Hi all, I am under the impression that when players download a map on a server that they are playing on it then gives them the ability to use that map as they wish. Is this true ?

Reason I am asking is I have been making a few maps but have not yet got around to puting them up on a server. I was wondering if there is anything a mapper can do to keep unauthorized people from running it on thier server and if so what needs to be done to the map files ?

I have not been playing on any custom servers so Im not familiar with what all you get when you download someones map to play it on thier server.

Thanks all for any input

I haven't heard of any solution to your need. I don't know why you wouldn't want your map to be spreaded.

Well some of my maps can spread and some of my maps I may not want to spread. Kinda like if I make a custom map special for some unique purpose, someone or some squad etc.. I just thought sometimes it would be nice if a creator could hold the "rights" to his/her own map and only run it on servers of choice. Alot of games that i used to map for in the past were that way and I guess Im kinda used to having that choice.

Thanks for your post

Well, if your worried about them spreading you could always just like put your name in the map (made out of brushes, or custom texture) really big so you do get credit around the world

Only solution is for it to not be released at all. Password protect server for when u run the map, so only the people you want to be able to play the map can connect and download. Restrict them to not sharing it at all.

As I understand you can not really copyright a map, even though it is your "baby". I do not support people who try to change compiled maps by decompiling them, without consent from the creator of that map.

My clan use to have a training server that was password protected. Something like that could solve the issue of spreading to a degree as long as no one gives out yalls password freely.

|TM|TexasRebel writes...

Pretty much anything out there you can copyright, you may be using IW's editor but its still your own IP. Other than actually getting it official which isn't worth your time nor money, place your name in an obscure place in the map.

i always put my name and xfire under every map i make :P

ill give you a script that will make it so only your server will be able to host your map, and other server the map will change to the next map in rotation a bit later ^^