User Guide

GETTING STARTED
Because the tools of World Builder are easy to use, you can begin building usable, multiplayer maps
immediately. This chapter discusses how to develop multiplayer and single-player maps in World Builder.
✯ Since single-player maps require behavior scripting of CPU-controlled opposition, you should begin by
building multiplayer maps.
At the conclusion of this chapter, you should have enough information to begin development of your own
project and references to other parts of the documentation to explore topics in depth.
✯ Prior to starting World Builder, you should set your display to 800 x 600 or higher in the Display control
panel. For information on how to set it, see your Windows Help file.
❍
To start World Builder, double-click World Builder icon or use the Windows Start menu. The program
opens. To begin building a new map, select NEW from the File menu.
Note: World Builder requires significant computational and system resources to update the
map and your computer screen. If it seems that your computer is updating too slowly, you can
adjust the display settings in World Builder to improve performance. For more information,
➤
Improving Performance in World Builder on p. 81.
Each designer discovers his or her own strategy for designing in World Builder. Before you begin designing,
you must decide whether your map is a single-player mission or multiplayer/Skirmish design. Multiplayer
maps should be more open in design, while single-player maps can be more constrained to create a
satisfying flow to the game.
After answering the above question, consider the following ones. What is the basic shape of the map? Is
there a dominating terrain feature? Is there a slope to it? Where in the world is the map located? Where are
the best locations to build a base? These questions can affect the concept that you begin to implement. For
more information on beginning your designs,
➤ Laying Out a Map on p. 30.
✯ As you build your map, you are likely to need to reposition the camera and change the scale of the
display. For more information,
➤ Camera Settings on p. 11.
✯ When you want to test your work in the game, you can save your map for use in the game. For more
information,
➤ Making Maps Available to the Game on p. 13.
The following sections provide further details on getting started.
✯ Elements of a Map. Defines the basic components of a map.
✯ The Desktop. Describes the windows, tools, and status information that is displayed in the application
desktop.
✯ Working with Map Files. How to accomplish the basic tasks of loading, saving, erasing, and exporting
your work.
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