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[gui] make random maps the default
Needs ReviewPublic

Authored by Nescio on Aug 3 2020, 12:04 PM.

Details

Reviewers
Langbart
Group Reviewers
Restricted Owners Package(Owns No Changed Paths)
Summary

This patch makes random maps the game setup default (relevant for new players and when changing mods), instead of the “Acropolis Bay (2)” skirmish map. This makes it easier for and encourages people not to play the same map over and over again, but instead discover more of the variety 0 A.D. offers.

Test Plan

Agree this is better than the current status quo.

Event Timeline

Nescio created this revision.Aug 3 2020, 12:04 PM
Owners added a subscriber: Restricted Owners Package.Aug 3 2020, 12:04 PM
Nescio added inline comments.Aug 3 2020, 12:06 PM
binaries/data/mods/public/gui/common/settings.js
181

Skirmish maps are something in between scenarios (fixed civs) and random (full choice) maps, therefore it makes sense to list them accordingly.

Successful build - Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent.

Link to build: https://jenkins.wildfiregames.com/job/docker-differential/2852/display/redirect

Nescio requested review of this revision.Aug 3 2020, 12:36 PM

One could also argue the other way around. If they are presented with random maps there is no need to touch that option, while after playing the exact same map a few times people may be incentivised to explore other maps, be it random, skirmish or scenario.
That being said, I don't have a strong opinion on this.

wraitii added a subscriber: wraitii.Aug 6 2020, 8:25 AM

I feel like skirmish maps make a better first impression as they are generally better maps and load much faster, so I would edge towards rejecting this.

Scenarios and skirmish maps are listed in alphabetical order and can't be randomized (fixed number of players and map sizes), therefore the first map people encounter is always the “Acropolis Bay (2)” skirmish map. While it may not be that bad per se, it's probably not the best 0 A.D. has to offer. Moreover, many (most?) new players don't explore other possibilities, they just start a match.
Besides, the default selection for random maps is “default”, which does not include all random maps, only those that are deemed better.

Kate requested changes to this revision.May 20 2021, 4:00 PM
Kate added a subscriber: Kate.

Please change line 172 to "Name": "random"

This revision now requires changes to proceed.May 20 2021, 4:00 PM
This revision now requires review to proceed.May 20 2021, 4:06 PM

Scenarios and skirmish maps are listed in alphabetical order and can't be randomized (fixed number of players and map sizes), therefore the first map people encounter is always the “Acropolis Bay (2)” skirmish map. While it may not be that bad per se, it's probably not the best 0 A.D. has to offer. Moreover, many (most?) new players don't explore other possibilities, they just start a match.

Yes, I like this argument too. Good idea. If you start the game in German, you will always have the Farmland (2) map (in German Ackerland (2)). It is not a good map looks very depressing with its washed out colors. What is missing for this patch @Freagarach ?

marder added a subscriber: marder.Sep 30 2021, 7:50 AM

I agree with this concept. Either this or a new option "random best skirmish maps"

What is missing for this patch @Freagarach ?

Agreement, I guess.

Langbart accepted this revision.Oct 13 2021, 12:23 PM
This revision is now accepted and ready to land.Oct 13 2021, 12:23 PM

This also helps new players, because sometimes people ask on IRC how to change the number of AI players or the size of the map. Random maps allow this.

Stan added a subscriber: Stan.Oct 13 2021, 1:54 PM

Yeah, but it might also give them a fake idea of the map quality in the game...

marder added a comment.EditedOct 13 2021, 6:34 PM

@Stan not if we would remove the subpar maps :P

Langbart resigned from this revision.Dec 7 2021, 9:31 AM
This revision now requires review to proceed.Dec 7 2021, 9:31 AM