I know the feels bro. I've had it happen in so many cases, where I've had an idea for a mechanic, and Minecraft just isn't compatible. Actually, I had an idea for one recently, that I actually based my map around, but... no dice. Unfortunately, Minecraft is so limited that it's almost not worth it unless you want practice for balancing game design.
What I'd suggest: Either find a different medium to express your ideas (which I believe you said earlier was books,) or take a programming course and design your own games. Not much you can do other than that :/
That's what I've been working towards. Starting next semester, I'll begin taking courses required for a New Media degree (touches on a lot of stuff, from animation to game design). I wish I could've started those classes sooner, but I couldn't because of stuff and things. >.>
But yeah, writing is a big creative outlet for me, and oftentimes it's not even the writing as much as it's just the general world-creation that comes before writing. No doubt I'll be inspired to work on more visual projects soon, but right now I'm content.
It's just the issue of people trying to create Heliceo/Pantheon-size/detail maps and forgetting themselves. People making maps in Minecraft 1.4, even earlier, proved that it were possible to make enjoyable maps that look nice, play nice, and get enjoyed well into the future. So why has that stopped? Why did Sketch start The Painter yonks ago yet still not finish it? Why did Drago end up losing momentum entirely for DsD? Okay, there are other projects to consider and real-life moving on to be done, but both maps would have been finished ages ago if the mapmakers hadn't felt so overwhelmed with the new content (not trying to put words into mouths, but I've stalked enough to know some things!) and concerned about making maps that would stand up to the extremely high quality and pressure now weighing the genre down.
Feeling overwhelmed and pressured was certainly a factor, but more than that, I personally was trying to fit gameplay ideas and features that were just too complicated for Minecraft to handle, even as few features were added with each big update. I'm sure that sounds conceited, but it's the only way I know to say what I was thinking. I was imagining cutscenes, extremely dynamic environments, pseudo-jumpscares, puzzles that would shape the environment around you, etc.
I worked on a project in my last semester of high-school: a platformer prototype using Unreal Engine 4. Just from that small dip into the world of full-on game design, I realized how limited Minecraft was as a medium in relation to how I wanted to express myself. It was less pressure from the map market of complex, up-to-date, feature-packed experiences, and more a personal need to make something that represented my original vision.
And who knows, maybe one day I'll develop some of the ideas originally intended for Minecraft maps into fully-fledged games.
This thread was actually designed to withstand and prevent future re-creations. If someone qualified from the community is willing to step up and take control of the OP, I will gladly hand the keys over. Our admin PM has been silent for months now, so if there's interest and someone wants to take over, I'll see about getting the account to a position where I can hand it off.
So... Is the map dead? It's been 3 months, I'd love confirmation that you're alive at least. I'm just concerned you might have had an accident or something.
I'm afraid I've got more bad news in the vein of what Infinity posted on the previous page. It's tough to admit, but looking back I should've seen the inevitable.
Yes, I'm putting Dreadsky Depths on indefinite hiatus. I haven't opened Minecraft in well over a month now, and my creative flow has been firmly channeled in other directions away from mapping, specifically writing. I also find it extremely unlikely that I'll ever return to finish DsD, and honestly, I may not even release what I have built. I started working on this thing almost two years ago, and Minecraft has changed so much since then, I just haven't been able to keep up. To say I feel a little foolish for being as adamant as I was about finishing it would be an understatement. My interest in this community and mapping was almost entirely drained months ago; I was really just forcing myself to finish what I started, and there was no enjoyment whatsoever.
Besides the fact that Minecraft as a medium for creative expression seems dated and inadequate to me now, I'm just dealing with so much other stuff, (both online and IRL,) that this community has completely fallen from my view. I'm working 35 hours a week, working on a final paper about Bioethics and human cloning, and juggling social interaction as well. Stuff is taking off for me, so unfortunately I've got to drop any nonessential commitments.
I'm really sorry for anyone I've let down, but I hope you can understand where I'm coming from and respect my decision to let this go. Chances are very high that I'll visit this community in a similar pattern to how Skeeto does: infrequently, but faithfully. I won't be a member of the Admin account for this thread anymore, nor will I facilitate any further Strawberry Jam events. The latter of those spots in particular can probably be filled by whoever feels up for it, but I'll leave that for you as a community to decide.
Can't say much else without repeating myself, so I think I'll leave it there.
As you say, it's all legal issues by copyright. Why doesn't google support you in that cause, and if they don't, why don't you consider taking further legal steps then? I'm pretty sure most Youtubers would immediately add it if it turned out to otherwise take their videos/channels down, or worse.
Because no one wants to be called out by a big Youtuber as "that a-hole mapmaker who's trying to sue me."
(And before you try and correct me, I know he's not talking about suing Youtubers and I know suing is a completely different means of taking issue with something. But my point still stands.)
I'm starting to wonder if there should be more mapmakers working together in small groups.
Like if you had someone who loves making pretty areas working together with someone who loves creating compelling gameplay, I think that could be pretty successful.
The primary issue there is communication. It's great if you've got a group of people who like to focus on certain aspects of mapping, but if they can't communicate with each other effectively, it all goes to waste.
'
Any advice? I'd really like to finish so I can at least give the second map a try, and I can't quit now as I've gotten so far through the map, but my motivation is by far the lowest it's ever been.
If you really want to just get it out and your own testing is getting boring, I'd suggest an unusual process that doesn't happen often but might still help: a closed alpha.
Basically, you could hand-pick a few people whose opinions you trust, and send them the alpha copy via PM, similar to a closed beta. The feedback you get from them will help you gather more critical feedback for the areas you've already tested, while also giving you more time to find the motivation to finish your own testing.
In case anyone is interested, I kinda converted the erode cs for WE by inHaze to an McEdit filter. It works in your selection, maximum air blocks is the same as faces in the cs.
How do you manage your time with mapmaking? (AKA time management, how do you do it)
I don't, lol, just ask Hybran
Only sorta kidding. As of recently, I've been careful not to spend too much time mapping, as I'll get burnt out much quicker that way. Even though I've started college, I'm only taking one class, and I only work a few times per week, so I have a TON of free time. That'll change come the end of January though, so I'm trying to get DsD done by then.
When I'm actually working on mapping, I'll try my best to get into a groove and stay there. Music tends to help me focus, quiet and in the background, not loud boomy dubstep thank you very much. Other than that, I don't think there's a formula to properly manage mapping time.
As long as they put the mapname into the video title it is promoting~ And you should make maps for yourself in the first step and not for other players if you expect them to give u credits. Some maps have +1k downloads but less than 20 comments in their thread. Isnt this the completely same?
As I said before, just putting the map name in the title or description isn't enough to get most people to find your map on the forums. If the map looks mildly interesting to them, they'll check the description. No link? Oh well, on to the next video.
And the thing about making a map for your own enjoyment vs. for other people is... Well, it's a hotly debated topic that really doesn't have an answer, but I personally know that people who create something NEED the gratification of knowing their work is being recognized, spread by others, and appreciated. I know I probably wouldn't still be around this community if my map hadn't gotten 250 downloads on its launch day. Admittedly, that's not as much as others have gotten on launch, but it was a large number to me at the time and it represented an audience that I had earned through my hard work.
Giving credit to the mapmaker in video descriptions, along with links, grows their audience. That in turn gives them a greater feeling of accomplishment and rewards their hard work. Yeah, we can survive with a few hundred downloads and two pages in our threads, but we will feel next to no incentive to make another map.
why would they give any credit to mapmakers? Isn't it enough that they are actually promoting your map by playing it and ppl get to know your map?
Well for one, we spend hundreds of hours working on these things. To put it bluntly, any credit we receive is more than deserved.
The problem with not putting links or even the map name in the description of videos (read: giving credit) is that most of the audience won't go and look it up for themselves based solely off the video. A few will, we like them. But most won't unless given a handy-dandy link. Giving full credit in multiple locations (meaning the description and maybe introducing the map along with the mapmaker's name in the actual video) is just more helpful to those who want to try the map.
Well, you guys heard the news about microsoft buying Mojang. I guess I'm packing my bags and leaving now. Bye everyone! .o/
Nah, kidding. I just hope they did not ruin minecraft all together. But I do think about how I'm drifting away from this community and mapping all together...
See things are going tough for me. I started college, majoring in architecture. I could implement my architecture knowledge in my maps, but if you don't know already, you could barely have any breaks in architecture major, even in the first semester.
And I guess you guys have noticed how I rarely post here. Well I used to just lurk around, but lately I don't even read this thread. I know I only have been a very tiny part of the community, but it's been fun being part of it anyway. So yeah, just want to let you guys know about this if anyone even cares
I'm not saying I'm leaving for good, i just think I need to focus on my real stuff first. So... yeah. k thx bai.
Aw cool, someone else interested in architecture. I'm planning on minoring in architecture once I transfer to a 4-year school, and majoring in 3D Digital Design.
But yeah you're right, college has an uncanny way of siphoning your time away from you. Best of luck to you!
Anyone know if the Microsoft acquisition will effect the mapping community? Not exactly CTM relevant, but I'm worried about what it means for us.
Uh, to be honest I don't think it's going to directly affect us. There's no reason it should at the moment. There have been no announcements as to what Microsoft's intentions are regarding further development of Minecraft, and they have no reason to shut down any individual section of the community they clearly see the value of. I suggest watching Pyro's video about this:
The best thing to do right now is to calm down and just see how things unfold over the next month or so.
Saying I agree and that this is an issue would be redundant: we all know it happens and it's a problem. I've been fortunate (in a sense) with the big youtubers who've picked up my map, as they were considerate in adding a link to my thread in their description, albeit pushed down under links to their social media sites.
The attribution link posted by Moesh and Chad in the reddit thread was helpful, definitely something I'll consider including on my thread once I release my next map. It's an idea that I feel would be a real remedy for this situation, if we make it clear and obvious in our threads, posting it towards the top and giving a few obvious highlights so it catches peoples' attention. There's no guarantee it will work though; if we make this practice commonplace, it would be up to big youtubers to notice and adopt it.
(BTW, I just wanna say I'm sorry if there's any bad blood between you and us from the CTM Community from the past. I remember a little controversy back when you released Diversity 1 about if it actually counted as a CTM, resulting in some bitter arguments. That was all petty and I really regret that it happened.)
I like this snapshot update, and the mob eggs are a really nice addition. However, I feel that the "sheep eat grass to regain wool" is a bit overpowered. I'm not complaining, I use wool for carpeting a lot, but it seems kinda unrealistic for the sheep to regain their wool so easily. It might work better to have them eat the wheat grass to regain their wool, and only after a timer of like five minutes. Still, nice snapshot. :smile.gif:
1
That's what I've been working towards. Starting next semester, I'll begin taking courses required for a New Media degree (touches on a lot of stuff, from animation to game design). I wish I could've started those classes sooner, but I couldn't because of stuff and things. >.>
But yeah, writing is a big creative outlet for me, and oftentimes it's not even the writing as much as it's just the general world-creation that comes before writing. No doubt I'll be inspired to work on more visual projects soon, but right now I'm content.
0
Feeling overwhelmed and pressured was certainly a factor, but more than that, I personally was trying to fit gameplay ideas and features that were just too complicated for Minecraft to handle, even as few features were added with each big update. I'm sure that sounds conceited, but it's the only way I know to say what I was thinking. I was imagining cutscenes, extremely dynamic environments, pseudo-jumpscares, puzzles that would shape the environment around you, etc.
I worked on a project in my last semester of high-school: a platformer prototype using Unreal Engine 4. Just from that small dip into the world of full-on game design, I realized how limited Minecraft was as a medium in relation to how I wanted to express myself. It was less pressure from the map market of complex, up-to-date, feature-packed experiences, and more a personal need to make something that represented my original vision.
And who knows, maybe one day I'll develop some of the ideas originally intended for Minecraft maps into fully-fledged games.
This thread was actually designed to withstand and prevent future re-creations. If someone qualified from the community is willing to step up and take control of the OP, I will gladly hand the keys over. Our admin PM has been silent for months now, so if there's interest and someone wants to take over, I'll see about getting the account to a position where I can hand it off.
0
In short, I'm sorry to say that it is. I wrote a post in the CTMCommunity thread detailing things a bit more, I suggest you check it out.
3
Yes, I'm putting Dreadsky Depths on indefinite hiatus. I haven't opened Minecraft in well over a month now, and my creative flow has been firmly channeled in other directions away from mapping, specifically writing. I also find it extremely unlikely that I'll ever return to finish DsD, and honestly, I may not even release what I have built. I started working on this thing almost two years ago, and Minecraft has changed so much since then, I just haven't been able to keep up. To say I feel a little foolish for being as adamant as I was about finishing it would be an understatement. My interest in this community and mapping was almost entirely drained months ago; I was really just forcing myself to finish what I started, and there was no enjoyment whatsoever.
Besides the fact that Minecraft as a medium for creative expression seems dated and inadequate to me now, I'm just dealing with so much other stuff, (both online and IRL,) that this community has completely fallen from my view. I'm working 35 hours a week, working on a final paper about Bioethics and human cloning, and juggling social interaction as well. Stuff is taking off for me, so unfortunately I've got to drop any nonessential commitments.
I'm really sorry for anyone I've let down, but I hope you can understand where I'm coming from and respect my decision to let this go. Chances are very high that I'll visit this community in a similar pattern to how Skeeto does: infrequently, but faithfully. I won't be a member of the Admin account for this thread anymore, nor will I facilitate any further Strawberry Jam events. The latter of those spots in particular can probably be filled by whoever feels up for it, but I'll leave that for you as a community to decide.
Can't say much else without repeating myself, so I think I'll leave it there.
0
Because no one wants to be called out by a big Youtuber as "that a-hole mapmaker who's trying to sue me."
(And before you try and correct me, I know he's not talking about suing Youtubers and I know suing is a completely different means of taking issue with something. But my point still stands.)
0
The primary issue there is communication. It's great if you've got a group of people who like to focus on certain aspects of mapping, but if they can't communicate with each other effectively, it all goes to waste.
0
If you really want to just get it out and your own testing is getting boring, I'd suggest an unusual process that doesn't happen often but might still help: a closed alpha.
Basically, you could hand-pick a few people whose opinions you trust, and send them the alpha copy via PM, similar to a closed beta. The feedback you get from them will help you gather more critical feedback for the areas you've already tested, while also giving you more time to find the motivation to finish your own testing.
0
Woah.
Okay I'm actually interested in how well these work. Nice job.
0
I don't, lol, just ask Hybran
Only sorta kidding. As of recently, I've been careful not to spend too much time mapping, as I'll get burnt out much quicker that way. Even though I've started college, I'm only taking one class, and I only work a few times per week, so I have a TON of free time.
When I'm actually working on mapping, I'll try my best to get into a groove and stay there. Music tends to help me focus, quiet and in the background, not loud boomy dubstep thank you very much. Other than that, I don't think there's a formula to properly manage mapping time.
2
As I said before, just putting the map name in the title or description isn't enough to get most people to find your map on the forums. If the map looks mildly interesting to them, they'll check the description. No link? Oh well, on to the next video.
And the thing about making a map for your own enjoyment vs. for other people is... Well, it's a hotly debated topic that really doesn't have an answer, but I personally know that people who create something NEED the gratification of knowing their work is being recognized, spread by others, and appreciated. I know I probably wouldn't still be around this community if my map hadn't gotten 250 downloads on its launch day. Admittedly, that's not as much as others have gotten on launch, but it was a large number to me at the time and it represented an audience that I had earned through my hard work.
Giving credit to the mapmaker in video descriptions, along with links, grows their audience. That in turn gives them a greater feeling of accomplishment and rewards their hard work. Yeah, we can survive with a few hundred downloads and two pages in our threads, but we will feel next to no incentive to make another map.
3
Well for one, we spend hundreds of hours working on these things. To put it bluntly, any credit we receive is more than deserved.
The problem with not putting links or even the map name in the description of videos (read: giving credit) is that most of the audience won't go and look it up for themselves based solely off the video. A few will, we like them.
0
Aw cool, someone else interested in architecture.
But yeah you're right, college has an uncanny way of siphoning your time away from you. Best of luck to you!
0
Uh, to be honest I don't think it's going to directly affect us. There's no reason it should at the moment. There have been no announcements as to what Microsoft's intentions are regarding further development of Minecraft, and they have no reason to shut down any individual section of the community they clearly see the value of. I suggest watching Pyro's video about this:
The best thing to do right now is to calm down and just see how things unfold over the next month or so.
0
It seems like I shouldn't even need to say this, but you can't satisfy everyone. Someone is always going to find something to dislike.
0
The attribution link posted by Moesh and Chad in the reddit thread was helpful, definitely something I'll consider including on my thread once I release my next map. It's an idea that I feel would be a real remedy for this situation, if we make it clear and obvious in our threads, posting it towards the top and giving a few obvious highlights so it catches peoples' attention. There's no guarantee it will work though; if we make this practice commonplace, it would be up to big youtubers to notice and adopt it.
(BTW, I just wanna say I'm sorry if there's any bad blood between you and us from the CTM Community from the past. I remember a little controversy back when you released Diversity 1 about if it actually counted as a CTM, resulting in some bitter arguments. That was all petty and I really regret that it happened.)