Add Nocount Flag As Default In UDMF Map Editor

In the realm of UDMF (Universal Doom Map Format) map editing, the ability to fine-tune the properties of map elements, or "things," is paramount for crafting intricate and engaging gameplay experiences. Among the myriad flags and options available, the nocount flag stands out as a particularly useful tool for map designers. This flag allows specific monsters or items to be excluded from the player's kill or item count, opening up a range of possibilities for gameplay design. This article delves into the significance of the nocount flag in UDMF map editing, particularly within the GZDoom engine, and explores the rationale behind a feature request to include this flag as a default option in map editors like SLADE. By making the nocount flag more accessible, map creators can more easily implement it in their projects, leading to richer and more diverse gameplay scenarios.

The nocount flag in UDMF is a powerful tool that gives map designers granular control over how map elements contribute to the player's overall progress and statistics. When applied to a monster or item, this flag ensures that the entity does not factor into the total kill or item count displayed to the player. This seemingly simple feature has profound implications for map design, allowing for the creation of bonus challenges, hidden rewards, and other unique gameplay scenarios that deviate from the standard Doom formula. The primary goal is to enhance the mapping experience by including the nocount flag by default in UDMF map thing's properties. This is especially useful in GZDoom and potentially other UDMF ports, simplifying the addition of monsters or items that shouldn't affect kill/item counts.

Significance in GZDoom

GZDoom, a popular source port for the Doom engine, fully supports the nocount flag, making it a valuable asset for map designers targeting this platform. By leveraging this flag, map creators can introduce a variety of gameplay elements that would be cumbersome or impossible to implement otherwise. For instance, a map might feature a set of optional mini-bosses or hidden collectibles that provide additional challenges and rewards without inflating the player's kill or item count. This allows for a more nuanced approach to difficulty scaling and progression, as players can choose to engage with these optional elements without being penalized for a lower completion percentage. Furthermore, the nocount flag can be used to create red herrings or deceptive elements within a map, adding an element of surprise and intrigue to the gameplay experience. The strategic placement of monsters that don't count towards the kill count can lead to tense and unpredictable encounters, while the inclusion of non-essential items can reward exploration without altering the player's perceived progress.

Use Cases and Examples

To better illustrate the utility of the nocount flag, consider the following use cases:

1. Secret Encounters: A hidden room might contain a challenging enemy encounter that is entirely optional. By applying the nocount flag to these enemies, the map designer ensures that players who stumble upon this secret area are rewarded with a unique challenge without affecting their overall kill count.
2. Bonus Items: A map might feature a series of hidden power-ups or collectibles that provide a temporary advantage to the player. By using the nocount flag, these items can be incorporated into the map without disrupting the player's item completion percentage.
3. Environmental Hazards: Certain environmental hazards, such as traps or spawning enemies, might be designed to add a layer of difficulty to a particular area. By applying the nocount flag to these elements, the map designer can ensure that they do not contribute to the player's kill count, preventing the player from being unfairly penalized for navigating a dangerous environment.
4. Tutorial Elements: Maps designed to teach new players the mechanics of the game might include non-threatening enemies that demonstrate specific behaviors or attack patterns. By using the nocount flag, these tutorial elements can be incorporated into the map without inflating the player's kill count.

The core of this discussion revolves around a feature request to include the nocount flag as a default option in the property menus of map editors, specifically within the context of UDMF maps. This proposal stems from the observation that the nocount flag is a frequently used and highly valuable tool for map designers, particularly those working with GZDoom. Currently, accessing and applying the nocount flag often requires navigating through multiple menus or manually editing map properties, which can be a time-consuming and cumbersome process. By making the nocount flag a default option, map editors can significantly streamline the workflow for designers, allowing them to more easily incorporate this feature into their maps.

Benefits of Default Inclusion

The inclusion of the nocount flag as a default option offers a multitude of benefits for map designers:

• Streamlined Workflow: By making the flag readily accessible, designers can save time and effort in the map creation process. This allows them to focus on other aspects of map design, such as layout, gameplay mechanics, and visual aesthetics.
• Increased Awareness: Exposing the nocount flag as a default option can increase awareness of its existence among map designers, particularly those who are new to UDMF mapping or GZDoom. This can lead to a wider adoption of the flag and more creative uses in maps.
• Consistency: A default option ensures that the nocount flag is consistently available across different map editors and versions, reducing the potential for compatibility issues or confusion.
• Enhanced Creativity: By making the nocount flag more accessible, designers are more likely to experiment with its capabilities, leading to the development of innovative gameplay scenarios and map designs.

Implementation Considerations

While the inclusion of the nocount flag as a default option is a desirable feature, there are several implementation considerations to keep in mind. Map editor developers need to carefully consider the placement of the option within the property menu, ensuring that it is easily discoverable and logically organized alongside other relevant flags and settings. The user interface should also clearly communicate the purpose and effect of the nocount flag, providing helpful tooltips or descriptions where necessary. Furthermore, it is important to maintain compatibility with existing maps and ensure that the inclusion of the default option does not introduce any unintended side effects or break existing map functionality. The following list provides some key benefits of including the nocount flag as a default option in the property menus of map editors, specifically within UDMF maps:

1. Streamlined Workflow: Simplifying access to the nocount flag saves designers time and effort, allowing more focus on map layout, gameplay mechanics, and aesthetics.
2. Increased Awareness: The default option increases visibility of the flag, encouraging broader adoption and creative uses among both new and experienced map designers.
3. Consistency: Ensures the nocount flag is consistently available across map editors and versions, minimizing compatibility issues and confusion.
4. Enhanced Creativity: Easier access encourages experimentation, leading to innovative gameplay scenarios and map designs.

Specific to SLADE Editor

Within the context of the SLADE map editor, the feature request proposes adding a checkbox or similar control element for the nocount flag within the thing properties menu. As illustrated in the provided mock-up image, this control would ideally be placed alongside other commonly used flags such as "Count as Secret," "Invisible," "Ambush," and "Standing." This placement would ensure that the nocount flag is easily discoverable and accessible to map designers working within the SLADE environment. By integrating the nocount flag into the standard workflow of SLADE, the editor can become an even more powerful tool for creating compelling and engaging Doom maps.

The feature request to include the nocount flag as a default option has garnered significant attention and discussion within the Doom mapping community. Many map designers have expressed their support for the proposal, citing the benefits of a streamlined workflow and increased accessibility. Others have offered valuable feedback and suggestions regarding the implementation of the feature, such as the optimal placement of the option within the property menu and the clarity of the user interface. This community engagement is crucial for ensuring that the final implementation meets the needs and expectations of map designers.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Despite the widespread support for the feature request, there are some potential challenges and considerations that need to be addressed. One concern is the potential for clutter within the property menu if too many flags and options are added as defaults. It is important to strike a balance between making commonly used features easily accessible and maintaining a clean and intuitive user interface. Another consideration is the potential impact on existing maps. Map editor developers need to carefully test the implementation to ensure that it does not introduce any compatibility issues or break existing map functionality.

Alternative Solutions

While the inclusion of the nocount flag as a default option is the primary focus of this discussion, it is worth considering alternative solutions that might achieve similar goals. One alternative is to provide a customizable set of default flags that users can configure to their preferences. This would allow designers to tailor the map editor to their specific workflow and project requirements. Another alternative is to implement a scripting system that allows designers to easily apply the nocount flag to multiple things at once. This would be particularly useful for maps with a large number of entities that need to be excluded from the kill or item count.

The nocount flag is a valuable tool for UDMF map designers, particularly within the GZDoom ecosystem. By allowing for the creation of optional challenges, hidden rewards, and other unique gameplay scenarios, this flag empowers designers to craft richer and more engaging experiences for players. The feature request to include the nocount flag as a default option in map editor property menus represents a significant step towards enhancing the accessibility and usability of this powerful tool. By streamlining the workflow for designers and increasing awareness of the flag's capabilities, this feature can foster greater creativity and innovation within the Doom mapping community. As map editor developers consider the implementation of this feature, it is crucial to continue engaging with the community to ensure that the final result meets the needs and expectations of map designers. The inclusion of the nocount flag by default in UDMF map editors is poised to significantly improve the map creation process, enabling designers to craft more intricate and engaging gameplay experiences. This enhancement will not only streamline workflows but also encourage broader adoption of this powerful feature, leading to more innovative and diverse map designs within the Doom community.