Another newbie training server for Tremulous

[Pazuzu]

Continuing the discussion from here:

1: 1.2 GPP needs an equivalent to the Wrath Newbie Training Server. When I first started, there were a number of times that I almost ragequit, but WNTS kept me around just long enough to get addicted, and that's the sweet spot in keeping a game alive.

I'm thinking more like an automated server, that runs a map specific to training newbies (ie with messages on the walls). We might need two servers, one for teaching them to play each team.
I'm serious about this project. I can help with planning, coding, and design, and possibly hosting (not likely, but I still have a spare laptop). I'll gladly take this to a separate thread if that's what we need.

What does everyone else think? If this works out, it could help keep more people that decide to check this game out. The concept I had in mind was an automated server (so not like Wrath) for GPP, running a custom map that teaches the basics of playing. But for now, let's just swap some ideas.

[Celestial_Rage]

I think a video showing the basic mechanics may have the same effect.

[Tremulant]

I think a video showing the basic mechanics may have the same effect.

An interactive tutorial is far more valuable than a video, people don't bother to watch videos, whereas tutorials engage them and actually ensure that they pay attention.

[Pazuzu]

people don't bother to watch videos

The problem is they don't know they exist in the first place. But if a server called "Newbie Training Server" shows up on the server list, they will see it.

[Conzul]

Yes this is a good idea.

I think some custom "training" maps are in order, for H and A. They should teach concepts like:

Effective Base-building
   
    >> Cover, proximity rewards/punishments, queuing, and survivability.
    >> Base templates (styles); for example Turtle, Gauntlet, or Diffuse, and the strengths/weaknesses of each.

Combat Concepts

    >> Make them understand feeding.
    >> Responsive rushing/defending; flanking, motorman strategies, group etiquette (LOL - basically how to move as a group to maximize defensive potential).

Control Options

    >> Key Bindings.
    >> Performance stuff.

    Ok, now someone needs to go take all of my suggestions and get them working. GL.

[1337-Kynes]

I can host a server for this.

EDIT: I put up a newbie training server. If anybody wants to donate their time, get in touch with me somehow. Apologies for the home-hostedness.

[Qrntz]

I can put a non-home-hosted, fully-serviced server up. Not like anyone needs european servers with 200 ping from Seattle though.

[swamp-cecil]

I have no problem making maps for this.
Heck, cele, tweak your bots up.
What I was thinking was a bunch of different rooms where each new player can try base building, base rushing and even normal combat.
Maybe we could apply movies to a certain texture using .roq s (remeber those?) and shader code.
Shall I begin mapping?

[Tremulant]

I have no problem making maps for this.
*brainfart*
Shall I begin mapping?

Maybe let the conversation go on a little longer before you go off on one. Ok, don't let me stop you tinkering, but don't assume you're going to build the perfect solution instantly and don't make every wall a video just for fun.

A decent set of interactive single players tutorial maps would be very nice, ideally a tutorial map could be included on the main menu for offline play and a newbie training server(much the same as the existing wraths setup, it seems to work) could help ease players into multiplayer trem. It's worth bearing in mind that these, newbie server and SP tutorials, as two very distinct objectives and may not actually have much overlap.

[hermxiv]

If you guys need help coding this, let me know. I am not really doing any additional work with Z right now, so I am open for a new project. This is a real possibility that we could have running soon enough. I like the idea.

[CorSair]

A decent set of interactive single players tutorial maps would be very nice, ideally a tutorial map could be included on the main menu for offline play and a newbie training server(much the same as the existing wraths setup, it seems to work) could help ease players into multiplayer trem. It's worth bearing in mind that these, newbie server and SP tutorials, as two very distinct objectives and may not actually have much overlap.

Now there's an idea. .:offtopic:. I've would've done this single player option long time ago, if I know thing called "coding"....

Single player would be probably more about moving and target practice as an alien, and building in both sites.

And newbie server would teach some advanced steps about moving and more, as well more about teamplay.
If people are willing to learn.

[Repatition]

+1 Like it!

A decent set of interactive single players tutorial maps would be very nice, ideally a tutorial map could be included on the main menu for offline play and a newbie training server(much the same as the existing wraths setup, it seems to work) could help ease players into multiplayer trem. It's worth bearing in mind that these, newbie server and SP tutorials, as two very distinct objectives and may not actually have much overlap.

Now there's an idea. .:offtopic:. I've would've done this single player option long time ago, if I know thing called "coding"....

Single player would be probably more about moving and target practice as an alien, and building in both sites.

And newbie server would teach some advanced steps about moving and more, as well more about teamplay.
If people are willing to learn.