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.
Details
- Reviewers
Langbart - Group Reviewers
Restricted Owners Package (Owns No Changed Paths)
Agree this is better than the current status quo.
Diff Detail
- Repository
- rP 0 A.D. Public Repository
- Branch
- /ps/trunk
- Lint
Lint OK - Unit
No Unit Test Coverage - Build Status
Buildable 12711 Build 24678: Vulcan Build Jenkins Build 24677: Vulcan Build (macOS) Jenkins Build 24676: Vulcan Build (Windows) Jenkins Build 24671: arc lint + arc unit
Event Timeline
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
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.
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.
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 ?
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.