Map editor

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The map editor of the free real-time strategy game Warzone 2100 .

A map editor (also level editor or map editor called) is a computer program for the level design , with which one level or missions in computer games create and can edit. These editors are particularly widespread in the genres of strategy games and first-person shooters .

Map editors are often already included in the retail version of the game or can be downloaded from the Internet at a later date . In the event that the developers of a game do not provide an official map editor, fans with programming knowledge can usually find themselves very quickly, who program editors themselves and publish them on the Internet.

Almost all map editors nowadays have a graphical user interface so that even players without programming and design knowledge can easily create their own maps. For experienced users, the programs also contain very feature-rich scripting languages ​​in some cases , with the help of which additional dynamics and interactivity can be brought into the game.

Editors are a popular way of game developers to retain players in their games over the long term. Due to the constant replenishment of self-created levels (also called custom maps ) by fans, the games can increase their fan base and keep them alive beyond the normal lifespan of comparable products. Some developers support this through competitions in which the best submitted levels are awarded prizes, or provide collections of the best fan-made maps for download on the official website.

The Software Development Kit (SDK) is required to make major changes to the game that go beyond the mere design of a map .

Well-known map editors

1 The entire game is based on a map editor
2 Extra function

Web links

Commons : Level editors  - collection of images, videos and audio files