I wanted to ask something about map design I just recently thought about.
When you are working on a campaign or are making designs for your scenarios, do you guys use templates, like use inspiration from other maps before the ones you make and change and edit them to make your own? If so, how do you go about the process of making new scenario maps? Is taking inspiration from certain maps from even other RTS games alright?
... Also, hey guys, it took me awhile to kinda log back into my account. Thank goodness I remembered where I kept my account details. So, I'll be going now.
None.
We can't explain the universe, just describe it; and we don't know whether our theories are true, we just know they're not wrong. >Harald Lesch
Inspiration is certainly okay.
I'm not aware of any templates for whole maps being used. But you can copy various EUD- or other complex-trigger systems from the wiki or stickies, for example.
If you edit someone else's map you should ask for permission first and give proper credits.
Normally, I recommend using a template before even attempting to get into making a campaign/scenario.
But in my case I just make it as I go along. I'd think about the craziest things with old UMS map scenarios into my project and that's how I create my own "innovation."
Of course, if you're copying the same design (like an exact replica) of certain maps, you should credit them.
Nonetheless, whatever you design should be coming from your own ideas in your core thoughts - it's okay to reference other people's work as long as you tweak it into your own final product or plan on crediting the source of the inspiration.