Today's key (June 2nd) has been won.

Quetetris is today's winner.  He successfully decoded first the code from our blog post on TF2 map creation.  The code was hidden in each sentence's first letter.  It spelled out "The Code Is F2P".  Congratulations to Quetetris and good luck to everyone on tomorrow's free key.  If you're just joining us instructions on how this all works are here.

FYI: the "Atom" at the bottom of the page will not be a code on any day.  Apparently it is the creator of the template I use for this blog.

New TF2 Blog Entry

The TF2 Blog has a new post. How a Map Gets Made is here.  Every map has a special process which includes a brainstorming session but input from gamers is important.  Community input has driven them to develop more Control Point maps.

One of the first things done when an idea is submitted is to create a scribble drawing.  Designing the areas out of a main idea helps create flow.  Each map takes its own path towards completion.  In large maps with big open spaces, there are elements added to give a sense of scale. 

Sometimes when the map is finished they realize that more battle space is needed.  Fleshing out player routes and obvious paths is also a big area of design.  2Fort isn't mentioned but that map has a classic balance and spacing.  Playtesting is a final step which separates what works from what doesn't.