Let's Improve: Custom Game Interface Categories

[Twilice]

Also "risk" like maps can be popular.

-Noted

[Maul]

Hidden Content:

Yeah, that would be cool. So an example would be like this:

Category
--Sub-category
----Game mode

Start from few general game styles then branch out to more specific game types.

This is probably the most ideal setup I can think of. I also like the system as is without names, but it also has its disadvantages. A hybrid would be perfect. How I envisage it:



Please ignore the look, but this is how it would work:

Category filter: You can pick very basic categories, eg defense, dota, melee
Sub-category: Based on the category chosen, eg tower, ??? (dont know dota), fastest/money
Filter strings: String is basically text, so search just by typing. If you like a host you can also search for them, although they would probably invite you

Then you see the map title, version, category, sub-category and mode
Below that if it's hosted by a player they can add a few basic details, eg NR 20 or good players only or whatever they fancy

Then the standard map preview, who made the map, the hosts name or if it's hosted by battle.net and a description.

This way people can still make games that they host, without a name but their own description which can act as a name also, or alternatively battle.net can list it the way that happens now (which is a good system too imo)

The search is fairly robust and I believe the system would work better if Blizzard setup the categories but also added more as they become required. With really general categories you would probably only have about 10 at most so you're not scrolling forever to find one, and then the sub-category would be where the fun is at but still fairly limited to probably no more than 15.

This for me would be the perfect hybrid system that lets you create your own map with it's unique settings, give info on what players can expect before joining, and you can still make it public/private and invite friends, or you can continue to use the current system which is really good for having a fast pick up game.

- While it is a good idea (and noted) it's not part of the request/needs of this thread. Don't think of this shooting you down, I'm trying to keep this project on task.

[Twilice]

Hidden Content:

I think blizzard looks into this, it's really to me the "only" thing that currently needs a big rework. (not counting ladder limitation to 100 players per division and chat channels)

I don't know how it works when you join a game if you get randomly into the hosted players games or if you get to the latest created game of that map/mode.

The descriptions would be great, but there could be problems with multiple maps hosted. (here there should also be a way to filter between the hosted ones, example it could be stated that it is only for test or that someone is looking for 2v2 diamond partner in ladder but wants to check their "skill" first then it would be discourage by lower league players to join these and rather join the "training" maps)
I hope you understood what I wanted to say.....

Also it should be stated how many maps are hosted in the same category.

[Gifted]

Hidden Content:

As much as you would like to speculate what would be "better", unfortunately for this task proceed with the mentality of "Category/Mode" and not suggest a different format.

I'll be compiling posts at this point into the main post.

[n00bonicPlague]

Capture the Flag (and games like it)

- Noted

[Maul]

Hidden Content:

As much as you would like to speculate what would be "better", unfortunately for this task proceed with the mentality of "Category/Mode" and not suggest a different format. I'll be compiling posts at this point into the main post.

While following a linear train of thought can oftentimes be beneficial, in this scenario it's fundamentally flawed when the codependent feature could be bettered to offer greater accuracy, features and support to the outlined topic. IMO.

- You are under the assumption that this is merely a "conversational" thread, this is a thread with a goal as will all further threads of this nature. Work towards the goal within the parameters that are provided, even if you think they could be better.

[Gifted]

Thanks for the inputs, done compiling posts for this morning! Keep it coming, got a few more days. Also in the main post there are a few with "temporary names" If you have suggestions of names that could work out, or sections that could be split/combined to be better, please feel free to say so.

[n00bonicPlague]

I think what he means by "risk maps" is like the board game RISK. I suggest renaming that section "Board Games" so as to include lots of games like Chess, Monopoly, Sorry, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, etc. You could possibly further expand it by calling it "Turn-Based Games". Sheep Tag could possibly fall under the Capture the Flag category, as they both seem to deal with obtaining a specific object/goal that resides in a specific location on the map. I'm not sure though. I am unfamiliar with anything named "sheep tag". As for LOTR, WW sim, conquest maps, I have no clue. It all depends on if it is turn-based or real-time.

Anyway, even if they don't fall under those categories, "turn-based" needs to be a category.

[SonOfChaos]

How about Role-play (not RPG)? There are alot of maps like these in brood war.

A Role-play is an "open" game where the players make their own story while already playing the game. There is an "interface" (located on the side usually) that allows the players to spawn any unit. Because players are in charge of creating the story, there are no "winners" or "losers". Role-play is different from the Quest/RPG because unlike Quest/RPG, there is no specific goal to it.

[Maul]

The "generic" field that will be involved in today's discussion is Category.

Sorry, I got confused when you called for a discussion when really you wanted to generate a list.