In the top rated game by Ubisoft, Far Cry 3, a new tool for editing maps was released allowing for tons of customization for players.
Tons of assets have been released for the game such as the popular palettes for the DLC Blood Dragon. I have seen many amazing creations from original ideas to maps from Battlefield, but I can’t help but wonder why more games have not embraced the idea of map editors?
While the idea of map editors is not something new in the gaming industry it is still something rare to find, especially on console games. There have been some great examples though on consoles such as the introduction of Forge Mode on Halo 3 that has followed in all of the core games since, and who could forget Minecraft? There has also been the more recent job creator in Grand Theft Auto V, and while not a map editor allows for some custom made scenarios for players. But could this change with the introduction of the new consoles? I believe yes and no.
New consoles mean more power, and with more power comes possibilities that developers couldn’t have on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Already their are examples of games coming out such as the Xbox One exclusive, Project Spark, labeled as a world-creator. The new consoles also bring forth the opportunity of PC titles becoming available to console gamers who can then experience the magic of modding and creating content in their games.
Another big move that Far Cry 3‘s Map Editor has brought forth is what lies in store for the inevitable Far Cry 4 for next-gen consoles, which has already been confirmed to be in the development pipeline. Will their be a map editor in the sequel? I would assume so and it will be even more powerful on all systems. This is also the same case for the new Halo title in development at 343 industries.
I believe creativity is the newest trend in the gaming community and with indie games becoming even more popular it will extend to the mass-market. What I saw in the map editor of Far Cry 3 was a future of gaming where the gamers become the creators.
