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Valve releases Portal 2 Authoring Tools to everyone!

Relix

he's Virgin Tight™
Prophet Steve said:
They are going to look into it, and since Portal 2 runs on XP and they are not using any DX10 or DX11, why shouldn't they support it?

Aaaah, didn't know that. I don't believe in tailoring newer stuff to a decade old OS. I thought that's what was happening, but if its DX9 and the game already runs on XP... why not?
 

Stallion Free

Cock Encumbered
LiquidMetal14 said:
Yay! Now where do I put them? I can open it and it launches the game after I double click but I can't find where to go from there.
If the file is in the appropriate folder, shouldn't it just be "~" and then "map <map name>"
 
Stallion Free said:
They haven't in quite some time.

The best example of user creativity lately is Little Big Planet, and I don't think anyone can really argue that the community isn't delivering some mind-blowing stuff. Believe.
 
I'm surprised they came out so quickly. I was expecting them to be released around mid - late summer.

If I didn't have an exam tomorrow, I'd lose today to these tools. Instead, I have to sit and read books. Boo.
 

Stallion Free

Cock Encumbered
sparky2112 said:
The best example of user creativity lately is Little Big Planet, and I don't think anyone can really argue that the community isn't delivering some mind-blowing stuff. Believe.
Yeah, I wish Hammer was as usable as the LBP editor.
 

LiquidMetal14

hide your water-based mammals
Stallion Free said:
If the file is in the appropriate folder, shouldn't it just be "~" and then "map <map name>"
Looking into it now.

My brain hurts lol

I read the forums and it makes it sound like I have to replace files from the actual game. Could be reading it wrong but I've never messed with this kind of stuff on Steam before.

Ok found the right folder, it seems. Now......to try and get it to work lol

I give up for now. I have to work very soon and really don't want to over think before I leave.
 

enzo_gt

tagged by Blackace
Shahadan said:
Portal is not about skill, it's about reflexion. Many tend to forget that, if Portal 1 mods are any indication.
Well the game design in Portal 2 was mostly superior to that of Portal 1 for the simple reason that they chose to go the route of clever puzzles rather than reflex-based puzzles that don't test problem solving, but test your reaction time. And I think problem solving should be put ahead of many things in a puzzle game if were talking game design.
 

1-D_FTW

Member
sparky2112 said:
The best example of user creativity lately is Little Big Planet, and I don't think anyone can really argue that the community isn't delivering some mind-blowing stuff. Believe.

Stallion Free said:
Yeah, I wish Hammer was as usable as the LBP editor.

Yes. This is the problem. Because Hammer has such a high technical requirement, only a few people are really qualified to create levels. And those that are, tend to be technical people who don't have quality design skills. To be able to eliminate the technical barrier so creative people could just worry about design would be amazing. Hopefully Shootermania will allow some of this on the PC side when it's released.
 

sykoex

Lost all credibility.
To help keep on top of the best new Portal 2 maps you can listen to Podcast 17, in every episode lately they cover a handful of the newest custom Portal 2 maps, with links in the show notes.

LiquidMetal14 said:
Looking into it now.

My brain hurts lol

I read the forums and it makes it sound like I have to replace files from the actual game. Could be reading it wrong but I've never messed with this kind of stuff on Steam before.

Ok found the right folder, it seems. Now......to try and get it to work lol

I give up for now. I have to work very soon and really don't want to over think before I leave.
No need to replace any files, just put the .bsp file in "Steam\steamapps\common\portal 2\portal2\maps" and do what Stallion Free said. To enable the command console, in-game go to Options>Keyboard/Mouse>Allow Developer Console. Then press ~ to open the console.
 

LiquidMetal14

hide your water-based mammals
sykoex said:
No need to replace any files, just put the .bsp file in "Steam\steamapps\common\portal 2\portal2\maps" and do what Stallion Free said. To enable the command console, in-game go to Options>Keyboard/Mouse>Allow Developer Console. Then press ~ to open the console.
He explained it but I've never done it. Thanks to both of you, will try later.
 
1-D_FTW said:
Yes. This is the problem. Because Hammer has such a high technical requirement, only a few people are really qualified to create levels. And those that are, tend to be technical people who don't have quality design skills. To be able to eliminate the technical barrier so creative people could just worry about design would be amazing. Hopefully Shootermania will allow some of this on the PC side when it's released.

I stand corrected. Silly me, thinking Valve, cool as they are, would release tools that mortals can actually use. :)
 

Stallion Free

Cock Encumbered
sparky2112 said:
I stand corrected. Silly me, thinking Valve, cool as they are, would release tools that mortals can actually use. :)
Ideally that is what they are doing with the Source tools update they say they are working on (which fucking better also include level streaming).
 
Oh how I wish PSN would come back so I could activate my steam copy.

This extensibility is why I love PC gaming and Valve. Who cares that they charge for hats and useless stuff like that when the real stuff is free or open to users to create.
 

JaseC

gave away the keys to the kingdom.
Stallion Free said:
Ideally that is what they are doing with the Source tools update they say they are working on (which fucking better also include level streaming).

In this mammoth interview with Wolpaw, he mentions that, with regards to the loading screens in Portal 2, "Unfortunately, we have loading screens at all... we're going to fix that eventually."

Take from that what you will! Either he was hinting that it's being worked on, or he was simply being optimistic. :p
 

projekt84

Member
SneakyStephan said:
Other devs release 15 dollar map packs.

Valve immediately release their tools.

Like a boss.

Endless supply of models for Gabe.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlSlU27nM1Y/TWGzZCJ_m0I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/ldWfGQQ91SA/s1600/gabe-newell.jpg[/QUOTE]

No hoverhand for Gabe.

Wow is he round in that picture though. I think he's a bit lighter lately.
 

Stallion Free

Cock Encumbered
JaseC said:
In this mammoth interview with Wolpaw, he mentions that, with regards to the loading screens in Portal 2, "Unfortunately, we have loading screens at all... we're going to fix that eventually."

Take from that what you will! Either he was hinting that it's being worked on, or he was simply being optimistic. :p
I'm gonna hunt him down if it's just optimism.

And then I'm gonna shake his hand and thank him for the treat that was Portal 2.
 
Here's to expecting a ton of fun from the community! This wouldn't surprise me if community maps end up as free DLC bundled in later down the road.
 

TheExodu5

Banned
Shahadan said:
Portal is not about skill, it's about reflexion. Many tend to forget that, if Portal 1 mods are any indication.

Why limit map makers? Portal can be about skill just as much as it can be about analytical thinking.
 

Stallion Free

Cock Encumbered
TheExodu5 said:
Why limit map makers? Portal can be about skill just as much as it can be about analytical thinking.
Most map-makers struggle to find a good balance for skill though. See: many Portal 1 maps.
 

sykoex

Lost all credibility.
Stallion Free said:
Most map-makers struggle to find a good balance for skill though. See: many Portal 1 maps.
To me the beauty of custom maps are that they don't have to be designed with the thought that anyone should be able to complete them. Think most Portal maps are easy as piss? There's probably a custom map out there that'll still kick your ass. For everyone else there's stuff like the flash levels mod.
 

heyf00L

Member
Yeef said:
Yeah, but a lot of the Valve maps in TF2 are shit, too. Hydro, Dustbowl, 2fort, etc.)
Nice opinion you got there. Did you know many people enjoy those maps? Pretty wild, huh?

Anyway, the majority of community anything is going to suck. An easier-to-use editor won't fix that. As long as it produces a few gems here and there that raise to the top we all win. The TF2 community has also produces some awesome and gorgeous maps. And yeah, I expect Valve will pick some of the better Portal 2 ones and make them official.
 

Stallion Free

Cock Encumbered
sykoex said:
To me the beauty of custom maps are that they don't have to be designed with the thought that anyone should be able to complete them. Think most Portal maps are easy as piss? There's probably a custom map out there that'll still kick your ass. For everyone else there's stuff like the flash levels mod.
No I mean that there is a lot of shit out there that requires absurd leaps of logic, that designers fail to see since they thought of the puzzle.
 

Chavelo

Member
Not one PC game with mod tools/support has a good amount of great creations from the fans. That's why they're great, because you don't see them often. I say we just chill back, play a few of the starting maps, and wait when RPS/NeoGAF and the rest of the internet picks up on a creation that is worthy of being called "great".

Come on, PC Master Race, we should know this already.

Sidenote: I can't wait for a Portal 1 fan remake with the clean/dirty style of Portal 2 graphics... First one was amazing when it was out, but when I tried to go back after playing the second one, I just couldn't stomach the textures... and it was only 4 years since it came out!

Damn, Valve... why you gotta be so GDLK and make every new game more prettier. QQ


Yeef said:
Yeah, but a lot of the Valve maps in TF2 are shit, too. Hydro, Dustbowl, 2fort, etc.)

606_1241483397469.gif
 

1-D_FTW

Member
heyf00L said:
Nice opinion you got there. Did you know many people enjoy those maps? Pretty wild, huh?

Anyway, the majority of community anything is going to suck. An easier-to-use editor won't fix that. As long as it produces a few gems here and there that raise to the top we all win. The TF2 community has also produces some awesome and gorgeous maps. And yeah, I expect Valve will pick some of the better Portal 2 ones and make them official.

People thinking Dustbowl sucks is probably the reason so many of the user mods suck. Hard to design something well if you're devoid of taste. Kind of like a chef who can't smell or taste. Sure. You can cook food for other people, just don't expect it to taste very good.

Yeef said:
I'm not sure what your point is...

That a chef who can't smell or taste shouldn't cook for others.
 

TheExodu5

Banned
Stallion Free said:
No I mean that there is a lot of shit out there that requires absurd leaps of logic, that designers fail to see since they thought of the puzzle.

Why should map makers restrict themselves to making maps you can beat? There are players out there that will simply be more skilled than you and want a proper challenge.
 

1-D_FTW

Member
TheExodu5 said:
Why should map makers restrict themselves to making maps you can beat? There are players out there that will simply be more skilled than you and want a proper challenge.

Are they really providing that? Or are they just randomly throwing crap around that makes it a complete luck job to finish? It takes an incredible amount of talent to create a difficult puzzle that is logically thought out. Anyone can sloppily design something that's almost impossible if you don't luck your way through.
 

Yeef

Member
1-D_FTW said:
People thinking Dustbowl sucks is probably the reason so many of the user mods suck. Hard to design something well if you're devoid of taste. Kind of like a chef who can't smell or taste. Sure. You can cook food for other people, just don't expect it to taste very good.
The second map of dustbowl is the only good one. The first is okay and the third is awful. They're just basically long hallways. Good maps will have alternate routes and flanking positions, dustbowl (especially map 3) has little of either. Gorge and Gravelpit are infinitely better attack/defend maps made by Valve.
 

TheExodu5

Banned
1-D_FTW said:
Are they really providing that? Or are they just randomly throwing crap around that makes it a complete luck job to finish? It takes an incredible amount of talent to create a difficult puzzle that is logically thought out. Anyone can sloppily design something that's almost impossible if you don't luck your way through.

My point is that Portal is fairly versatile. Maps don't necessarily need to be puzzle based. The point of making custom maps is not necessarily to recreate what Valve has already put out. Some map makers will create maps based around solving puzzles, others will create maps around skill and reflexes, and others might create something entirely original.

If map makers do start making skill based maps, I'd like to see some influence taken from TFC concing and rocket jumping maps. For one, that means having the ground teleport you to the start of the jump if you fail.
 

theBishop

Banned
It would be awesome if you could build in-game like Halo's Forge mode or LittleBigPlanet. Developing puzzles cooperatively would be tons of fun by itself.
 

sykoex

Lost all credibility.
TheExodu5 said:
My point is that Portal is fairly versatile. Maps don't necessarily need to be puzzle based. The point of making custom maps is not necessarily to recreate what Valve has already put out. Some map makers will create maps based around solving puzzles, others will create maps around skill and reflexes, and others might create something entirely original.

If map makers do start making skill based maps, I'd like to see some influence taken from TFC concing and rocket jumping maps. For one, that means having the ground teleport you to the start of the jump if you fail.
Speaking of versatile, there's already a mod that changes the normal portal gun to shoot blue/orange gels instead.
 

1-D_FTW

Member
Yeef said:
The second map of dustbowl is the only good one. The first is okay and the third is awful. They're just basically long hallways. Good maps will have alternate routes and flanking positions, dustbowl (especially map 3) has little of either. Gorge and Gravelpit are infinitely better attack/defend maps made by Valve.

3 is great. First of all, if you have a well coordinated offensive TEAM (TEAM Fortress 2), the first point is impossible to defend. It can be defended if teams are unbalanced or the other team are fools, but good offensive will beat good defense every time (which is the way it should be). As for the second point (the meat of the level), you can enter through the alternate tunnel and attack from the pit, or you can fight and capture the two houses and attack from left and right. It's a great map because it requires a diverse and coordinated team attack to win. Considering the title is TEAM FORTRESS 2 and not Lone Wolf 2, it's fitting. It encompasses TF2 at its greatest.
 

aeolist

Banned
Prophet Steve said:
They are going to look into it, and since Portal 2 runs on XP and they are not using any DX10 or DX11, why shouldn't they support it?
Because XP is old broken shit and anyone who encourages people to move away from it even for bullshit reasons has my support.
 

Chavelo

Member
sykoex said:
http://myaperturelabs.com/file.php?id=578

Put the .bsp and .vmf files in your portal 2 maps folder and load the bsp through the console.

HA! Thank you, good sir... From the comments and description, it looks like this is a concept of work... Once they get a nice gun model and a gameplay system (Fuel bar, having to reload in a certain spot, maybe also add water...) this can really take off.
 
aeolist said:
Because XP is old broken shit and anyone who encourages people to move away from it even for bullshit reasons has my support.
Still, XP players could play Portal 2 and also were expecting to be able to use the tools for the game they played since it was said they would be included at a later date. I'm in for games that would ditch the support for XP (even when I still have it), but I do not think that you should not make these tools unavailable for XP people.

Luckily, it seems to not be done on purpose by Valve.
 
You can make your own music? Awesome! I loved the way Portal 2 generated music as you solved puzzles, and it's awesome that we'll actually be able to design that for our own maps.

I hope we can bring back the bouncing orbs from Portal 1 - that was the sole element missing from Portal 2 but I remember a few cool custom maps based around those.
 

rj118

Member
Finally got the chance to try some of the user created maps, I can't wait to see where things go from here. There's already so much to work with and I'm sure some people will have some better ideas in the coming weeks! The gel gun has so much potential, it just needs a little refinement!
 
LiquidMetal14 said:
I'm not in the know so forgive me for asking for more clarity on what that means.

It's an entity file that determines the behavioral patterns of NPCs. In this case, it's the entity file for an advisor and probably related to Episode 3.
 
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