Now, as a person who will scroll through discovery and try out games, I’ve noticed some things that a lot of people forget that make the map less enjoyable and more annoying.
Here are 8 common mistakes that people make in their maps, as well as how to fix and improve them
1. no lasers or respawn zones
Problem:
When you fall, there’s nothing to respawn you and you have to walk all the way back to the start
(this one drives me insane)
Solution: add a massive zone on the floor that is wired to a respawn device
Even better solution:
Add an overlay on the screen that will respawn you when you click it!
2. no damage set on lasers
Problem:
laser used on the floor or as parkour haven’t been edited at all, making the parkour useless and the respawn annoying
Solution:
Just go into the laser setting and change the damage to anything above 200
It’s that easy
3. laser image is off (sorry for the confusing title)
Problem:
I couldn’t find the original post from @mysz , But he basically said that turning off the laser points (as seen below) is an “unforgivable sin” because the hit-box of the laser is still there.
Solution:
Just don’t turn them off, It is actually painful when they are
4. repetitiveness
Problem:
The map has the same prop over and over, or just one terrain spammed.
Reason:
An explanation is needed for this one.
I feel like a map can be more boring if it’s just one thing that is the obstacle. even just a little bit of the same prop can be less fun
Solution:
Be creative! don’t stick with one prop, try to mix it up every 1-3 spots and keep it all to a theme! (Yes, it can be hard to continuously go to the prop menu, but it’s well worth it!)
5. no checkpoints
Problem:
There are no check points, making falling more costly the higher you go
Solution:
add biggish areas with checkpoints throughout the map
Even better solution:
Try making each checkpoint correlate with the area ahead. (Like DLD).
ex. (DLD)
6. when you fall, THE GAME ENDS
Problem:
This one is slightly less common but is still a very major oversight
When you die, THE GAME ENDS
Seriously though. I’ve found very high quality maps with this.
Solution:
Just don’t do it! It’s SUPER annoying when you have to start all over and wait for the game to load again
7. Impossible jumps
Problem:
Certain jumps are impossible, and prevent players from going any further
Solution:
This goes for all maps
Play test it.
Before publishing, maybe invite friends to try it out with you, or post play testing links on the wix or a padlet!
8. the rejoin strat
Problem:
Basically there are nine spawners and only 1 will allow you to proceed. This is an intentional design to get more plays. But, it also is really annoying.
Solution:
Don’t do this
If you want tons of plays, put effort and time into your map.
time for some maths.
Time + effort = good map w/ LOTS of plays