I thought I would write up this quick tutorial, on how you package up your basic MP maps, for distribution. Thanks ColPhilBilko.
#1) Make a folder on you're desktop, with the maps name (ie: mp_mymapname) (all MP maps must start with the mp_)
#2) Place two files in there . . . they are:
mp_mymapname.ff
mp_mymapname_load.ff
If you have a map with nothing custom, then zip it up and you are good to go, however, if you have a custom load screen, minimap or scripts, you will need to create an iwd.
To create an iwd file you will need winrar. The directory structure of the iwd is as follows:
images
mp
Inside the IMAGES folder, place the following items:
compass_map_mp_mymapname.iwi
loadscreen_mp_mymapname.iwi
Inside the MP folder, place the following item:
mp_mymapname.arena
You are almost done :) Now all you need to do is RAR it up. To do this select both IMAGES and MP folders, and then right click, add to archive. A window will pop up, in the ARCHIVE NAME text window, type mp_mymapname.iwd then click ok :) (remember iwd's are really rar files NOT zips)
NOTE: Some people experience problems when they RAR the file instead of ZIP the file. It may be due to the program they are using to compress the files. If using WinZip, it is recommend to avoid this problem by creating a ZIP file and not a RAR file.
Now that you are done you should have these three files in the mp_mymapname folder:
mp_mymapname.ff
mp_mymapname_load.ff
mp_mymapname.iwd
Now zip up the mp_mymapname folder and you are all set :)
DO NOT PACKAGE the directories you created in order to make the iwd..... Just package the above three files, inside of that mp_mymapname folder.
So when the user extracts the map they will see:
Folder:
mp_mymapname
Contents:
mp_mymapname.ff
mp_mymapname_load.ff
mp_mymapname.iwd
I hope this helps, all you new comers.
- Col. Phil Bilko (aka: CDN Merc Bilko)