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Soldat Talk => Game Improvements / Suggestions => Topic started by: Pekay.jps on May 21, 2009, 09:14:48 am

Title: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 21, 2009, 09:14:48 am
Something that has annoyed me ever since I started playing Soldat... I am sure you know how exhausting and dumb it is to vote a certain map when your map-folder is bigger than 50 mb ... you keep clicking and clicking (or holding) and you need like 1 minute to even get to ctf_Ash.
Don't you think there is an easier way?

Well, my suggestion is as follows:

Before you are taken to the map selection after clicking "Change Map" you are taken to a menu where you may choose from different "folders" called "CTF_Maps", "DM_Maps", "Inf_Maps" and "Others" for downloaded maps.
Those folders are nothing else but *.txt or *.ini files in the "Maps"-folder of the Soldat folder.

Now everytime Soldat automatically downloads a map from a server the downloaded map is automatically added to one of the lists, depending on its prefix. Maps starting with "ctf_" will be placed in the CTF-list, starting with "inf_" means that they will be placed in the INF-list.
All other maps, that have no prefix (including DM, Climbs, Skijumps, Dodgeball, etc) will be placed in the OTHERS-list.

Of course that means that the Others-List will be full of maps by the time and here comes another thing into play:
People should have the possibility to create own lists and edit lists according to their wishes. That means that you would be able to create a climbing-list and add all maps you have there. You'd even be able to create "Favourite"-lists. Filters could also be possible, so to say you can tell Soldat to put all maps that have "kz" in their name into the "Climbing"-List.

Maybe this will also help to create / establish prefix-norms for each mod-type and get away from this "I will call the map 'Major__________map.PMS' cause that is my name".


And if this proposal has already been made, please don't flame me... it wasn't in the sticky.


Alternative by m00ยด

In order to minimize the amount of maps people have to scroll through to find the map they want to vote, the maplist could be limited to the maps available on the respective server.


Poll Options (thanks to homerofgods; original version see here (http://forums.soldat.pl/index.php?topic=34468.msg414010#msg414010))

1 - Full Version (http://i40.tinypic.com/301oyl3.png) ----- 2 - Just Right Side (http://i39.tinypic.com/jacjzt.png)

3 - Right Side Reorganized (http://i42.tinypic.com/2h3vhmr.png) ----- 4 - Minimized Version (http://i41.tinypic.com/2zg5gsi.png)
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: ~Niko~ on May 21, 2009, 09:17:18 am
just type:

/votemap ctf_Ash

Respect capital letters, by the way.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: STM1993 on May 21, 2009, 09:23:31 am
just type:

/votemap ctf_Ash

Respect capital letters, by the way.
Again, as in all other threads regarding this, as true as the fact that there is the /votemap <mapname>, there are cases whereby a person may have a lot of maps and can't decide or remember all of them specifically.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: ~Niko~ on May 21, 2009, 09:25:16 am
Then practice your memory lol...
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 21, 2009, 09:28:08 am
~Niko~, I know that command. Thanks whatsoever.

STM is totally right. You cannot remember all the maps you have (I have 699 btw) by name...
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Rook_PL on May 21, 2009, 09:46:26 am
If you can't remember their names, having to write their names is just as useless as selecting from list. It had to be list with photos for you to know what you're choosing.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: demoniac93 on May 21, 2009, 09:50:52 am
F12.
The reasons- same as OP mentioned.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 21, 2009, 09:51:08 am
If you can't remember their names, having to write their names is just as useless as selecting from list. It had to be list with photos for you to know what you're choosing.

Who says that isn't possible? And moreover it's not only about knowing the names but also writing them... I won't be able to remember whether one map has 3 "_" or just 2 or just 1...
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: ~Niko~ on May 21, 2009, 10:08:54 am
Why do you have such a need of changing maps anyways?
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 21, 2009, 10:15:31 am
Why not?
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: ~Niko~ on May 21, 2009, 10:22:29 am
Because you gotta be the kind of guy who after have joined exactly 120 seconds votes another map and screws up the game that was being played. Or else you like climb servers and make a whole server change to the map you want.

I'm just guessing.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 21, 2009, 10:32:48 am
First of all: What does it matter? It's not a feature only I would enjoy, you know.
Moreover, yeah, I vote maps. If it was forbidden or immoral or whatever you are accusing me of why is there such an option? And yeah, I like to vote maps when ctf_X (for instance) is loaded again, or when a climbing map seems impossible to me.
And no, voting doesn't screw up the game that is being played because it's everyone's decision whether to F12 or not. So when the voting succeeds and the new map is started I feel confirmed. I don't get your point... "OMG, don't vote plzzzz, it screws up the game!!!!!1111oneoneone". Well it doesn't when the majority is happy with the map.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: ~Niko~ on May 21, 2009, 11:11:28 am
I just wouldn't expect a maploader with mini map captures or smt... why do you have so many maps? delete a few and you will see how easy is to move through all of them.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: DarkCrusade on May 21, 2009, 11:11:39 am
I totally agree to Pekay, I F12 this. You cant imagine how many players dont know this command ...
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: demoniac93 on May 21, 2009, 11:26:54 am
I just wouldn't expect a maploader with mini map captures or smt... why do you have so many maps? delete a few and you will see how easy is to move through all of them.

Well this feature would be easier than having to download new maps all of the time...
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 21, 2009, 12:50:13 pm
I just wouldn't expect a maploader with mini map captures or smt... why do you have so many maps? delete a few and you will see how easy is to move through all of them.

Well this feature would be easier than having to download new maps all of the time...

Totally right.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: scarface09 on May 21, 2009, 09:08:55 pm
F12...been suggested before tho...sometimes ignored..hope this actually gets in but.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: m00` on May 21, 2009, 10:11:07 pm
yes, this should be implemented, the current change map method (not using the command) is JUST STUPID, VERY STUPID. for the sake of the game being improved, just improve it

also, if this doesn't get implemented, atleast show ONLY the maps on the server instead of your entire maps folder!
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: iDante on May 21, 2009, 10:40:05 pm
atleast show ONLY the maps on the server instead of your entire maps folder!
What he said.
I know this would take added server/client communication, but it would make things much simpler.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Sir Jeremy on May 21, 2009, 11:09:53 pm
..Am I happy I only play CTF.  Not so many maps to choose from. :)

Could work Pekay!
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 22, 2009, 02:51:55 am
also, if this doesn't get implemented, atleast show ONLY the maps on the server instead of your entire maps folder!

Added to the threadstarter :D The idea is good. Let people scroll only through the maps that are available on the server :)
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: scarface09 on May 22, 2009, 07:51:35 am
m00, I have to agree 100% with your post and idea. Show the maps the server has...I mean why have all the others for to just find out that its not found in the server, and then you gotta wait another two minutes to just VOTE to try and change the map.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Rook_PL on May 22, 2009, 09:14:18 am
That's much better idea than previously. F12 for it.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: demoniac93 on May 22, 2009, 09:38:16 am
yes, this should be implemented, the current change map method (not using the command) is JUST STUPID, VERY STUPID. for the sake of the game being improved, just improve it

also, if this doesn't get implemented, atleast show ONLY the maps on the server instead of your entire maps folder!

I think both ideas are good, but, if you implement them together in one feature, (Mix them), you'll have the ideal voting system.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: ~Niko~ on May 22, 2009, 10:17:18 am
maybe... a script that shows the maplist of the server and tells you how to /vote it?

As you do !maps it says: Arena, Arena2, Arena3, Bigfalls... and then it says: To change map type /votemap <nameofthemap>.

It could be implemented in all servers by default like /info.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: homerofgods on May 22, 2009, 10:42:16 am
   (http://i40.tinypic.com/3322er7.png)
- I agree that the map-voting system is exhausting and dumb.
- I also think it's a good idea to make DM.txt, Ctf.txt and so on;
  And that when Soldat automatically downloads a map from a server, the downloaded map is automatically added to one of the lists.
- I also agree with Moo, only show maps that are found in the server, or put N/A behind or something.
- And also, Yes to ~Niko~s idea.
- I feel no need for the possibility to create own lists and edit lists, and haven't thought much about it,
  but I have a suggestion on how mapchanging can be more easy, pic explains it all:

- (Image made in 123, only ment to show idea)
- N not sure if map is necessary in-game, but had to use the space :p

(http://i44.tinypic.com/w7eesp.png)   Second try: (http://i39.tinypic.com/esop6s.png)
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: STM1993 on May 22, 2009, 10:47:35 am
^ That's a great design, it'd work.

Plus showing only maps that are found in the server.

maybe... a script that shows the maplist of the server and tells you how to /vote it?

As you do !maps it says: Arena, Arena2, Arena3, Bigfalls... and then it says: To change map type /votemap <nameofthemap>.

It could be implemented in all servers by default like /info.
That'd be a simpler solution, but it won't work if the servers holds a lot of maps at once or if a lot of people are talking very quickly ingame.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: demoniac93 on May 22, 2009, 11:25:08 am
^ That's a great design, it'd work.

Plus showing only maps that are found in the server.

maybe... a script that shows the maplist of the server and tells you how to /vote it?

As you do !maps it says: Arena, Arena2, Arena3, Bigfalls... and then it says: To change map type /votemap <nameofthemap>.

It could be implemented in all servers by default like /info.
That'd be a simpler solution, but it won't work if the servers holds a lot of maps at once or if a lot of people are talking very quickly ingame.

So in other words. Today's pubs. Which host about 50% of the games other than gathers, leagues, and CW's etc....
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 22, 2009, 11:45:32 am
Awesome, I like where this is going :D Great job with that concept homerofgods *thumbsup*
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: homerofgods on May 22, 2009, 11:53:50 am
Awesome, I like where this is going :D Great job with that concept homerofgods *thumbsup*
Ty. Funny to use paint some times.
I think the design have to be more soldat-like and maybe made in a smarter way, but you see the concept with the ticks and scrolling.
After the next bug-fixing version I would like features like this to be implemented.
Things that doesn't make more bugs, only make things more easy.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: DarkCrusade on May 22, 2009, 06:40:00 pm
Do the background armylike and then it is perfect :)
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Platehead on May 22, 2009, 06:59:12 pm
Mm great design homer
Aww don't talk about background he's just giving us a peek at where everything could go
IMO include a poll for the ideas in this thread, plus both together
And yeah I think it'd be an awesome idea...

Another thing - maybe an addition to homer's thing, maybe above the bar where you click to see maps, maybe include a search function.  Then it limits it to only maps in the server that contains the words you've put in the bar, e.g. if you're in climb, and you want a map, say, ctf_A_example123 you don't have to browse through all the maps starting with ctf_A_ but you can just type in 'exa' and it should come up :)

EDIT:  So like a quick way of doing it if you only know part of the map name, maybe even if you don't know the starting letter.  This is quite common if you're voting climb maps, where the creator puts their initials up the front.  If you don't know who made the map but you have an idea of its name it's a quick way to vote it
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: demoniac93 on May 23, 2009, 04:42:09 am
Mm great design homer
Aww don't talk about background he's just giving us a peek at where everything could go
IMO include a poll for the ideas in this thread, plus both together
And yeah I think it'd be an awesome idea...

Another thing - maybe an addition to homer's thing, maybe above the bar where you click to see maps, maybe include a search function.  Then it limits it to only maps in the server that contains the words you've put in the bar, e.g. if you're in climb, and you want a map, say, ctf_A_example123 you don't have to browse through all the maps starting with ctf_A_ but you can just type in 'exa' and it should come up :)

EDIT:  So like a quick way of doing it if you only know part of the map name, maybe even if you don't know the starting letter.  This is quite common if you're voting climb maps, where the creator puts their initials up the front.  If you don't know who made the map but you have an idea of its name it's a quick way to vote it

Implementing a direct interaction search function would definitely require TONS of work, especially to adjust it with the current netcode. This might be a bit too much, and ruin the whole concept of the function suggested by the OP and M00. I think what homer did was just perfect, now it's up to us to pass this through to the official suggestions\MM.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: homerofgods on May 23, 2009, 05:33:13 am
ok, I just thrashed my temp files, but I can see what I can do tonight. It was really just to show the idea with ticks and scrolling. Search bar could be included, but Imo we don't need it if it takes extra space, rather keep it simple and easy. OK, I might redo the whole thing for the better, it's just an image though.
Army background? hehe, maybe keep it as normal with the transparent gray background.
anyway, no time now, but lots of time later so it will come.

Pekay.jps maybe we could make a official suggestion of this, with poll and stuff, when we are done.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 23, 2009, 05:47:00 am
I'd be glad if someone else could take over this thread in a way xD I will be gone for a week from Sunday on and I won't be able to follow this thread any more.
Tell me what I shall do and I will try to do it before Sunday evening.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: homerofgods on May 23, 2009, 06:45:36 am
I'd be glad if someone else could take over this thread in a way xD I will be gone for a week from Sunday on and I won't be able to follow this thread any more.
Tell me what I shall do and I will try to do it before Sunday evening.
Well, you don't need to do anything I think. If we do a suggestion, I could do it and make sure to mention your name properly :P

Discuss search bar, and do we need map preview?

I think it would be cool with map-preview if it isn't too much trouble to do, but not necessary.
Platehead gave me an idea, to have the authors name next to map preview, I will show it on the next try.

And also, Platehead, if we would have a search function it would be the coolest way to do it. But is it too hard to implement?
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 23, 2009, 07:23:00 am
Map Preview would be awesome but it should only be implemented in case it isn't too much hassle and in case it doesn't get too confusing with the game-background (remember the voting window is transparent...)

Map Author would be a nice feature too :)

Search Bar: same thing as with Map Preview, doesn't have that much priority I'd say. And it shouldn't mess too much with the game background fluently.

Just my views on it.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: homerofgods on May 23, 2009, 10:17:59 am
1. (http://i40.tinypic.com/301oyl3.png)                  2. (http://i39.tinypic.com/jacjzt.png)               3. (http://i42.tinypic.com/2h3vhmr.png)            4. (http://i41.tinypic.com/2zg5gsi.png)

I did some options for you.

Everything that is Dark-Green will probably be almost transparent. Could also change colour.
If that search-bar is implemented, we ,may not need the scroll-bar on the left.
And if we don't want search bar, we could have a ''see more'' or ''+'' button, to get the scroller or something, idk.
Comments for improvements and discussion about the topic please!

1. The whole package
2. Just right side of the full package
3. Reorganised a little, dunno what looks best
4. Small version
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: demoniac93 on May 23, 2009, 10:47:50 am
1.Remove the search bar.
2.Make the green transparent, and a little lighter, it's too dark.
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Ninjinuy on May 23, 2009, 04:40:24 pm
Ah yes! I would love to see something like this implemented :) I think that, if we use homero's type of map selection, that the player should be forced to spectator while choosing a map (so as to not get spawn killed) and upon choosing one to vote on, be sent back to w/e team they were playing on (not sure how reserving spots would work for games that get full often).

I also like the 3rd design best (with Select above map and author) but I think you should leave the map list and scroll bar. The search can simply function like this: As you type letters, the map list on the left is narrowed down, in real time, to maps that either directly match what you type or simply contain the letters typed (or both).

I also support organizing maps into CTF, DM, etc. txt files within the maps folder and the option of only being able to choose the maps hosted on the server. Organization is key!
Title: Re: More convenient way of voting
Post by: Pekay.jps on May 24, 2009, 05:52:55 am
I'd change the "Default" option of the checkboxes into "Others". Makes it more clear imo. Other than that I'd go for option 1 (I'll make a poll asap).