Feel free to ask any and all questions about bootcamp making here. [This thread is not for submitting your bootcamps.]

New bootcamp makers seem to be struggling with maps. The submissions are generic at best and it is only the established map makers which are bringing something new to the table. This thread will explain the concept of bootcamp and then list a small checklist one should go through before submitting a bootcamp to maximize chances of a perm.

Bootcamp was earlier supposed to be about challenging maps. But with the increase in the number of maps, challenging is no longer enough. It gets boring to play the same concept in different permutations over and over again. Players are just forced to use the same skill set for every map. Also, concepts which were hard once get easier over time as players get used to them. Hence, bootcamps maps should have NEW challenging features. Players should have to add to their skill set to complete the map, it should bring challenges which haven’t been done yet.

No one can tell you how to develop new concepts. You have to experiment with everything. My suggestion would be to play a fair amount of bootcamp every day so that you understand what has been done. Also often something new will just strike you as you play. A unique twist on an existing concept.

One more thing which many bootcamp makers seem to miss out on is the complexity of the map. With 6 minutes per map, making a map which has at best 2 or 3 components which take maybe 15 seconds each doesn’t make sense. If you have hard components, a few of them are fine. But if the components are relatively easy, try to add more so that the map doesn’t seem too simple or small. There are of course many tramp maps which are completable in less than 15 seconds but they are still hard. They are not easily completable.

One common misconception is that bootcamp maps must be insanely hard. It is no use putting 5 normal wood turn arounds with cheese just to make it harder. A bootcamp should be fun and not a military like drill. Plus 5 ta’s are so repetitive.

Shortcuts are perhaps the biggest problems in bootcamps. Make sure you test thoroughly especially when using lava or tramps. Make sure that there is a roof if it is possible to go over the top. Make sure that you can’t climb onto the roof itself. If you feel unsure about testing shortcuts, ask an experienced friend to test it for you.

The last thing is to make sure your map is aligned.

Here is a checklist you should go through before submitting your maps to make sure that you covered everything.

Does your map have at least one original concept?
If it doesn’t you should reconsider submitting the map and try making it better.

Does your map have any offscreen portion?
Maps with offscreen portions are an auto no. Definitely get rid of that.

Did you test the map for shortcuts?
Very very important if you are using tramps or lava. If you haven’t tested it, test it now.

Is the map aligned?
Don’t bother submitting unaligned maps, they can make a lot of difference even in the gameplay of a bootcamp. Plus no one likes unaligned maps.

Does your map have a background or decorative items?
Background or decorative items can cause lag and are in general deemed unnecessary. Remove them.

Does it contain shaman items?
Shaman items often spawn late in bootcamp or do not spawn at all. Try not to use them. The same things can usually be created with regular grounds.

Do mice die if they remain afk at start?
If they do, you will certainly have to edit that. Mice should remain alive no matter when they decide to play.

Did you use fake grounds?
Fake grounds are immediate no. Don’t even think about using them.

Have you completed the map at least once?
Make sure that your map can be completed. Even if it looks like it can be completed, make sure you complete it without shaman help at least once.

Is there anything on the map which isn’t necessary to the gameplay?
Any random ground here or there isn’t appreciated. Remove it if it isn’t necessary. Clean maps look best.


If your map has passed all those checks, it has a good chance of being considered. Good luck and hope this helped.

If there is anything you think should be added here, feel free to tell me.

Good thread Hobot, I love bootcamp maps, this guide will help me a lot.

Add this : Dont put beds or chairs, or armchairs,tales,wardrobes, TV's and others. :3

Anyway, Sticky this

I think for the "Have you completed the map at least once?"
You should add all at once. Not do one part, change the mice spawn, do next part. To me if you do that, you can't get a feel for the map.

Great guide!

How to submit bootcamp map ???

Khoavodoj a dit :

How to submit bootcamp map ???

There are no BC map submission now.

thanks

thanks for the info, itll help me alot but i have madew a map its preety cool and i lost the code for it D: is there any 1 i can get it bk ? :P

A list of your maps can be found here:
http://cheese.formice.com/maps/player/Shamenrules

any idear when the BC map supmissions will be back?

dou post ur codes here (bootcamp map) @23722811

Why would you post your boot camp maps here
Here's a link!/ : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG9ZWkdpUnVZSVZUWndMY0llOG41YkE6MQ
mapcrew will get your message!

Detlefdiehos a dit :

That's included already.
For technical reasons we can't sticky this thread yet.

I know some maps which has decoration, why are they permed?

Martinbless a dit :

I know some maps which has decoration, why are they permed?

They were permed before that standard was introduced and the decorations aren't in the way, so it's left up to the mapmaker whether or not to remove them.