Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Types of maps
When looking at what kind of map or world you are going to choose to connect the dots
between places to visit or secret hideaways, there are a few paths you can take. Generally,
there are two options:
•
Fixed
: In this option, images are usually drawn by an artist and have extensive
detail of the world surrounding the player or are blank, exposing places as the
player travels to or discovers them.
•
Generated
: In this option, each run of the game completely randomizes the
places to go or events that will take place, with the focus being on unpredictabil-
ity.
Both the preceding options are perfectly valid and there's nothing to say you need to focus
on just one or the other; mix it up if you wish. Generally, the better the variety, the better
the chances of the player being engaged in your game—it will entice them to explore and
play more.
Another keen element is that it should support repeatability and replayability—let players
return to existing locations and discover new things, and reuse what you have to the
fullest.
Fixed maps
There are many resources to get maps for your title if you don't have a dedicated artist
and, in some ways, these also provide insight or creative juice for how you want your
maps to look. The following map image is a good example of a high-quality paid map:
