Proposed . . . TotH Scenario Design Contest

[DoubleDeuce]

We should do one of these! [:D]

Set some general criteria that each submission must conform to, such as the following;

1. A custom created map that has to be used for all scenarios that cannot be altered.
2. Can be based on any battle that could be modeled with current 'Base TotH game' BUT must use an accurate OOB (no King Tigers in 1941, etc).
3. Inclusion of a vehicle that is almost never used/seen on existing scenarios.
4. Designed to be played from one side only to help with ease of scenario balancing and Fog of War.

Thoughts???

[UP844]

I like the idea!

[DoubleDeuce]

Just a note, basing the scenario around a specific vehicle will definitely limit the time frame criteria so that would be something to consider in the design limits.

[Hailstone]

I'm not a submitter, just another supporter, but I would like to say that DoubleDeuce's criteria number 3 is my favorite. The inclusion of rare or unusual weaponry now and then could be a real treat and even make the scenario more memorable. [:)]

[DoubleDeuce]

For the map, I think it should be kept small, maybe a full screen for most users so like 16x20 hexes. That should accommodate a scenario of up to company size with little, to no need for players to have to scroll around?

For the 'rarely used vehicle', probably a German one so that designers can choose from different fronts and more enemies (the American, British or Russians).

Any recommendations for the 'vehicle'??

[DoubleDeuce]

Doesn't appear to be a whole lot of interest so far. [&:]

It has given me some ideas for custom scenarios though. [:)]

[UP844]

ORIGINAL: DoubleDeuce

Doesn't appear to be a whole lot of interest so far. [&:]

I would have been surprised had the opposite occurred [;)]. Active action is a very rare occurrence [:D].

I agree on keeping the map and scenario small, but as regards to selecting some rare German AFV, I think it would be better to make it an optional requirement: their limited numbers greatly reduces the possible locations for a scenario (e.g. Elefants can only be used in Russia, 43-44 and in Italy in early-mid '44; Jagdtigers, for all their fame, saw only limited action on the Western Front, and so on...)

[DoubleDeuce]

ORIGINAL: UP844

I agree on keeping the map and scenario small, but as regards to selecting some rare German AFV, I think it would be better to make it an optional requirement: their limited numbers greatly reduces the possible locations for a scenario (e.g. Elefants can only be used in Russia, 43-44 and in Italy in early-mid '44; Jagdtigers, for all their fame, saw only limited action on the Western Front, and so on...)

Yeah, was just throwing that out there for some set criteria to go off of.

[Big Ivan]

As one of the scenario designers I'm liking this idea a lot![:D]

I agree we need to keep it simple and above all small to maybe, maybe medium. Reason I say that is because
of the reported speed issues with some computer rigs. Someday that will be fixed but for now we should keep it small.

As for the rarity of vehicles I personally have an open mind on the idea. I tend to like actions in Russia more
but when it comes down to it any theater will do.[:)]

[rico21]

I suggest that instead of doing scenarios, we were talking about doing them.[:D]

[fuselex]

i would like to think the interest may be there DD ,
The idea is pretty good
it would be great to experience different designers take on the same map .
The `designed to be played from one side only` is a nice touch , i imagine it is hard enough to create a great scenario ,
without trying to balance it .
Maybe a set map with set units that the designer can deploy as he fancies?
Of course keeping the units in the historical time frame should be compulsory
Active action is a very rare occurrence
I see where you are coming from UP844 ,
But i imagine most people are players like myself , a bit vague on the rules , but enjoy the experience .
I may be completely wrong on this , but to create a nice scenario requires a lot of knowledge of the game.
Way out of my league ,
I could place a AT gun in a hex , but would not really know what the odds are of it taking out that Russian goliath of a
tank
This may be one of the reasons why there is only a handful of scenario creators.
It requires knowledge and feel to produce an enjoyable scenario.
I , like many , i imagine , enjoy and appreciate those who do the dirty work ,
This is one of the reasons i will applaud and enjoy every scenario ,

[rico21]

ORIGINAL: fuselex

to create a nice scenario requires a lot of knowledge of the game.

It is necessary to understand AI to anticipate the blows and to be able to place well its parts.

[DoubleDeuce]

The 'rare' vehicle need not be a well known, obvious choice. For rarity in this case, I am thinking more towards a vehicle that has not been used before or has only been used a few times in existing scenarios.



For example, a pair of SPW 250/7 (doesn't need to be this just throwing that out there). Each designer would have to build a scenario that includes 2 of the above German vehicle (available from 9/41-45). It can be as big or as small as the designer wants but all must use the same map. Using the Germans as the player force allows for anything European theater.

Being a small map and scenario, designers can replay it multiple times for playtesting to work out any issues or imbalances. For anyone interested that is reading this thread and thinking 'I could never do this', your submission does not need to be perfectly balanced, just aim for something playable and fun.

NOTE: I have access to date of availability information on all vehicles and guns in TotH so anyone needing guidance on that would be free to shoot me a PM if they need clarification on something.

I will work up more details, based on any input you guys have posted already and we can go from there.

[DoubleDeuce]

Currently putting together a map. It will be about 20x16 where it fits nicely in a single screen so most players will not need to scroll around. I will try an mix up the terrain so that it provides some variation and enough room for some maneuvering, with cover.

[DoubleDeuce]

OK, while working up the criteria, I had a scenario of my own come to mind using 'a pair of SPW 250/7' in my example soooo, that will be one of the requirements of the design contest once I have all the other details fleshed out. [8D]

In addition, if we have enough interest to go ahead with this, I am prepared to offer up a prize for the winner. This would NOT be a TotH or Matrix officially sponsored contest or prize, it would be something organized, judged and offered by me with the prize cost coming out of my own pocket.

[DoubleDeuce]

Still working on documenting the criteria/guidelines for the contest. I'm wanting to make sure all the requirement information is clear to anyone one interested in participating.

[DoubleDeuce]

Just throwing this out there, does everyone think a 1 month design window will be long enough or should I go with 2 months. That will be followed by a 1 month evaluation/judging window (I will need to read through an playtest each submission multiple times).

[DoubleDeuce]

Here is the 'draft' map I am planning to use with the contest.

[Peter Fisla]

Cool looking map DD!

[DoubleDeuce]

ORIGINAL: Peter Fisla

Cool looking map DD!

Thanks. Hopefully it will allow enough maneuver space.