Map Shots: An Explanation

[dcemuser]

I noticed that bum has knife has been helping out a lot and is very knowledgeable about H2V, so I asked him about map shots. Here is what was said (with my posts cut to a minimum - he's the important one, lol):


Unfortunately, this feature is currently disabled. It is part of a larger issue we're dealing with, basically parental controls, and we are working on a solution that provides the best experience for everyone. I know its probably not the answer you want to hear but it's a very hot topic these days and we want to be very sensitive to it. Thanks again for you support and feedback and we appreciate it.

-bum has knife

If we use the correct procedure for making a map shot, will it work once the problem is corrected? It'd be nice if a map that was released now with a nice map shot could have it appear when the fix comes out instead of having to re-release the map.

Yes, they should work fine. As some of you have pointed out, the map shots were taken out in the first update so they actual process was well tested.

Thanks again,
bum has knife

And if you are still unclear as to why map shots could need parental control settings, I'll spell it backwards for you: !!!ZN0RP

So now you have it, use the correct map shot procedure and even though your shot won't show up now, it will once an update is released.

[TheGhost]

Couldn't there just be an option, something like "enable mapshots" that you can either turn on or off? And then when you enable it, it gives you a warning about content. But really, couldn't people put inappropriate content in custom maps and you're dealing with the same thing?

[jahrain]

Wait so the issue is with inappropriate content in a map shot? Isn't the game rated M for mature? Anyone who is young enough to have parental controls on their PC shouldn't be playing the game to begin with. And seeing map shots is part of online play and there is that big fat ESRB warning nag screen that is displayed at start up for like 20 seconds saying the game experience may change during online play. I still can't see how thats could be an issue, if it's liability, its covered.

[dcemuser]

Couldn't there just be an option, something like "enable mapshots" that you can either turn on or off? And then when you enable it, it gives you a warning about content. But really, couldn't people put inappropriate content in custom maps and you're dealing with the same thing?

My guess is that they are developing something just like that, but since it wouldn't take long to fix just map shots, I'm sure that they are working on a lot of other fixes as well and are going to release them all at once - similar to H2X.

As for having inappropriate content in custom maps, well... we have a thread about a map like that. :lol:

[Limited]

Ghost and jahrain both make valid points. Its more likely people are going to put porn in a map than in a really small map shot.

Here in UK the games a 17+ They show boobs in 15's at the movies. I suppose microsoft are afraid of the unknown (basically a person could put any thing in)

I'd do what ghost said which is to allow the enable and disable of mapshots, and it gets saved in their profile. Make sure its disabled by default too.

[Zeph]

I really dont see why it's an issue. Every time you load the game you have to force yourself from slitting your wrists as you wait for the 'game experience may change in online play' thing to go away.

[jngrow]

Yeah, the ESRB disclaimer is there for a reason. Don't see why this would be an issue. Any "parent" that says the game should be AO rated or something can simply be shut down by those words. Hell, one of us, if they had the guts, should just make a map with nasty textures, AND pics of other games and stuff, make a giant statue of Mario in the middle of the map, with illicit photos surronding him, and tons of SONY logos everywhere. That would be awesome, and would show that map shots are NOT the problem.. XD.

[dcemuser]

I really dont see why it's an issue. Every time you load the game you have to force yourself from slitting your wrists as you wait for the 'game experience may change in online play' thing to go away.

Yeah, I agree, but I can understand their reasoning. Politics. I could link hundreds of articles from major news sites freaking out about stuff like the Hot Coffee Mod (FULLY CLOTHED "SEX", OMFG - BAN!), etc. Sure they have bigger problems on their hands with map content stuff, but map shots are something they can control and map content isn't (well, they tried to). Microsoft is just being a bit overly cautious.


Any "parent" that says the game should be AO rated or something can simply be shut down by those words.

Arguably, a map could be downloaded from a website and then played offline without ever taking the game online.

[jngrow]

true, but then they can argue that downloading from an outside source is still "online play". Regardless, it doesn't matter what we think, microsoft is gonna do what they want.

[randreach454]

aye, if your downloading a map on the net, its intended for online play, so any form of mp with that custom map is considered a portion of changing the way gameplay changes.....
so i agree with jngrow, but of course microsoft will do what they think is right, even if it aint..

[jngrow]

aye, if your downloading a map on the net, its intended for online play, so any form of mp with that custom map is considered a portion of changing the way gameplay changes.....
so i agree with jngrow, but of course microsoft will do what they think is right, even if it aint..

Of course you agree with me, we have the same gamer pic! XD.

[jcap]

Yeah, the ESRB disclaimer is there for a reason. Don't see why this would be an issue. Any "parent" that says the game should be AO rated or something can simply be shut down by those words. Hell, one of us, if they had the guts, should just make a map with nasty textures, AND pics of other games and stuff, make a giant statue of Mario in the middle of the map, with illicit photos surronding him, and tons of SONY logos everywhere. That would be awesome, and would show that map shots are NOT the problem.. XD.
Since you mention the ESRB notice, CAN YOU PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, move the notice to somewhere else? Say, I don't know, maybe the bottom of the LIVE menu when you can choose join a type of game? Sitting through that screen not only is a waste of time when constantly running in and out of the game, but it kills the fade in to the main menu. Completely idiotic decision to place it there.

[Kornman00]

But guess whos decision it was to put it there :v

Also, MS must not know the internet is for porn. Grab ye dick and double click http://sa.tweek.us/emots/images/emot-hawaaaafap.gif

[et_cg]

As for having inappropriate content in custom maps, well... we have a thread about a map like that. :lol:

I can see I'm well appreciated in this community. :eyesroll:, lol.

Oh well, at least you've gotten answered - what is to most people, a mystery. I guess my map shot will have to be of something totally innocent, because I'm sure I'll get the hammer whipped out on my ass. lol, I doubt it, but hey. At least we'll have something to look forward too. (No I'm not talking about that map I created.)

[dcemuser]

:mysterysolved:

Officially.