Playtester/Designer Subforum needed?

[Double Deuce]

Do we need a dedicated subforum for designers to promote their creations for playtesting or to keep an I'm available for playtesting list? I myself find it tedious having to periodically search for playtesters. Perhaps if we had a separate area at least there would be a central focus point.

Comments?

[MikMyk]

Its a good idea Double D. Use it on a forum for another game and we've had some top notch scenario work because of it. Nice way to get to know other designers as well.

[desh44]

Nice idea Mike. would really help to have a special thread for scenario design for playtesting and Q&A

Tom:)

[Double Deuce]

Let me work up some ideas and the possible structure and I'll post some more soon.

[dita]

I think this would be a great idea. As someone wanting to get into the design of scenarios, but always struggling where to start, It would be great to be able to swap ideas and get some help from more experienced designers.

[Vas FURY]

Yeah, and it would be nice if all those tips that i have seen posted on the site before, such as Achillesses explanation on how to use map topography tools like Google Earth, be re-posted into that sub-forum. However, there is quite a substantial amount of info to sift through to find all the designing tips, isnt there? :OHNO:

[Double Deuce]

I have added a Poll for people to make their preferences known. It'll be open for about 30 days.

If you have an opinion on this please speak up. If you have ideas of what should be included within that area, please post those here in this thread.

:popc1:

[Cameronius]

Where is the poll?

NEVERMIND:hush: :argh: :drink:

[Double Deuce]

Maybe part of this subforum could include a design clinic and tutorial type stuff? Besides, we need a central location for Achilles design tips.

[Mustang19]

The vote is 11 yes to 0 no... I think everyone agrees it's a good idea.

[hoplitis]

Well with the things Achilles, Mustang and MarkShep propose we certainly need a clinic (in the medical sense)! :nuts:

[Double Deuce]

Well with the things Achilles, Mustang and MarkShep propose we certainly need a clinic (in the medical sense)! :nuts:Sadly, I've seen too many good design ideas as well as tips and tricks stuff lost over the years because they were not properly documented and archived for safe keeping. I'd like to set up a respository (with backup) to maintain this type stuff for future new players and aspiring designers.

Even after years of designing with the SP series I occasionally forget the basics or little things that should have been obvious (those of you playtesting for me can probably attest to that).

If we can get this information into a forum or a single place, then maybe someone can work on putting together a real, quality how to manual.

[Mustang19]

I started an official scenario designer tips and tricks thread at SZO ( http://www.strategyzoneonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39542 ) and at Shrapnel ( http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=414347&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1#Post414347 ). Those would probably be the best places to put all these scenario designer tips.

[hoplitis]

Forums, subforums or special threads are ok for getting the "stuff" out. But they are mainly a discussion/communication tool. Maybe the time has come for some kind a "book" or "review" on the subject (you know, chapters and all). Probably an online one. Or is it too much?

[airBiscuit]

The best format for a 'living document', community supported, is a Wiki. In it, you have cross-referenced pages with revision histories, text formatting, inline images, and attachments. The 'community' of readers can easily create new pages and edit existing ones. You can also set it up to be authenticated to limit editing to a trusted circle of users. Wikipedia is a prime example of this in action, but it's very easy to get one started on a small scale if you have admin access to a web server. They run on all sorts of technologies, from Perl, to Python, to Java Server Pages.

[Double Deuce]

I think have a PHPWiki on my web packages. I am in the process of some major revisions to all of my sites but I will check and see what is available, then report back here.

[Double Deuce]

I'm a bit behind because of the holidays and personal committments but I'll get a designer and/or playtester subforum set up as soon as I can. I'll also try to get us a useful wiki set up as well.

[Double Deuce]

I'm stilll planning to implement this . . I'm just waiting for some changes to take place around here before I start moving too much around . . . :halo:

[Double Deuce]

If you have any additional Design ideas for use in the design subforum please post them here. I have been thinking about a group campaign design thread.

What we do is come up with a core force and upload that information, then anyone who wants to can make a single scenario for this campaign adding their part of the story. Sort of a design as we go concept where each person adds to the campaign story. Once the subforum is set up I can provide better examples. We can also use it as a design support group for newer designers helping each other out with maps, AI scripting (waypoints), briefing texts, etc.

[dita]

Sounds good. A campaign project "lite" sort of idea.

Also, perhaps a "match making service" were experienced designers collaborate with inexperienced disigners. A scenario designered by both people, with the "new" designer "under the wing" of the experienced guy. Sharing ideas etc on a joint scenario.

I`m sure this would come out in the forum perhaps anyway....?

[Double Deuce]

Just keeping this on the front page. :)

[Double Deuce]

Keeping along similar lines ad the Open Source User Campaign Idea, would those interested in that type of project rather have a design clinic based around individual scenario's rather than having to design their scenario(s) around a central theme? This way each designer creates their own scenario based on whatever theme they choose.

My plan is that each designer will have their own thread and will use the 1st post to attach their text and scenario files, keeping updated versions posted as their project continues. This way, other designers and playtesters can download, evaluate and comment.

[Artur]

Keeping along similar lines ad the Open Source User Campaign Idea, would those interested in that type of project rather have a design clinic based around individual scenario's rather than having to design their scenario(s) around a central theme? This way each designer creates their own scenario based on whatever theme they choose.
I'd rather go with the option of design clinic based around individual scenario's .


My plan is that each designer will have their own thread and will use the 1st post to attach their text and scenario files, keeping updated versions posted as their project continues. This way, other designers and playtesters can download, evaluate and comment.

Good idea!

Artur.

[dita]

I too would probably prefer the option based around individuals scenarios, but would welcome either option.

[Thatguy]

I think that a place for people to showcase projects really would be beneficial.