Keep it simple - start it soon

I would love to participate but probably won't. I'm working my ass off, trying to work on my L4D campaign, moving across the country and taking a honeymoon to Europe in the next few weeks. Busy time

Okay the theme is My Little Snarky. GO!

reaper47 said:
... Do a vista of the given theme in Source, it will be judged on looks, you have to provide the BSP, deadline is in x weeks. Why so complicated?

Because I'm weird like that I always have an issue with making things too complicated. I tell you what though, I'll make a simple post with a simple description of what to do, and then some examples, and then (maybe) a hidden (spoiler tag) description that might get into detail for optional reading. Or should I not bother with that at all, and just let people wing it at their own accord and answer questions as they come?

I may try at this one..

Riven said:
I'm still writing up the technical stuff (still drafting it out) but basically, in your map the player will be limited to the bounds no bigger than X (somewhat small) enclosed or not, but playable space should be cut off somehow (invisible walls, convenient debris). Then there needs to be a view of some sort to look out upon. The view needs to be separate from the playable space; meaning, (like Aaron said), the player should not be able to reach that view. However you want to pull that off (i.e. 3D skybox, custom textures, a mix of whatever, anything goes as long as it can be run in real time within the Source game of your choice).

... Do a vista of the given theme in Source, it will be judged on looks, you have to provide the BSP, deadline is in x weeks. Why so complicated?

Ah! I'm so excited to start this. Can we start this competition asap?

I'm still writing up the technical stuff (still drafting it out) but basically, in your map the player will be limited to the bounds no bigger than X (somewhat small) enclosed or not, but playable space should be cut off somehow (invisible walls, convenient debris). Then there needs to be a view of some sort to look out upon. The view needs to be separate from the playable space; meaning, (like Aaron said), the player should not be able to reach that view. However you want to pull that off (i.e. 3D skybox, custom textures, a mix of whatever, anything goes as long as it can be run in real time within the Source game of your choice).

Other things to think about: Your playable space itself (whatever it may be) may be allowed to move (example: a gondola moving down a mountain side, or a vehicle moving through a city block). You might get a better chance of winning if you have animated scenes rather than just static scenes. Remember A vista scene in a game should incorporate sounds too!

Almost done with the draft; I might have something ready by the end of this week!

Basically I vista is just a nice view that the player can see but not get too.

Explain the Vista thing... Like a skybox? Or a map that you can not explore but only see off in the distance?

Well, if it's confirmations you want to hear, Riven: Yes, I'm in!