Another DDNet map testing group

[deen]

As you may have noticed many are not happy with DDNet's official map testing. As a consequence there is iMTG, a map testing group led by hi_leute_gll, that independently tests maps within their own organization, and then tells me when they're ready for release.

Now another group has permission to do the same thing: The Eagle clan with =CuBe=, Silex, 645654, phacrum, Micro and more.

I wish we could instead improve the state of DDNet's official map testing, but I'm not a tester and don't know how to improve it. Instead it would be nice if some experienced testers could step up and take a leadership role for map testing and organize it properly, teaching the testers the art of testing etc. My spontaneous wish list would include Lady Saavik, hi_leute_gll and Welf, all of which were very active in the past and in my opinion could complement each other.

But meanwhile, this is all we have and map testing is splitting up into even more fractions. If you want your map tested, you have the choice to ask iMTG, Eagle or post it in the DDNet forum.

[IRGNW]

or ask me

[Ryozuki]

It would be nice to tell us what we do bad and what we can improve instead of creating this ....

[deen]

It would be nice to tell us what we do bad and what we can improve instead of creating this ....

I'm probably the worst tester ever myself, so I'm not sure and that's not my opinion, but some of the things I've heard:

• Testing takes too long, especially the final test
• Different opinions from multiple testers, no consensus
• Unfriendly behaviour
• Bad map changes are proposed that would make the map worse
• "Bugs" are shown that are actually intentional shortcuts

[Fňokurka oo7]

It would be nice to tell us what we do bad and what we can improve instead of creating this ....

We were testing B&W...there were like 3 testers + me and Tyxpek. Then many, many people joined (about 15 in a row). They were testers, but only few of them came to test...and we really don't need 8 people testing one map in the same time. Instead of that - they could focus on the other maps...

[Ryozuki]

It would be nice to tell us what we do bad and what we can improve instead of creating this ....

We were testing B&W...there were like 3 testers + me and Tyxpek. Then many, many people joined (about 15 in a row). They were testers, but only few of them came to test...and we really don't need 8 people testing one map in the same time. Instead of that - they could focus on the other maps...

Btw we were 7 and we only came to see, so i don't see the problem on that.

[Fňokurka oo7]

Please! We're getting really anoyed by people like you!

[Forris]

I didnt know, that there is an other possiblity than the forum

[Welf]

atm i am on a rather bad computer for teeworlds so i am not online that much.
I don`t like to test maps if i can`t even play them.

For me the most important thing in testing is, knowing how the gameplay should be. Then you can say which parts are bad, how he could improve something and stuff like that.
While you are testing, you will learn, what to look for, there are some bugs, which are hard to find. E.g. some bugs with checkpoint tele or stoppers. You will be better in finding these, if you are more experienced in playing ddrace.

I wont make a map testing group on my own and i am not interested in teaching many people, maybe i will sporadic help others with testing.

[maggi323]

Well, I think the biggest problems people see with the map testing forum is:
-it takes long until a map is ready for release (if there are many bugs)
-you don't know who is going to test your map, the fear of no release...

The thing is, even if you post your map in the forum you should look for a tester yourself, to avoid the long wait time. Being a tester is not a full time job...
With your personal tester, it is easier to talk about bugs and how you're going to fix them.

Yes, now you would think: then it is better to just ask a tester or a testing group!

Well, the forum has some benefits, too.
Many testers that can check your map even though you have a tester that is the one who really is looking for every bug.
People who may say that your map shouldn't get released, yes i know, negative for you, but then the community isn't complaining about the map when they don't like it, at least not so many. Because maybe you are good with some testers and they would release it in a higher chance. But deen often has to hear the complains from the players even though, he has nothing to do with it. And when you get to hear from different testers, why your map isn't that good it also helps you to improve your mapping skills and you try better next time.
It's like when you have a strict teacher, you may not get the best grades, but at least you learned something

Maybe i'm a bit wrong, the testing groups are good, but as a mapper you should decide where you post your map.

-maggi323