Dreadnought Deep Dives Into New Map Design
Interested in seeing how a new map in a PvP space shooter comes together? If so, then head on over to the Dreadnought forums, where Senior Level Designer Nathan Wood lays out how Studio Yager's new Elysium map progressed, from an ugly, mostly grey-and-black environment with way too many spots where players could exploit terrain to a pretty, shiny, and properly competitive shooting gallery.
Like the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Elysium is dominated by two towers, with gaps large enough to steer a spaceship through. Though they wound up looking very nice, in an abandoned and overgrown sort of way, they started out as just a few boring, dark rectangles. More important than aesthetics, Wood's team found a few spots where snipers would dominate or healers could park without fear of retribution and adjusted the map accordingly.
All in all, it's a fascinating look at how a map comes together in a game. Even if you're not interested in design, it's something to take note of the next time you think the dev team doesn't make any effort to properly playtest and balance a map.
Related Articles
About the Author

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
Read Next
Sheogorath Brings Chaos To Elder Scrolls Legends' Arena
Tamriel's favorite wacky daedra, Sheogorath, is coming to The Elder Scrolls Online.
By Jason Winter - 6 years agoYou May Enjoy
Albion Online Announces Released Date For “Wild Blood” Update
New weapons, new open-world features, and more.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 3 days agoKnightfall, The New Medieval Season For Conqueror's Blade, Is Now Live
This free update invites players to join the Brotherhood.
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week agoOverwatch 2 Cracks Down On Text & Voice Chat, Improves Reporting, And Is Taking Away Your Inappropriate Name
Cheaters and abusers beware.
By Troy Blackburn - 1 week agoGet Your Dance On, Tower Of Fantasy Reveals Flame Simulacrum Fei Se
She’s more than just a dancer.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 2 days agoSquare Enix Drops Stream Schedule For Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival In London
The event will be streamed on Twitch both days.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week agoThe Elder Scrolls Online Endless Archive Spins On Forever On The PTR Along With Update 40
If you love the game, provide feedback and report bugs!
By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 day ago
What does it do on that site?