BenGough_WINTER 2011

I've got to say I didn't find the vid helpful at all.

If you have to make a vid with commentary, make a script and practice it first! Otherwise you'll end up waffling away, um'ing and ah'ing and generally disengaging the viewer.

The sound was extremely low, you left the hud and player showing onscreen so they detracted from the brushwork and your descriptions were vague 'trees go here', 'something gonna go here' doesn't really impart any real context when in first person mode, that's why overhead shots and area shots work better.

I'm not sure how this is going to work for you - how are you going to get feedback based on the vid? What about clear explanations of where you are within the map - everything is just orange corridors & rooms in the vids, there's no context within the map so we never really know where we are except when it comes to the layout of the cinema.

For me it was counterproductive and left me scratching my head thinking what am I supposed to be looking at, what is going on.

Hmm...

Though I really did appreciate the video, I must admit it does make it difficult to give feedback on more than one specific thing.

It's a bit like learning to play a new map- until you really know it you're likely to feel a bit lost.

Honestly, viewers aren't likely to take the time to make screenshots from your youtube video. So referring to different points is tricky.

And y'know taking screenshots in game is so so easy. So for what it's worth, I say do both.

[BenGough]

Maybe some video and some Screenshots for main areas. But I do agree with you all on the Video.

[Oilcake]

Yeah, I'd vote for a combination. I didn't mind the video, though it was a little confusing. But if you mix some screenshots into your posts as well, I think it'd really help.

Here's how to get rid of all the screen elements:

sv_cheats_1 - Enable cheats

cl_drawhud 0 - Gets rid of HUD on right of screen
crosshair 0 - Turns off crosshair
r_drawviewmodel 0 - Turns off player model
nb_delete_all - Deletes NPCs

You can use 0/1 to turn these off and on... 8-)

[BenGough]

Here are some Screenshots that cover some of the Model Placement and Texturing.
Firstly Im sorry that I could not remove the Timer at the top. It insisted that I go into Survival mode. i hope it is not too distracting.

This First Image is showing the Park/Spawn area and the Cinema in the Back.


Here is a Closer view of the Cinema with added Textures and Overlays.


This is the Building Opposite the Cinema, This building is the one that is Primarily used as a Zombie Spawning area. I am aware of the Fading distance of the Props in the back of the building and will sort that out.


The building on the left is the building in the previous image. Here you are looking down the Car Tunnel where a Bus or fencing will be clocking the way.


If you look at the first Image this building is far back on the left. I have only added some Window Props, texturing and boarded up windows. I will vary the windows states. Image Lost... Will repost one soon.

Here is the Inside of the Building in the previous image. textures have been edded. I will add props to make it into a shop of some sorts but I will leave enough space for more flow.

[BenGough]

Quick Question. Where did eveyone get that Snow texture or did you make it? If you made it do you think you can point me in the right way to get it into my map?

[wookash_b]

The cinema looks great already! I like how the environment comes together. Keep it up!

[BenGough]

I have made more Progress with the map. Mainly adding Props and Texturing. I will post some Screenshots Tomorrow and then crack on with the interior of the Cinema. When all that it done I will sort out the Lighting, shadows and fog then after that a little touch ups and some little detailing to complete it. I think I will place some Props inside the infected Spawn Building to make the building look like it is actually being used.

I will add Rain Simply because When in the UK winter Most often means Rain. Haha

Looking good Ben, those details are really making it pop. Neat trick with the overlays too.

[Smog]

Quick Question. Where did eveyone get that Snow texture or did you make it? If you made it do you think you can point me in the right way to get it into my map?

Take a look at the following tutorial: How to Create Custom Textures in Hammer Source.

[BenGough]

Quick Question. Where did eveyone get that Snow texture or did you make it? If you made it do you think you can point me in the right way to get it into my map?

Take a look at the following tutorial: How to Create Custom Textures in Hammer Source.

I think I will be very creative in future Builds now that I know how to create Custom Textures :P

[yudist]

your map is coming along great.wow!! cant say the same bout mine though, running rather behind schedule.
any ways, yea, the screenshots you posted are more informative than the video.but a combination of both would be better i guess.
cant wait till the map is all done, though i probly wont be able to try it out as I dont have L4D1 or 2.
again, its looking great

[BenGough]

I'm going to post some new Screenshots today, but first I will have to fight with my Graphics driver lol.

[BenGough]

Here you go, UPDATE I have added Rain, Lighting and much more props.

This image shows the building west of the Zombie spawn building, I have textured and propped it and also I have added a small shed type extension to the right of the picture. You can see the bus in the back, it has hit a lamp post and cars have crashed into the bus.


This is the inside of the building I have added grocery store type props. I will add some lighting soon.


Here is a view of the car parking area opposite the Cinema. You can see the Tree on the left as well as card fencing and some road paint decals. Ive also added two large street lamps in the car park.


Here you can see a view of the Cinema with added red Doors on the second floor. Ive added lights to the front and some antennas to the building also


Here is the building next to the park, I have added some windows and rubbish outside. To the right is a van with its lights on.


Here is the building at the top of the plan, I have also added windows to this building. In the back there you can see the Green light of the emegency exit sign.


This is the inside of the building in the previous picture. I have added some stairs , not much else has changed.


This is the alley next to the Emergency exit. I have added Some grafiti bins, cabling and air cons.


Here is the alley to the right of the cinema. I have blocked the way through the wall and added some terrain and foliage.

[Nexusdog]

Ben...

Remove the grain before you take the screenshots
Put some lighting in when you are testing - remove it when you're further into your development - torchlight doesn't help and looking at cereal packets doesn't impart any work you've done on your level overall.

I'm trying to get a vibe from your map so far, but your pics don't give any idea of the overall layout or what you're trying to accomplish. You've taken pics of cereal boxes and stairs, and left the film grain on. It's also very dark and you could do with an overhead pic so we can see the layout.

I really don't want to sound negative but you have to be able to explain and show your work and give us an explanation of what you want your level to do - what game, what game mode, and so on.

[BenGough]

Ben...

Remove the grain before you take the screenshots
Put some lighting in when you are testing - remove it when you're further into your development - torchlight doesn't help and looking at cereal packets doesn't impart any work you've done on your level overall.

I'm trying to get a vibe from your map so far, but your pics don't give any idea of the overall layout or what you're trying to accomplish. You've taken pics of cereal boxes and stairs, and left the film grain on. It's also very dark and you could do with an overhead pic so we can see the layout.

I really don't want to sound negative but you have to be able to explain and show your work and give us an explanation of what you want your level to do - what game, what game mode, and so on.

Ok Will do. I think the level is too dark anyway ^^ I will get an overhead view of the map for you too.