what I do:
first, sketch a top down
then, sketch a few gameplay angle shots on what the player sees
afterward, make revisions to the sketch based on my angle drawings.
then, I put the sketch into flash on a grid, or make something for it in AutoCAD or flash. this represents it and lets me add in some small details. it also allows precision
then, I begin designing, room by room, in the FPSC editor. I do segments, and entities and lighting, all at the same time. each room can take from 3-10 hours of making, testing, fixing, and retesting to get perfect. this includes AI
placing AI is a big part of my steps. I make sure to trigger them in a way where there will not be too many AI clogging up the map, but there will still be great fights where I need there to be.
now I test again, if there are no AI pathfinding or spawn problems, I go back to editor and
place scripted events/setpieces. these can extend gameplay and make for a more enjoyable experience.
then I get all of the voice acting together, and add it via soundzones.
lastly, I add the music in, but this is long after the map is actually finished and playable
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skype = isaacpreston. I want to talk to YOU
