Left 4 Dead 2 Authoring Tools Closed Beta
Since last week the Left 4 Dead 2 Authoring Tools have been in closed beta, according to Chet "Mr. Awesome" Faliszek (L4D2 Story Writer). Originally scheduled for release at game launch this deadline was put back. But the announcement of a closed beta from Valve should mean arrival of said tools on our doormats shortly.
Here is a quick Q&A of some noobish questions you might have about the tools. Note, this is just some common knowledge stuff, Connect Gaming haven't spoken to Chet in person.
What are the Left 4 Dead 2 Authoring Tools for?
Simply put it is the L4D2 mapping suite, allowing for both individual and full campaigns to be created.
Ok neat, now where do I download it from?
When released it will be available to download for free from the steam "Tools" tab, for anyone that has purchased L4D2.
Ah ok, so how long did you say until release?
I didn't, all we know at the moment is they are in closed beta. We can hope this means it won't be too long before a public release. You will surely hear some whispers nearer the time.
Kewl, so when I get my hands on the authoring tools, how do you go about map making?
The tools include a few different utilities and editors, the main one you'll need to use for map creation is called Hammer. A good place to get started is with the Valve Developer Wiki, here is a link to the L4D Level Design Basics Tutorial.
Does this mean we'll be able to play L4D1 maps in L4D2?
Well, the L4D1 maps are available to edit and tweak for use in L4D1. So if someone is able to convert them into L4D2 format (if indeed it uses a different format) and then further tweak the maps to make use of the new director and new infected (among other things) then to my mind it is doable, I think only time will tell for sure. Who knows, maybe Valve will even offer them up as an official add-on (doubtful because it wouldn't go with the storyline). But for now it is still a waiting game.
Alright, thanks for the info
You're welcome. By the way, come and play on our L4D2 servers with us, hosted by The Group Thing and sponsored by Alpha-Networks. Here is the link to our server list:
The Group Thing Servers
The L4D2 servers aren't actually listed yet, but I'll get onto someone to have it sorted soon.
Im working on a project (mod) with a group of people at the moment which we may eventually be able to show some stuff off.
We are recreating Half Life: Blue Shift in the newer Source Engine and Im tasked with making the Hazard Course level. The development group is called "Guard Duty"
It was originally being worked on under the name Barney's Tales but all went quite with that team and the project died apparently. So this is a new team which meant I was fortunate enough to get a place helping them out.
Make sure you let them know they have a home here if they are interested, and not in clans of their own.
Remember we have means, and a lot of it. Testservers etc.
If you like them, Connect Gaming likes them.
Connect Gaming wouldn't be here if we didn't have trust in eachother's judgement.