DIY Zombie Apocalypse

[Logan Westbrook]

DIY Zombie Apocalypse

Valve have released a beta version of the Left 4 Dead authoring tools, finally letting users make their own levels.

The new tools include an updated version of Hammer, the Source SDK, and example maps and all the props you'll find in the game, as well as a plug-in for Google's SketchUp [http://sketchup.google.com/], a free 3d modelling program that will let users create new props for the game.

The release of the beta comes ahead of a change to the matchmaking system for the game, which will allow the use of the player created content. In their own words "Our plan is to release a beta of the Authoring Tools now so the community can start working on maps in the full environment. In a few weeks we will then release the updated match making to allow users to play those new maps and campaigns."

If you want to grab the tools, head to the 'Tools' tab in your Steam browser and download it, but remember that you have to opt-in to betas. (The option is in your Steam settings)

I'm steeling myself for a wave of levels based on body parts, and the inevitable Zombie Balls campaign is going to be singularly grisly, but I'm thrilled that I can now make the Left 4 Dead level I always wanted. Bad Apple: Assault on the Rainbow Orchards.

Source: Left4Dead Blog [http://www.l4d.com/blog/post.php?id=2510] via Kotaku [http://kotaku.com/5256917/valve-release-left-4-dead-mod-tools]

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[Trivun]

Well, this'll make Left 4 Dumb more interesting.

Oh yes. I agree completely. However, I'm sort of worried about the potential Left 4 Bed 'remakes' that will inevitably arise. Rule #34, after all...

Otherwise, this is pretty damn awesome. It makes me wish L4D worked on my PC now... damn lag.

 

[CosmicGrenade]

Umm... could someone make the uber weapon 'Broom' for me

 

[KissofKetchup]

If only i was good with hammer...I'd make some kickass levels

 

[Rippar]

supplement 3 hours of awsome content, with virtually unlimited crappy content!
joy to the world!

 

[Logan Westbrook]

If only i was good with hammer...I'd make some kickass levels

When I started messing around with it, I found that Interlopers.net [http://www.interlopers.net] has some really nice video tutorials to get you started.

 

[AceDefective]

DAMN! i have it for the Xbox 360

 

[scotth266]

Hoorah! More user-made content! More objects! More maps!

Wait, we already had that last one... oh well. Still, this is a nice reason to mess with hammer

When I started messing around with it, I found that Interlopers.net [http://www.interlopers.net] has some really nice video tutorials to get you started.

You sir, win the day. THANK YOU. I cannot express that enough.

 

[samsonguy920]

Would be cool to see some good original maps made, though they will be few and far between. Would be better to see some more campaigns from Valve.

 

[Cpt_Oblivious]

I'm gonna make a map so gosh-darned good it'll blow yer socks off!

 

[Lord_Ascendant]

I've always wanted to make an L4D map based at my best friends College Campus.

*cracks Hammer knuckles and gets to work*

 

[The Shade]

Wow...making a zombie apocalypse scenario at my college, for all my friends to play? That would be beyond epic.

Makes me wish I had a) Left 4 Dead for PC b) A computer capable of running it c) skillz

 

[Lord George]

I'm half way through my first L4D map now, it really does show you just how good the AI director is that it can work with whatever you give it in terms of a map.

 

[Sanaj]

Ummm there are already a number of custom maps out... So huh?
Meh if it lets you make new types of undead then hell yeah!

Yeah, that confused me a bit too...I've already played custom levels about 2 months before this.

My guess is this is going to make it easier to create custom L4D maps.

New types of undead would be awesome, I would kind of like Valve to make them though.

 

[Danny Ocean]

I think that google sketchup+ google maps+ Escapist offices= Escapist Left 4 Dead machinima!

 

[Doug]

Well, this'll make Left 4 Dumb more interesting.

Indeed. I wonder how he'll get them to the space station...

 

[Soulgaunt]

Oh god, here come more maps filled with cornfields...(I really hate that goddamn corn)

I am now tempted to get an epic gaming computer,Left 4 Dead, and whatever it is I would need
to make maps, just so I could make a map where everything is corn! Between safehouses, there's a cornfield! In the safehouses, there's a cornfield! Whenever a smoker or boomer explodes, there's a cornfield! In the safehouses, there's a cornfield! Whenever a smoker or boomer explodes, there's a cornfield !