge of map development. In order to meet gameplay expectations and make your map successful, you will need to incorporate the following elements:

Balanced Deployment - It should be unlikely that one or more players can start the game with a major advantage as a result of the initial drop or getting the first turn. Conquer Club is primarily a strategy game, and we therefore like to minimise as many of the luck factors as possible - the dice are random enough!


show: Details


Reasonable Bonus Structure - Bonuses should make sense given the size/style of the map, and be based on a consistent formula. Consideration should be given to balancing the strength of the board, ensuring that no specific area of the map gives an overwhelming advantage from the start of a game.


show: Details


Game Type Flexibility - The map should support various game types and not be designed with specific/limited game settings in mind (standard, assassin, fog of war, 2 players, etc.). Maps designed for fewer than 8-players should be discouraged, and will only be approved if the map is really something special.

Player-friendliness - Any information you need to know to play a map should be easy to gather by looking at the map itself. The legend should be clear, concise and consistent, and the map itself should be free of unnecessary or cumbersome rules that push it over the line separating complex from confusing.

Open Play - There should be many ways a game might progress on a map, and many roads to victory. Such features as impassable borders should enhance, not limit, gameplay, and every effort should be made to limit the number of dead ends and bottlenecks in a map, unless they are justified by the desired play of the map. The map should be fun to play, not frustrating.

Function Trumps Form - The style of the graphics should not detract from ease of play: borders should be clear, titles and numbers easy to read, colors easy to distinguish, etc...

Form Must Follow Function - So important it's on the list twice! Expect to show some flexibility and be prepared to move away from complete geographical accuracy or historical authenticity: the look and theme of the map must be utterly subservient to gameplay and legibility.

Gameplay Advice: Mapmakers are strongly encouraged to scrutinize every bonus or rule they have in place, and ask themselves: "Does this enhance the theme or support my goal for the map?" (referring to the theme & goal that they presumably developed in the Drafting Room). If the rule or bonus isn't essential to the map's goal/theme, then it almost certainly should be axed.

For more details please take a look at the Gameplay Guidelines.

[thenobodies80]

Main Foundry Workshop: Graphics



Once a map has been awarded a stamp for Gameplay, it is time to set about transforming it into a work of art that would sit comfortably alongside other CC maps in the Viewing Gallery. There are fairly few rules and restrictions about graphics development:

Map Sizes - Each map must eventually be submitted in two sizes. The 'large' map may be up to 840px wide and 800px high (supersize up to 1200px wide and 1000px high). The 'small' map may be up to 630px wide and 600px high (supersize up to 780px wide and 650px high). Mapmakers are encouraged to make their 'large' maps smaller than the maximum size limits when possible. The 'large' map must be noticeably larger than the 'small' map; 9% larger is required but 33.3% (1/3) is recommended. The majority of mapmakers begin working on their large image; although it is worth ensuring that everything will remain clear and legible on the small image relatively early in development.

Army Numbers - Army numbers are an essential component of every CC map. Their placement is important - it must be clear which 'territory' each army belongs to, and there must be enough room to fit a three digit number without compromising legibility of borders or labels. You may wish to use CC Army Digit Images to see how the map looks with the addition of army numbers, and to check the placement of 'army circles' if you choose to use them.

Clarity and Readability - The image must present itself as clear and legible. Any information you need to know to play a map should be easy to gather by looking at the map itself: Borders and attack routes should be clear (or clearly explained if unconventional borders are used), bonus regions should be indicated clearly; any non-standard groupings, combinations, and permutations should be clearly explained. The legend should be clear, concise, and consistent. The map itself should be free of unnecessary or cumbersome rules that push it over the line separating complex from confusing.

Colorblind Check - Mapmakers must, where possible, reduce any disadvantage that can be caused to a colorblind individual. The image should be subjected to a Colorblind Check to ensure that regions, attack routes etc. are colorblind-friendly.

Thematic Consistency - The look and general appearance of the map should fit with the theme of the map. You will need to consider how all the visual aspects of map fit the theme (pixellated vs. smooth borders; bright vs. dark; clean vs. grunge; compatible font selection, etc. etc.).
Here are some questions that you can ask yourself before you make a map:


show: Questions


Graphical Benchmarks - Both large and small maps' aesthetics must be to a presentable Foundry standard and must also satisfy the community at large.
Graphical benchmarks are subjective and it is difficult to legislate for them: the Foundry Team members are the final arbiters of map quality, and will ultimately judge whether or not a map meets the Conquer Club standard.

All map makers are expected to take all graphical comments into consideration and must either accept them or give sound reasoning as to why not to take particular advice.

For more details please take a look at the Graphics Guidelines.

[thenobodies80]

Final Forge: XML



Once a map has received both the Gameplay and the Graphics stamps, it is time to start writing the XML. There's no need to be afraid of writing XML - it's simply a technical description of a map that enables the game engine to convert a finished map image into a playable board.
How do you do it?

The Development - The XML has to follow a precise schema, full details of which are available in the XML Tutorial. While you don't need anything more complicated than notepad to write your XML, the are a couple of community-developed tools that may help, the more noteworthy is certainly the Online Map XML Wizard.

XML Checking - Once the XML has been completed, it will need to be posted in your thread by uploading your file to a host site and posting a link to it in [/url] tags or attaching the file to your map thread. It is also necessary to submit map image/XML links in the Official Map XML Check Thread (Note: Make sure you've already validated and checked the XML, as specified, before posting for an official check).

For more details about how to write XML, please take a look at the XML Tutorial.

[thenobodies80]

Final Forge: Beta & Quench



While the map is in the Final Forge, in addition to writing the XML, it may be necessary to make minor amendments to the graphics or gameplay of a map to ensure that everything is clear and balanced for prospective players. Once the XML has been checked and the map has addressed all the final suggestions and concerns, it should be ready to be played, so it receives the Beta stamp and in short order it becomes available to the whole Conquer Club community.

The community has the final say on the quality of a map - During the Beta period, the map is played by the Conquer Club Community and the mapmaker will be required to respond to all advice or suggestions and fix any issue on the map, unless a logical rebuttal by the cartographer or another member of the community is provided. The Beta period is complete ONLY when the community at large is satisfied and there are no more suggestions, issues, or complaints.

Once the Beta period has ended and all the objections have had their time, the map is ready to receive the last Foundry brand:



The map is now quenched, and the map thread will be moved into the Viewing Gallery and the mapmaker(s) will receive the medal for their contribution.

[thenobodies80]

Contacts

Although the Foundry Process is based on the community at large, the Map Foundry is officially overseen by a group of Volunteers, the Cartography Assistants (sometimes called Cartographers or just CAs). They can be recognized easily by the blue-colored name.
In order to keep the Foundry flowing and to facilitate the earlier stage of development (i.e. Drafting Room), from time to time, the Cartographers recruit small groups of people, the Foundry Assistants (FA).

Below is the list of current Cartographers (and Foundry Assistants), names, roles, responsibility area and additional tasks:


koontz1973,

Melting Pot/Drafting Room
Assisting New Mapmakers
iancanton,

Gameplay
Gameplay questions/Issues
General Mapmaking questions/Issues
nolefan5311,

Gameplay
Gameplay questions/Issues
General Mapmaking questions/Issues
RedBaron0,

Graphics
Graphics questions/Issues
General Mapmaking questions/Issues
isaiah40, Deputy Foundry Foreman

Graphics
Graphics questions/Issues
General Mapmaking questions/Issues
thenobodies80, Foundry Foreman

XML
XML checker
Final Forge/Beta
Oversees the mapmaking process
Medals Assignment
General Mapmaking questions/Issues
Foundry Guidelines questions/Issues
Contests

Please remember that the Foundry Assistant are here to help ONLY with the mapmaking process (i.e. move topics, stamp maps, check xml). If you have any map-related issues or questions, please contact one of the Cartographers.

[thenobodies80]

In order to complete a project, a mapmaker must have access to software and tools.

First of all, every mapmaker must have graphics software.
There are several graphics software around, but mostly our mapmakers use:

Adobe Photoshop® - 30 Days Trial

GIMP - Free

Fireworks - 30 Days Trial


To be able to get a map through the Foundry you must also upload your images and XML onto a hosting site:

Photobucket - Highly reliable site that lets you upload and store image files. 1GB storage space and 25GB of monthly bandwidth allowance for free members.

Imageshack - Free file storage with unlimited space and unlimited bandwidth. Additional tools/plugins that allow for quick and easy uploading of images.

Ripway.com - Good hosting site that allows you to upload any file type. Good for both XML and images. Small bandwidth and storage allowance.

Fileden.com - A free file hosting site. 1GB of personal storage space. 50MB maximum file size limit. 5GB of monthly bandwidth. Direct link to XML files.


In addition, several members of the community have created some tools to help the process of map creation along:

Official Mapmaker XML Tool - Checks the validity of XML map code

Army Circles Images - The standard 22px diameter circle image ready-to-use, you only need to set the transparency according to your preferences.

Army Numbers Images - The 0-9, 88 and 888 digits in all colors. Useful in case you want to show neutral troops or test if everything fits on the map.

Bonus Calculator - An Excel Spreadsheet to assist you with the bonuses. Insert into the fields all the required data and it will give you the suggested values.

Bonus Probability Calculator - An Excel Spreadsheet to assist in determining how likely a player is to drop a specific bonus (regular or build-your-own).