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[ajf]

Instead of writing our own map editor, we should just use the Tiled Map Editor.

Yes, it's a tile-based editor. However, it allows layers for entities and images. If we made a tileset for GG2 entities, and then wrote a converter that uses two image layers named "background" and "wallmask" as the background and wallmask, and uses an entity layer named "entities" for the entities, then we'd have a good map editor to use.

Thoughts?

[Derpduck]

What would the advantages of moving away from the current system be?

[notarctic]

Last I remember, sani wanted something like this right?

[ajf]

What would the advantages of moving away from the current system be?

Maintaining our own map editor is a waste of time. This way someone else writes the map editor and we just write a trivial converter. We'd get a better map editor in the process.

[Derpduck]

And in what ways would it be better?

[ajf]

And in what ways would it be better?

For starters, you'd be able to move entities more easily, zoom in properly without zooming in the interface, adjust the grid, easily handle multiple layers, assign special properties to entities, have a proper GUI that wasn't made in Game Maker and works like you'd expect one to, etc.

Longer-term, we might be able to support tile-based maps or parallax scrolling more easily. Though I doubt the former would happen, the latter might.

EDIT: Easily support arbitrary entities for whatever mod, easily reskin your entities...

[Derpduck]

Most of those things could be done pretty easily if someone put work into GB. I haven't looked too hard at the link you gave though, so I'll see what it can do better for myself.

[ajf]

Right, but it's unnecessary duplication of effort. If we use an editor made for multiple games, we can share the benefits.

EDIT: You would be able to resize the window arbitrarily, which would be impossible to do in Garrison Builder.

[Saniblues]

Shared assets between maps via image files containing the tilemaps and perhaps even animations, consistency between map aesthetics, more approachability for newer members that aren't necessarily good at making art but have a desire to make maps. The most efficient way to pull off this format is to have

> The map file itself. Determines what goes where in regards to the tiles. Would suggest using multiple files for different layers, if layered maps are used.
> A tilemap - an image file that determines what the tiles look like. Accept GIF, BMP, PNG. This file is determined in the map file, rather than packaging it within the map file. This allows users to share assets and create their own tilemaps.
> Entities, perhaps? Separate files to determine their behaviors

It would probably cut down on the amount of vram used since this format wouldn't use gigantic fucking images like the current system.

[Phantom Brave]

tilemaps are a god damn terrible idea still for this game

[Dusty]

S'not like we're getting any new good ideas either.
I'd like tilemaps, but only as an option really.

[ajf]

I wouldn't mind tiled maps.

[Phantom Brave]

fact: A lot of GG2's gameplay depends directly on arbitrary geometries and distances
fact: Tiles are really truly honestly terrible at arbitrary geometries and distances

[\esc144aAroundTheWorld\esca]

I suppose one advantage would be animated maps, but I guess that could be done with the current state of the editor as well.

Obviously we'd have to limit the amount of animations in a map though.

[Phantom Brave]

Custom animations are possible without tiles