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RawShark's map author interviews #2
Author's name: QuartZ aka Dana Jan
Website: QuartZ
Maps to date: Quartzdm1, Quartzdm2, QuartzCTF1
RawShark: So, what's the story with your conversion of classic Quake map DM6? Is it nearly finished?
Dana: The map is completely done and available now actually. The delay was unavoidable, due to other real world obligations (college) but I do think that this conversion will make people happy. It's new yet classic.
RawShark: Does the way quartzdm1 and quartzdm2 differed so much give any indication of how you work? Will your future maps be just as different to one another?
Dana: Absolutely. Each time I make a map, I try for something new and different. If you look at quartzdm1, you will see that it is a small map based around a major conflict area (the bridge). I tried to capture the essence of a small 1on1 tourney style map by creating a few main stomping grounds with various escape routes. The thing I find most annoying about tourney maps is the lack of fast game play. I think Quake 2 had a lot to do with this. Quake 1 was a frantic game and I missed that in Quake 2. Many level designers ran with the Quake 2 style and slowed down 1on1 DM. In Quake 3, I knew it would be possible to combine the good aspects of both games on a wide variety of maps. Although my maps will look different in architecture from each other, I think you will find that they are all built on this same design theory.
RawShark: I saw one of your maps on a magazine cover CD (PC Gamer I think it was). How does that work - did they ask you? And if so what did you think of that?
Dana: I am new to that also. I was first asked if I wanted my map included on a magazine CD cover by a French gaming magazine. They had played quartzdm1 and wanted to use it with my permission. I didn't get anything out of it (with the exception of some publicity). In fact, I asked them for a free copy of the issue my map was included on, but never heard from them again. Ever since then, I get requests weekly to put my maps in either a magazine cover CD or a map pak. It's always a good idea to say yes, because who knows! Maybe someone will see my work and offer me a job!? I am in need of a gaming job...(shameless plug..oh and I model, animate, and texture too) But to answer the question, yes the email me and once I reply saying they can use it...they disappear. To all you magazines (especially the dozen from Europe) I'm waiting for my free copies!
RawShark: You're hosted by Quake3Stuff.com. How are you finding it? Wish you'd gone to PlanetQuake?
Dana: It's fine, but I only wish I had time to devote to my site. I really am so involved with graduating from college that things like level design and web sites are on the back burner right now. I think that Quake3Stuff.com is fine. I would have taken the opportunity no matter who gave it to me. Granted PlanetQuake is bigger, and I've been visiting them since they started, but I am fine wherever I land.
RawShark: Do you think you'll ever do a CTF map?
Dana: My CTF map has been done for ages! Where have YOU been!?!?!?! Ask around for QUARTZCTF1!!! It is currently ranked #9 on www.planetquake.com/lvl in the CTF section. I get the most compliments on this map. It is called "Cast Into Shadows." I highly recommend it to anyone for a good game of CTF. As for another CTF map, I have another one planned but need to refine my layout. Graph paper is your friend...use it!
RawShark: Shit, sorry QuartZ!! I totally forgot about that. I'm a DM map fan really. About your site, it looks really well - design it yourself?
Dana: Yep, I designed my first web page back in 1996 for my Quake clan: [KoQ] which stands for Kult of Quake. We were one of the first 100 original clans recognized by id when they were keeping tabs on clans via their web page. From there, I gradually went on to design better sites making them more user friendly because I feel that navigation is the key to online communication. I am currently learning Flash animation, but have some background in Javascript as well. I have to apologize for the lack of updates to my site here on Quake3Stuff.com.
RawShark: Anything you'd like to say yourself to the Quake3Stuff readers?
Dana: Thanks! If you enjoy playing my maps, feel free to drop me a line. If you read this, and work for a company who is employing level designers or 3D artists, contact me!
RawShark: Nice1. Well, thanks for talking to us m8. Get that site updated more regularly!! I'm off to grab your new map now. Good luck with college too.
Dana: Thanks RawShark!
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