An interview with a seasoned scriptwriter

[Tom_Anger 0]

My book, my curse....  (this is a piggy back to my original NEW GAMETYPE thread, but worth the read)

I had the pleasure of speaking with a seasoned scripter (ArmAgeddon) on 16aab's teamspeak and we touched base on the existing gametype that he is working on (similar to Capture the Flag, but better) as well as what Joint Operations Typhoon Rising had for gametypes.  We also touched base on what players may be wanting to play regularly.  Since the US version is almost here it was worthy of discussion.  I was surprised that he was not aware of the JO concept where you take neutral territory in central locations, then branch out and push toward the enemy camp, but then again, he was more of a OFP person I believe.  We discussed the project he currently had in progress as being a real nice method for gameplay (check them out on the 16aab servers) and he will think about the JO style as well off to the side.  The method currently in progress is more known to me as Domination mode for Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter where you start at 2 opposite ends and over time end up with a confrontation usually as you make your way to the center.  The JO method starts with initial base ownership and fighting over neutral territory.  Kind of the same and yet a bit different.

We disussed factors that the game should be designed for a realistic battle, but at the same time (since it is a video game) make it fun for players.  You want it so that when they leave the server that they come back later when they want to play again.  Here are the results.

THIKING FROM A SERVER HOST PERSPECTIVE

We agreed that players on average will tend to want to join a game (from the start or in progress) where they can choose pretty much any weapon they want as well as be able to drive any vehicle they want.  Restrictions on this penalizes players who join in progress if they cannot choose a class they want.

SPAWN CAMP/BASE RAPER

Spawn camping and base raping has always been a problem with just about any game out there and with ArmA it can be prevented with a script to warn, then kill players who attempt to destroy an enemy default base.  This will prevent the need for an admin having to verbally warn players then kick them off the server.  We kind of felt to a point that maps would need this warn/kill mechanism in place to keep a server healthy.  If you want to have something out there that a team can destroy I recommend adding in FARPS (ammo, repair, and medic facilities) out in the non base areas that soldiers can use and if you want to destroy those around the enemy territory as a tactic then fine.  Just don't allow players to do this to the default bases.

GAMETYPE

Although ArmA can have numerous objectives for gameplay it is probably important that the method used by a server be kept as consistent as possible and have the game engine (via mission script) help dictate how the map should be played.  This can be done with the AAS gameplay where you Advance & Secure bases in order as you push toward the enemy camp.  The current default Capture the Flag types allow players to take any base and more than not it ends up being played with not as much confrontation as one would like.  You can chase people around more than fight in that style, but if you dictate with the expectation of a confrontation, then you should get better results.

VEHICLES

Vehicles should be respawnable to a point and that can vary per map.

AWARDS/POINTS

Hitting I on the keyboard will always give players some idea on how they are measuring up for individual skill level and that is fine.  We want to keep it a team effort and not isolate that to individuals, however, some form of point awarding may not be a bad idea.  Much controversy with this category.  Since vehicles and players respawn it may be decent to have some sort of rating method so that when players or teams reach certain levels that it gets recognized is some fasion wether a song be played or a HINT BOX with recognition for the team.

THIKING FROM A REALISTIC/TACTICAL PERSPECTIVE - Mostly for training and matchplay if you can find enough teams that want to use this method.  I don't recommend this for a day to day hosting as it may turn the average player away.  If intensions are not for the average player then this is highly recommended.  I would expect this method to have low turnouts in servers, but I could be wrong.

SPAWN CAMP/BASE RAPERS

Spawn camp protection can be omitted for matchplay and tactical gameplay.  Let teams attack anything they choose.

GAMETYPE

Still have the game engine/mission script dictate the method of gameplay, but with more tactial objectives it will make the style require more thinking.

VEHICLES

No respawns, but maybe leave a coupld long range vehicles respawn such as helis available for long journeys.

AWARDS/POINTS

Not needed here as it is all a team effort.  A win is a win.

I want to keep this topic open for discussion so please add comments - I am just trying to see what others have to say about this.  16aab has been working daily to get something in place for players so if you want to help test their efforts out I recommend you swing by their server.  I have personnally been working on AAS as well for Shadow Company Elite's server under SCE_FATMAN), but I think ArmAgeddon has the upper hand on scripting and deserves the credit and player feedback.  Rambo16aab has also been keeping the community abreast of their efforts.  In the next month or 2 I think player numbers are going to increase a bit so there is no time like now to communicate what the community wants.

[Rambo-16AAB 0]

Just a quick word from me.

The AAS maps are running on 2 of our 3 public servers:-

16AAB public 1 - AAS are in the databse with everything else.

16AAB AAS maps - running nothing but the AAS maps.

The AAS maps have no time limit, you play untill one side wins.

[d3dsh33p 0]

this sounds like the cti a guy i know is working on, he should have a beta out soon enough

I fully intend to run cti missions 75% of the time once they get more playable and the game takes off, i.e more players daily not some shit i have to setup like ofp

[ArMoGaDoN 0]

lol - seasoned - and I can't eat pepper much any more

Maps based on ArMoGaDoN[16AAB]'s stuff are on the 16AAB AAS Server at the moment for folks to play with and I'm certain that constructive comments and/or criticisms will be very welcome.

[crashdome 3]

WoW!! he's a quiet one! (3 posts in 5 years)!

Glad to see these new gametypes! Good luck in your mission making!

[Xtremist 0]

I am glad to see this post even though its two weeks later. Joint Operations AAS style of gameplay was the best imo. I am glad to see Tom Anger working on it, being I've played alot of his JO maps. I've also played with 16aab members on JO as well. I hoped ArmA would've had this style to begin, but I can wait.

Also with the size of Sahrani and all the vehicles used in ArmA it will make for some great AAS battles. With frontlines constatly moving you won't be looking at the same cities like the Berzerk maps

[2Lt High-16AAB- 0]

The things we have found up till now are..... the ppl playing ,developing ArmA maps are very, how would you say, playing their cards..... up on their chest.

The 16AAB with Tom Anger mean no harm!!... We would like to show everybody that maps can be done in a different style.

Tom Anger is a lead mapper although we have all left JO we still need your help/ideas..... etc etc.

The 16AAB & Tom Anger would like to have/see a different gameplay, namely Teamwork from top to bottom & this is one of the reasons why Boss/Armo/Tom try their best to evolve a map & construct it to the teamplay needed within ArmA.

We just hope we receive the constructive comments to go forth & develop maps , so ALL can enjoy.

[Xtremist 0]

Is there a place to download the maps you are using on your server? I would like to check them out.

I am not any of the AAS servers up and running. I am also using 1.05, I've notice your servers are using 1.07b and 1.06.

[Rambo-16AAB 0]

We have AAS on both 107 & 105 servers, we dont have any 106 servers.

16AAB AAS - 1.05

16AAB Public 1 - 1.05

16AAB Public 2 - 1.07

Both public 1 & 2 have AAS maps in the database.