User Guide

BUILDING SINGLE-
PLAYER MAPS
Designing single-player maps is a bit more complicated because the designer is responsible for all of the
challenges. Instead of relying on players to challenge each other, you must present a carefully constructed
set of challenges for a single player.
The time you spent learning the nuances of each side’s strategy and tactics can now be applied to your
single-player designs. While the steps for single-player designs do overlap with multiplayer, there are a few
extra steps to consider when building single-player maps.
1. Additional Design Issues. Before you begin, you should consider all of the issues outlined in Multiplayer
Step #1. Then, you should think of issues specific to single player. What is the “story” of the mission?
Are there any scripted events that happen at the beginning of the mission? Are there “plot points” at
which events should occur? How many sides are on the map? With what resources, structures, and units
does each side begin? Is the player started at a disadvantage? What are the civilian resources?
EA TIP: When designing the story of a single-player mission, keep in mind that the player is
more interested in playing the game than reading text. Storylines should be very clear and
easy to tell. Changes to the plot in the middle of the mission should be direct and re-inforced
with displayed text and physical changes to the map, such as the arrival of new objects from
off-screen.
2. Complete Multiplayer Steps 2 – 10 ( ➤ Eighteen Steps for Multiplayer Maps on p. 36).
3. Edit the Player List. How many CPU-controlled players are going to participate in the mission? Are there
multiple CPU-controlled players playing the same faction? Are there any alliances? These questions need
answers in the Player List.
OTo open the Player List, select EDIT PLAYER LIST from the Edit menu. To create a new player, click NEW
PLAYER. In the drop-down, select the faction template to apply to the player, and click OK. For more
information,
➤ Player List on p. 55.
4. Complete Multiplayer Steps 11 – 14.
5Write Your Scripts. Scripts determine unit behavior based on events in the game. The essential structure
of a script is: IF (condition), THEN (Action1) ELSE (Action2).
O Scripts are the keys to creating dynamic single-player missions. To open the Scripts window, select
SCRIPTS from the Edit menu. For more information,
➤ Scripts on p. 61.
6. Complete Multiplayer Steps 15 – 18.
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