Requirements Document for updating the map pool for the new ladder season of starcraft remastered.
step by step instructions, deliverables, tests and acceptance criterea.
Background Information: As per prior discussions, the Community and Blizzard have agreed that we will be updating the map pool at the bare minimum, whenever the new ASL starts. This gives us at least two map pool updates per year. The map pool for ASL was just announced, so the preperations for updating the season should begin now. (See liquipedia(.)net /starcraft /AfreecaTV /StarCraft_League_Remastered /17)
Updating the map pool for a game like StarCraft Remastered involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Review Current Map Pool:
-
Examine the existing map pool to understand the current landscape.
Currently the map pool is the ASL season 16 map pool, along with Fighting Spirit.
-
Consider player feedback from the previous season.
Players generally seem happy using the maps that are used on the pro-meta. some people dislike the weirder maps, but the built-in veto system negates this concern.
3. Research and Gather Maps:
Map List:
Maps (ASL Maps)
Thumbnail
Link to Download Page (in Korean)
Blitz Y
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /4 /4b /Blitz_Y.jpg
910map.tistory(.)com /180
Neo Dark Origin*
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /4 /48 /Neo_Dark_Origin.jpg
910map.tistory(.)com /183
Apocalypse*
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /thumb /2 /21 /Apocalypse_%28ASL%29.jpg /600px-Apocalypse_%28ASL%29.jpg
910map.tistory(.)com /179
Citadel
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /a /a2 /Citadel.jpg
910map.tistory(.)com /186
Radeon
liquipedia(.)net /starcraft /File:Radeon.jpg
910map.tistory(.)com /185
Retro*
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /thumb /b /bf /Retro_1.2.jpg /600px-Retro_1.2.jpg
910map.tistory(.)com /184
Troy SE
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /thumb /4 /4d /Troy_SE.jpg /600px-Troy_SE.jpg
910map.tistory(.)com /187
- Indicates the map is returning from the current season
More info about this season of ASL maps can be found here: 910map.tistory(.)com /188
Classic Maps:
Polypoid
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /thumb /5 /57 /Polypoid_1.60.jpg /600px-Polypoid_1.60.jpg
Neo Sylphid 3
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /thumb /6 /6c /Neo_Sylphid.jpg /600px-Neo_Sylphid.jpg
Fighting Spirit
liquipedia(.)net /commons /images /thumb /b /bc /Fighting_spirit_1_4.jpg /600px-Fighting_spirit_1_4.jpg
5. Verify Compatibility:
- Ensure the selected maps are compatible with StarCraft Remastered.
- Check for any technical issues or glitches.
6. Coordinate with Mapmakers:
- Communicate with mapmakers to address potential issues and request adjustments if necessary.
7. Create a Map Pool List:
- Document the final list of maps for the season.
- Include map names, mapmakers’ credits, and a brief description.
8. Testing:
- Test each map thoroughly for any unintended bugs.
- Make sure you are using the correct, most up-to-date version of the maps.
9. Create Map Thumbnails:
- Generate high-quality thumbnails for each map to be displayed in the game.
- Thumbnails should represent the overall aesthetic and layout of the map.
10. Communicate Changes:
- Announce the new map pool to the player community BEFORE it launches, along with when it will launch.
11. Update Game Servers:
- Implement the new map pool on game servers.
TODO: What is the process? It appears to be moving maps to the Ladder folder and updating the node server that runs the ladder, but will require technical investigation. Hopefully the procedure has been written up. - Ensure a seamless transition from the old map pool to the new one.
Deliverables:
- Map Pool List Document:
- A document listing all maps selected for the new season.
- Includes map names, mapmakers’ credits, and brief descriptions.
- Map Thumbnails:
- High-quality images representing each map in the pool.
- Documentation for Mapmakers:
- Any feedback or requests communicated to mapmakers.
- Permissions obtained from mapmakers.
Tests:
- Gameplay Testing:
- Ensure each map is balanced for all races.
- Verify that strategies for all three races are viable.
- Technical Testing:
- Confirm compatibility with the game engine.
- Check for any technical issues or glitches.
Acceptance Criteria:
- Gameplay Balance:
- No single race should have a significant advantage on any map.
- Strategies should be diverse and viable for all races.
- Technical Compatibility:
- Maps should not cause crashes or other technical issues.
- Thumbnails should display correctly in the game interface.
- Community Reception:
- Positive feedback from the player community regarding the new map pool.
- Monitoring community forums and social media for any issues.
- Server Implementation:
- Successful implementation of the new map pool on all game servers.
- No disruption to ongoing matches during the transition.
This comprehensive guide should help your intern navigate the process of updating the map pool for the new ladder season in StarCraft Remastered.
Technical Directions
Once the new map pool is finalized, here is a guide for the process of triggering the software update to initiate the new ladder season:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Update:
- Ensure that all necessary files, including the updated map pool list and any associated assets, are ready.
2. Backup Current State:
- Before initiating any updates, create a backup of the current ladder season and related data to ensure rollback capability if needed.
3. Update Database:
- If the map pool changes involve database modifications, update the database to reflect the new map pool.
4. Update Server Software:
- Deploy the updated server software that includes the new map pool.
- Ensure that the server software is compatible with the game client.
5. Update Game Clients:
- Prompt players to update their game clients to the latest version that includes the new map pool.
- Provide clear instructions on how to update.
6. Test Locally:
- Conduct local tests to ensure the server and client updates are functioning as expected.
- Verify that players can access the new map pool without issues.
7. Coordinate with QA Team:
- Engage the Quality Assurance (QA) team to conduct thorough testing on a staging environment.
- Address any bugs or issues discovered during testing.
8. Update Production Servers:
- Once testing is successful, update the production servers with the new software.
- Monitor server performance during and after the update.
9. Announce the New Season:
- Officially announce the start of the new ladder season to the player community.
- Provide details about the updated map pool and any other relevant information.
10. Monitor Feedback:
- Keep an eye on community forums, social media, and customer support channels for player feedback.
- Address any critical issues promptly.
11. Document the Update:
- Document the steps taken during the update process for future reference.
- Include details about any challenges faced and solutions implemented.
Deliverables:
- Updated Server Software:
- Deployed on production servers.
- Client Update Notification:
- A clear communication to players about the need to update their game clients.
Tests:
- Local Testing:
- Ensure the updated software functions correctly in a controlled environment.
- QA Testing:
- Rigorous testing by the QA team on a staging environment to catch any issues before deployment.
Acceptance Criteria:
- Successful Deployment:
- The new ladder season is successfully initiated without disruptions to player experience.
- Player Updates:
- The majority of players update their clients without issues.
- Server Stability:
- The production servers remain stable and performant after the update.
- Community Engagement:
- Positive player engagement and excitement about the new ladder season.
By following these instructions, your intern should be able to successfully trigger the software update for the new ladder season in StarCraft Remastered.
. I would like to be proven wrong by Blizzard. It is what it is.