Playtesting is the most important part of a map’s creation and typically makes or breaks it. This article gives some pointers to consider.

Playtesting is the most important part of a map’s creation. It takes the form of regularly compiling and testing the map, making beta versions and giving it out to people to try out. You should playtest throughout, from the initial laying out of the map to when you add final detail. However in the later stages you must test the gameplay as a whole and very importantly get people’s opinions.

In the case of multiplayer maps try and get beta versions done and play them on a server. Some groups do a regular playtesting session which is especially useful as other mappers are usually involved who will give great advice. You could also ask a friend who runs a server or get someone with a fast connection to set up a temporary one. Ideally you would want the opinions of friends, who will be more encouraging, and strangers, who will be more critical. Some editing sites also have forums where you can post your map (include pictures!) to get feedback which you are strongly encouraged to do. It is also the most effective way of getting single player maps tested.

Listen to the beta testers. Argue your case and explain why you did what you did but don’t ignore them. You should also be prepared for some considerable changes to your map when you put it out for testing, from gameplay to looks to fixing any bugs that appear. Playtesting makes or breaks a map big style and other people will suggest things you would never have thought of.

Do note that sometimes you can spend so much time playtesting and modifying your map that it will never get finished off. You need to know when to draw the line and not have your map playtested after each minor change. If you want to remodel an area of your map and the effects on gameplay and visuals are negligible then what’s the point?