In an effort to reduce clutter, I've combined several sticky threads into one big, convenient Scenario Design Resources thread. It includes links to the Scenario Design Library, a list of useful threads and discussions, information on Designer Biographies, and a Design Team directory.
Um, enjoy?
The Scenario Design Library
http://aom.heavengames.com/scendesign/Arguably the best resource we have when it comes to design, the Library is the source for articles on every aspect of scenario and modpack design, written by our most talented designers. Sections include:
Scenario Design Dictionary
Frequently Asked Questions
Scenario Editor: The Basics
Scenario Editor: Advanced
Map Design
Random Map Scripting (RMS)
Modding
Useful Guides, Tricks, and Discussions
Since AoM's release, our community of talented designers has been discovering and sharing all sorts of useful tricks and techniques for scenario design. These links have been compiled by a beloved regular to AoMH, Paperfriend, in the thread linked below: A List of All Guides by Paperfriend (12-31-06)
^ Old Version ^ by Theris264 (10-24-04)Other useful threads include the newbie orientation thread, and the question thread, also linked below:
Forum Newcomer? Have a Question? Look Here!
Have a Question? Post it Here!Remember, don't clutter up the forums with needless question threads. Also, if there are any new or missed guides, feel free to post a link to them in Paperfriend's new thread; it'll be updated periodically.
Designer Biographies
http://aom.heavengames.com/scendesign/designerbios/A little while back, our benevolent ruler, Papaya, suggested that AoMH's pool of talented designers tell their stories in the form of autobiographical threads. The idea took off immediately, with over a dozen designers producing their own biographies in short order. Needless to say, things got a little out of hand, with every schmo who'd tried their hand at the editor coming up with a biography thread.For that reason, while new biographies are allowed, they must first recieve approval one of the moderators. If you'd like to post your own biography, simply send us an email indicating as such, including a full copy or at least a portion of your biography.Also, feel free to check out the old biographies by following the link listed above, or Papaya's old thread.
Design Teams
Finally, below are listed many of the AoM-oriented Design Teams whose members frequent HG. The teams are listed alphabetically.
Old Design Teams Thread, Version 1
Old Design Teams Thread, Version 2
Archived Design Teams Forum
Ambition Designs
We are a large community that represents the bridge between experts and ambitious novices. An academy with efficient high-quality courses covering all subjects from modding to mapping, a library with great articles and in general a very helpful and friendly community make Ambition Designs the ideal environment for people who want to improve oneself, irrespective of their skill
- Leader: Archaeopterix
Dragon Gaming Design Network
One of the most Legendary and oldest Scenario Designing teams there is. A great atmosphere, peaceful surroundings and friendly members, DGDN is all you can hope for in a Scenario Design Team and more.
- Member: ArcticWind7
Digital Matter Studios
We are a relativly new design team covering both game, aom and graphic design. There are many ideas that have come into mind when we started out though when designing AOM files we usually are focused on modding not so much scen design.
- Leader(s): Hakuo600 (Baxter), PharaoZ,
Hyena Studios
Hyena Studios was founded in 2003 as a scenario design team for Age of Empires II and random map scripting team for Age of Mythology. Since then Hyena Studios expanded its design and creations to utility programming, music compositions/creations and movie creations for the Age series, but also for standalone.
- Leader: M0nTy_PyTh0n
Kalos Designs Studio
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF! Kalos Designs is a newly formed organization but we still believe that we have the devotion and ambition of the larger design teams. We are currently constructing an over the moon website in which our members and the general public can visit to gain insight on the current quallity projects and ideas that Kalos Designs are formulating. Currently finishing our individual projects, and we are starting a community one. The team is looking forward to moving on to creating many high quality campaigns with input from both members and the general forumer. No matter your skill level if you wish to join an ever-growing team thats out of this world and has a friendly community, Kalos Designs is perfect for you.
- Leaders: ChonKatarn and Titan602
Liquid Fire Studios
Liquid Fire Studios pioneers scenarios, modifications, utilities, music and sounds for the Real Time Strategy games: Age of Mythology and Age of Empires III. Our goal is to innovate; innovate design and teams. You would usually only see design teams as a group of people creating projects together to make for a more quality piece of work for the people; however, as Sony would like to make the Playstation the centre of entertainment in a living room we would like to make our team something people can benefit from, whether it be watching our video tutorials, seeing how we develop our projects over time, socialising using voice talk on Skype, or simply being inspired by playing some of our projects. Not only that, we also want to be part of the fansite communities by hosting events such as the Pub Fight, Forum Wars. Moreover, we are providing services to the people, such as a Public Gallery and a Downloads Section. We want to inflame and inspire our members to make great things, and so we give them a cluster of benefits to help with their projects, and self-honing of skills. Above all though, we work as a team; nothing gets past our doors without the team's support, advice, edits... and friendships; and starting this year we will also create long-running projects involving the whole of the team. Working in a lively, helpful, caring and enthusiastic community excels our designers to newer and greater heights. Finally, we'd like to be an inspiration to other design teams and individual designers: an inspiration in to how projects should be presented and how they should present themselves. Our goal is a progressing one; only through strength and time will we manage these things. Liquid Fire Studios forever evolving; almost like Natural Selection we will adapt to the scenario and modification-playing community; if there is a problem with how we do things we will find out what the problem is and do whatever we can to get on top of it, and survive. Liquid Fire Studios is a team like no other.
- Leaders: RiderOfEternity, Gaurdian_112.
Phoenix Studios
Phoenix Studios is a merge between two older design teams: the ArchDesigner Syndicate and Lucky-Zion Studios. The teams have merged to seperate our differences and combine our talents to create a much better and in result; one of the ultimate design teams. Phoenix Studios excells in Age of Mythology, Age of Empires 3, and Rise of Legends design and game modifications. The two teams have 'risen through the ashes' which is how we came up with the team name: Phoenix Studios. Phoenix Studios will continue along many of the basic principles of LZS and AS. Anyone is invited to join this design team. All you have to do is show some of your work, a nice attitude, and ambition. Your work will then be judged by some of our staff members to see where you would fit into our ranking system.
Phoenix Studios is so much more than just a design team. Phoenix Studios also has a clan for each game we design for. Clan Sun Legends, the Rise of Legends Phoenix clan, is currently the #2 best clan in RoL! Then, we have a graphics department and a website department. Our designers have produced dozens of stunning graphics as well as a handful of custom websites. Phoenix Studios has a very friendly atmosphere who are pure of heart and love new members so come on over and check us out!
- Leaders: ArchNidhogg, DWIEEB, Rebirth, Unome
Purple Design Studios
We are a fairly new design team with determination, motivation, and un-matched work ethics. Our members, though reasonably new to the design world, have individually shown their talent in their respected practice. We are always looking for new members, especially those capable of animating and modeling. We currently design solely for AoM, and have considered adding AoEIII to the list. Although we would prefer more experienced users, any and all people, from just starting out to the greatest of them all, can apply for the team here, and visit our friendly environment here, for if you have any questions, concerns, comments, mod/scenario requests, or designing questions. Our members would gladly assist you with your request.
- Leader: The Purple People Eater
Six Flags RTS Design Team
SF started in AoK where Kenji and Fluff were teaching themselves how to design. After a few months and no major acheivements we transfered our skills into SWGB where we made a step up and began producing some high level scenarios and growing in numbers. We then brached out into AoM and it was in AoM where we have spent most of our time designing. We then stopped completely for about a year and we are just returning now: with just the 2 original members (Kenji and Fluff). We specalise in multiplayer scenarios. We plan to move into AoE3 very soon.
- Leaders: Kenji and Fluff
Templar Design
Templar Design is a brand new team created by me AngleOfLight. At Templar Design I hope to interest desingers wishing to better themselves and have a good time. I have room for as many people that want to join. We accept Designers, Modders, RMS Scripters Audio Artists and GFX Artists and more. Anyone with any level of skills is welcome to join. I hope to have many people join and have great projects come out. I hope to see you soon.
- Leader: AngleOfLight.
Tsunami Studios
One of the most famous and oldest Real Time Strategy scenario design teams, founded by Inquizative in 1999. The team has come a long way since then and had many credits to their title, including several "Best of" projects for various games. Tsunami Studios has active members in Age of Kings, Age of Mythology, Empires, and Stronghold and will move also into Age of Empires 3. Only the best Artists and Designers are invited to join this elite organisation. Tsunami Studios will continue to put forth epic projects and scenarios as time progresses. Tsunami Studios has released more than over 200 projects for the various game titles and even more will be released in the future. The university of Tsunami Studios is called the Tsuniversity. The Tsuniversity (TSU) is a unique online university dedicated to scenario design, and a comprehensive library of articles, tutorials, and resources for scenario designers.
- Leaders: Angel Anastasia and StoryCreator
If you would like to add or modify your team's description, simply post a reply to this thread indicating as such, with your description included. Remember to use the following format when posting a team description:
[b][url=http://www.yourteamwebsite.com]Your Team's Name[/url][/b]
[whisper]Insert a description of reasonable length here.
[b][i]- Leader(s): Name #1, Name #2, etc.[/i][/b][/whisper]
The description should indicate a bit about your team's history, the atmosphere, games you design for, notable projects, and/or anything else you'd care to mention.
That should about cover it. If anyone has anything they'd like to see added to this thread, be it a guide, a link, a new team, an entirely new section, or something else, please don't hesitate to post your suggestions in a reply to this thread, or email one of the moderators. Remember, any new designer biographies must first be approved by a staff member.
A'ight? Keep replies on-topic, please.
Your Divine Overlord
KING JARED
Aw, hell, I dunno, she had some tig-ole-bitties, d'int she?
big.vitt@gmail.com[This message has been edited by King Jared (edited 01-26-2007 @ 00:20 AM).]