Cube, I think the idea is - as I see it at the moment - somethink like so: Currently we have the map generator, with it's dozens of options.cube wrote:yeah, I'd like to do the more structured random parts as well. I have a fairly simple plan of how to do it, let's see in which version there is enough time to fit this feature in
But in reality we have two map generators: One for the starting-area, and the other for the rest of the map. The both maps are then "blended" together with one method.
So - as far as I understand it - when we look into the details, then we have just one map-rendering method, which can have some parameters and a "blending"-method, which blends both maps together. He can define some more: If the created map so far still doesn't contain coal, then create a map-part with much coal and blend it in at this point. And much more of such "events".
So, what I would suggest is, that a map-designer can make the same: He defines map-fragments, either by the map generator or from existing maps (and/or blueprints) and he can blend them into the resulting map. Either on somehow fixed positions or by random. And he can define the random and probability (only once per map, in a distance to about 100-500 from the center for example).
However: The map-seed is then also dependent on what "mod" is loaded. I mean, that are special mods (map mods?), cause they could be relatively small, if they use only the default game content.
The result is then just, that the player doesn't need to tweak the maps, until he finds something useful, he thinks he wants to play. Instead he loads such a mod, which "guarantees somehow" to behave like in the mod-description.
The player can just choose between simple options ("Low, middle, high or crazy amounts of biters", "No water", "Longer nights"....). The complexity is - if the player chooses this (which in my eyes should be the normal way to play a map, instead of the current complex)- hidden.
I guarantee, that there will hundreds, no, thousands of cool maps (and scenarios), if a modder/map-designer can create a map in that way, because that gives him the feeling, he is creating an endless world of his own.
