Topics

I'd like some input from the community about the future of the Downloads section, as it will determine what I do.

Both options would include some general enhacments to the script, and some real categories.

Option 1: Just merge the two dopwnloads togeather but keep them on the Modification website. Basicly how it is now.

Option 2: Merge the two downloads sections togeather, and move them to the Sandcrawler Network website (first link at the top). This way it wouldn't be on the mod site, a user wouldn't need to see the content on the Mod site to download your maps (there would still be a downloads link, that redirects to this location). I see this more of a Developer > Publisher movement, one site focuses on creating the content, the other publishes it for download.


This Poll will run until I finish the script, but it will only be an Announcment for two weeks.

Part of Merging these two sites together is making improvements to the existing parts and pieces. One of their parts is the tutorial System.

Up until now the tutorials have always been a page that I had to edit to create the menu for the next tutorial and previous buttons. Now I am going to create a dynamic script that will generate the menus on the fly, as well as allow users to submit tutorials.

My current thought is to redo all of the basic tutorials for Republic Commando, and Killing Floor. But instead of using the RC or KF specific Unreal Editors they would be done using Unreal Tournament 2004 (the same engine and editor). They would only cover the basics, they'd also have tips that would be just for Killing Floor, or Republic Commando.

There are some subjects for both Republic Commando, and Killing Floor that only apply to them, these would be in their own category. Think of a Tutorial for building a working Trading in Killing Floor, it wouldn't make since to show it in the UT04 tutorials seeing as there isn't a Trader Volume, but on the Volumes tutorial we would have a link to the KF Trader tutorial.

Users will be able to submit their own Tutorials, I'm working on a way to make the submission process as easy as possible. Currently I am leaning towards having multiple Steps that you go threw to submit your tutorial.

Step 1:
Name and Notes to Admin

Step 2:
Uploading Images used in the tutorial

Step 3 (final Step):
Tutorial Body and submission

The Notes to Admin in the first step would be what the Admin will see when they go to view and possibly approve the tutorial. I don't want to lose the Quality control that we have currently, and Admins approving the tutorials is the best way to do it. An admin will also be able to leave a review to just the user that would be shown on a "My Tutorials" page, that would state the problems and what needs to be fixed.

Uploading the Images would be a looped Upload, it has to come after Step 1 because that is when I would create the folder to hold the images. The upload would be just like the one used in the Download section of the KFMod Site (I think RCMod has the same one now as well) It uses Ajax and an Iframe to allow multiple uploads and has a pretend progress bar (a progress bar that is just a looping .gif animation)

The final step would just include pasting your tutorial body into the text box. I'm thinking that the images that you upload will be available one of two ways, and I need your help deciding.

1. A box on the site with the image names inside, and a button that will move the image into your text. The problem with this is I am unsure if I can get it to insert into the middle of your text, or if it will only work at the end of the text.

2. Add a custom [BB] code that will allow you to put the name of your image inside and it will then grab the correct path from the folder when you submit. Something like [tut]firstbox[/tut]


Thats all I can think of right now, this is the system that I am currently working with, and will most likely be done first.

What should we call the merged version of the Republic Commando Mod Site and Killing Floor Mod Site?

I'll leave this open until I'm ready to name the site, then we will open a poll to decide the name.


My idea:
Unreal Mapping Haven

So what I'm thinking of doing is rotating the twelve most recent maps on the Sandcrawler.net server.

Unless you guys have a better idea? are map packs better? (they are alot of work)

rcmod.php?page=downloads&command=viewall

The last twleve are what would be rotated for now, I would probably only update it on friday nights with new maps. I won't be running any Modded files on the server, so that file entry would be skiped.

[Games:]

Anchorhead Fight Week will be available to Host Clan Events. A Clan Event is locked to a single clan, and uses the Clans groups to decide a winning Group.

Clan Event scores offer no benefits in terms of Clan Activity, Overall Rank, or Scoring of any kind.

Games:
Any Team vs Team game can be supported, just let me know what the maximum Team size is. (example 32v32)

Rules:
The Rules for your tournament will need to be provided by you.

Dates/Scheduling
The Schedule can overlap over AFW events, but can only span a maximum of nine days. Slots are filled on a first come first serve basis.

Awards:
You may provide custom Awards to be Awarded to players using the AFW Awards system.


To request a Clan Events for your clan simply fill out the following form and PM it to me.

Event name:
Game:
Prefered start date:
Awards:
Rules:
Anything else:

[Killing Floor]

Killing Floor
Four Clans Participating
Sixteen Ranked Players

Frontlines: Fuel of War
Eight Clans Participating
Thirty-two Ranked Players

Winners will be selected at random from the qualified players for Anchorhead Fight Week.

To Qualify as a players:
1. You must be a Ranked player
2. You must have your Steam Account Name information filled out on this site.
3. The above conditions must be met.

Terms:
1. In the event of you being selected to receive one of the prizes you will have thirty days to claim it.
2. In the event of an unclaimed prize it will be passed off to a runner up who will remain unnamed unless needed.
3. We reserve the right to change the Conditions, Qualification, and Terms at any time for any reason.

Good Luck, and remember to have fun first and foremost.

Out US server is having issues after the recent update and will be down until Tripwire has a fix for the server crashing after aorund 10 minutes or on the map change.

:(

All other servers are good to go though.

We had a small issue witht he forums today, I fixed most of it already but there are a few things yet.

Namely the Who's Chatting is gone.

If you see any other error reply to this topic and I'll take a look later when I get home.

Want a map added that isn't by you? Here is how to get one or more maps added.

1. First you need to download the map/maps you want to have added, install them, get screenshots, then make a compressed folder with all the files I need (maps, and screenshots) then you email it to me. (mailto:sandcrawler@sandcrawler.net">sandcrawler@sandcrawler.net) by attaching it to the email.

2. Next you need to provide me (as a reply to this post, or in the email) in the following format:
mapname|moddername|descrip|downloadlink|forumlink|status|mode|screenshots

For example Impass Isle would look like this:
Impass Isle|Sandcrawler|Multi-platformed Capture the flag map.|http://sandcrawler.net/forum/website/rcmod/files/Sandcrawler/omaps/Impass_Isles.exe|http://sandcrawler.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=6|1|(CTF)|http://sandcrawler.net/forum/website/rcmod/files/Sandcrawler/ImpassIsles1.jpg,http://sandcrawler.net/forum/website/rcmod/files/Sandcrawler/ImpassIsles2.jpg

A few notes:
* Any URL you can leave just the filename instead.
* Notice that between the Screenshot URL's there is a comma, its is needed to have multiple screenshots.
* The | are super important, leave them. :)

3. Just post the text here, or email it to me and I will add them.

Just something I've been working on, I wanted a heavily forest area, and I wanted you to be in a small base, its alot like KF-Defence, but smaller and not midevil themed. I still have a ways to go before I release it, the lighting is too light for my liking, and some areas arn't even lit yet.

Download Link:
http://umh.sandcrawler.net/index.php?page=downloads&command=view&id=217

Release History:
Beta 1 (9-06-2010)

[Download:]

This one is all arramus and me :P

Download:
rcmod.php?page=maps&command=view&id=99

Maps by Arramus in this Map Pack:
Domination
Gludo
Ludo
Hoth King
Wizard Shot
Infiltrated

Maps by Sandcrawler in this Map Pack:
007 Docks
Sniper Wars
Tri-longed
Trite
Windslasher Cargobay
Wookiee Trainign Grounds

Instead of posting screen shots I want to wait and add videos as I finish them...but I'd like several people in the server to make the video.

Leave any feedback or comments for me from the Test Round here. I will reply as possible, and as needed.

[Test Round Sign ups:]

Welcome to the new forums for Anchohead Fight Week. If you don't already know about this new site, then let me fill you in.

Anchorhead Fight Week is a new Tournament site being developed by me. I have been planning this for some time now, but I kept pushing it back so I had time to update the Republic Commando Mod Site, and the Killing Floor Mod Site. Well no more, its coming, and coming fast.

Here is an excert from a post of mine on the DS forums.

The hottest new Tournament site under Tatooines Twin suns.

aka A new site on sandcrawler.net, it'll function somewhat like ER did. I've just finished the match reporting pages, and I'm going to finish up the guild/clans page sometime today. I could use a few people who are interested in doing the initial test once I have it finished. It'll use a slightly modified version of the Battleweek rules for now, and if anyone has an idea for the name of an RC week let me know about it.

Just to share a bit more on how clans will work...
Right now I'm thinking that the clan score, total games, and so on will be figured depending on the members, instead of who played under that clan in the past. So clans will be more of a compilation of the members. I plan on using a clan password to join, alot like battlestats.

Anymore questions? I'll always host an RC tourny as long as somebody wants one.

As of the writing of this message I have finished the clan system, and will be begining work on a few other display systems, then I'd like to give it a quick test run before we start our first event. I'm planning on starting a test round for Republic Commando on Friday the 17th(this friday) and running it over the weekend until sunday the 19th. On the following Monday, the 20th, sign ups will open for the first Republic Commando Tournament, this will start on Sunday the 26th, and run until August 2nd.

For those of you that just want dates:
Test Round Sign ups: Before the 17th :D
Test Round Start: Friday the 17th (This friday)
Test Round End: Friday the 19th (This sunday)
Republic Commando Round 1 Sign Ups Start: Monday the 20th
Republic Commando Round 1 Start: Monday the 26th
Republic Commando Round 1 End: Sunday July 2nd

I hope for a good turn out, for both the test and the event. If anyone has any questions just register here on the forums and ask. (The forum account will be the same account used for Anchorhead Fight Week)

-Sandcrawler

[General Information:]

General Information:
This map is a conversion of the Unreal Gold map under the same name. I have made several changes and additions as well. This version actualy started out as a Killing Floor map, but after spending alot of time working on it only to find it wouldn't work like I wanted in several way. So instead of scrapping all of it I decided change it over to Republic Commando.

Videos:
Sneak Peek: Ariza
10 Second Preview: Ariza

Screenshots:

So what do you guys think after you play it?

This is the last time you will be seeing a news topic this way. I'm working on a new news system that will allow the three websites I now host to have thier own news related topics. The Killing Floor community could care less about seeing the Republic Commando communitys map pack. That is the reason for this change.

While we have Republic Commando on our mind I do have the next map pack ready...almost. Thanks to DS hosting a new server for the Republic Commando Mod Site I am able to continue providing these map packs. For the month of June we will be rotating Deathmatch maps once again. Here are the maps present (currently) in the map pack:
Boarding - Arramus
TrenchBreak - Cub
Outpost 31Core - Darktrooper
Close Quarters - Explode
Skybase- Matthead
1on1 - Pumu
Hover - RC-1266
007 Temple - Sandcrawler
Islet - Sn1p3rK1tt3n
C Block - SulfiedShrike
Garden Snipe - YodaMonkey
The Cage - Phillip

Just remember if you download these maps seperatly you will need to also download the map pack.

Thats all I have to say for now.
-Sandcrawler

I'd like to know what you guys think.

If you have added a map using it I'd like to know what you think could be improved/changed.

If you have only downloaded maps using it, how did that work? Was it easy to find what files you were lookign for?

Do you have any other suggestions for the downloads page?

-Sandcrawler

Here is a short guide for use on the Download | Upload Section:

Part 1 - Adding  Download
1. Before you do anything else you need to Log In, or Register.
2. Next lets get your files ready for upload, you will need to compress your map into one of the following formats: .png, .jpg, .gif, .zip, .rar, .7z I recommend that you just use .zip, in your Windows Explorer right click on your file, and click Send To > Compress (zipped) Folder. You may also wish to upload images, they will need to be .jpg, .png, or .gif.
3. Now make sure that you are still logged in, and navigate to the Add a File page. Now click on Upload at the top.
4. When you visit this page for the first time you will get a Directory created message, just refresh the page, or click on the supplied link. You will see you have a few options at the top, depending on how many files you have to upload you may want to use the Four File Upload (You don't have to use all four). Regardless of what form you decide to use simply browse to the files you prepares and push the upload button. It will look like its not doing anything but I assure you that it is, just give it a few minutes depending on your file size, and upload speed.
5. Once you have your files upload click on the Add a Download at the top to return to the Downloads section. You will see a form to fill out, and that it already shows the Files you uploaded. Go ahead and fill this out and push submit. Then click on View Your Download Page, to get the link to provide. That is all there is to it.

Part 2 - Updating a Download
1. Before you can update your map you will need to be logged in.
2. Now go back to the Downloads page, and find your map. While on your download page you will see a - Update under the Map Name, click on it to be taken to the Update page.
3. You will see a form that looks a lot like the Add form, except your current data will already be loaded in. You can change the everything that you had to enter into the Add form. Make you changes and push submit and your file will be updated instantly.

I upgraded/revamped the Download section, and connecting pages (uploads). It should be alot more user friendly now. So try it out and if you like it, or don't let me know. Also any suggestions are welcome.

I do have some more changes coming, I just haven't had time to add them yet. Maybe tomarrow I will. :)

The idea for this map came from Turret Defence. I wanted to see if it could work, if the zombies would navigate the trench, or if they would stop and try to attack you threw the Blocking Volume. So far it has worked.

I doubt I will ever try a real Turret Defence map, but this has worked out well for a tutorial map.

Screen Shots: