09-25-2007, 08:43 AM
HELP GUIDE FOR DESIGNERS USING THE BLITZ H2H TEST SYSTEM.
This guide should be of use to all designers using the Blitz H2H Productions to upload their scenarios and have them tested by Blitz members, scenarios that reach a required score can then be moved onto the “approved list” where they can be downloaded and enjoyed by the whole Blitz community, testers will receive bonus points for the test reports they submit and designers will receive bonus points if their scenario passes to the approved list.
How do I upload a scenario?
Follow this link...
http://www.theblitz.org/h2h_productions/index.php
and you will see a page with “table of contents” (halfway down), the top link is “add scenario” click that link and you will be presented with a series of box’s to fill in, all are obvious to what info you require, but the “scenario date” is the historical date not the present one. The file to be uploaded should be zipped as that is less likely to become corrupted, also if your mouse has a wheel be careful while using it you may change info already entered!
My scenario is uploaded now what happens?
Your scenario will move to a holding area where the H2H Commander or the ladder Rep will check it before moving it to the main H2H page (for that title). Once the scenario appears on the H2H page a new link will appear under the “table of contents”, this new link “my scenarios” will take you (only) to view just your own uploaded scenario(s).
What are the links displayed under “my scenarios” for?
“Details” allows you to view all the information about your scenario, tests running, tests completed etc…. this is the same info shown on the H2H scenario page.
“Test reports” will show you any reports on that scenario submitted.
“Modify” allows you to modify all the text of the scenario.
“Update” allows you to upload a new file to the H2H page, note that this is not possible while any tests on the old file are still running, use the “stop testing” button to prevent any new tests being registered.
“Stop testing” prevents any new tests being registered for this scenario, if the link says “start testing” this is because you have already clicked this button to prevent any new tests from being registered, if you have now uploaded a new file click “start testing” and it will allow tests to be registered again.
OK my scenario is uploaded and I understand the links available now what happens?
In the past most designers have just sat back and expected testers to appear to test their work, I am afraid that will just not happen, while the H2H Commander and his Rep’s will do all in their power to arrange tests they are principally there to answer questions and do the admin that the H2H creates.
So how do I find testers?
There are two ways to find testers, firstly you can post on the appropriate forum for your scenario asking for help or you can approach present/old opponents to help you out, I have found that the latter works well but doing both will have maximum effect!
OK I have some testers, what now?
One of the testers needs to go to where your scenario is uploaded and click “start testing” and enter the other opponents username, then their test will show up on the H2H page, the testers then play your scenario, when they have finished they do not
report the scenario to the scenario DB, they go back to where your scenario is uploaded and click “rate scenario” that will open a report that they fill in, they then hit “rate scenario” at the bottom and you will receive the feedback and the H2H Commander will award them bonus test ladder points.
It is important that the testers register their tests as scenarios with no apparent testing could be deleted.
My scenario has been tested and I have the feedback, what do the scores indicate?
Each scenario is scored on three categories, balance, enjoyment and briefings the score your scenario receives is an average of them, a scenario requires four scores of 8 (or more) to be considered as tested and approved.
If your scenario scores less than 8 then once the present tests are finished you should use the feedback to make changes to your scenario and then upload a new version for testing (using the “my scenario” link).
My scenario has the required score, how do I move it to the approved list?
Once your scenario has the required score when you view that scenario through the “my scenario” link will have a “approve” button appear, when you click this your scenario will move to the approved list for that title and you will receive your bonus ladder points.
Note, once the scenario is moved to the Approved list it cannot be altered so make sure it is perfect as possible.
I have been told my scenarios could be removed, what can I do to prevent this?
In one word test them, if there are tests running on a scenario it is unlikely to be removed, also make sure the tests are registered (see above) and your Blitz email address is correct so you can be contacted.
Icing on the cake
When your scenario is moved to the Approved list you may also want to list it at the Blitz scenario database so players can report the scenario with ease (this may not be appropriate for all titles)
Conclusion
I hope all designers find this document useful, if you have any questions or if any of this document does not make complete sense, I would like you to mail me at foulattheblitz@hotmail.co.uk with any comments/feedback.
Foul (aka Darran) H2H Commander July 07
This guide should be of use to all designers using the Blitz H2H Productions to upload their scenarios and have them tested by Blitz members, scenarios that reach a required score can then be moved onto the “approved list” where they can be downloaded and enjoyed by the whole Blitz community, testers will receive bonus points for the test reports they submit and designers will receive bonus points if their scenario passes to the approved list.
How do I upload a scenario?
Follow this link...
http://www.theblitz.org/h2h_productions/index.php
and you will see a page with “table of contents” (halfway down), the top link is “add scenario” click that link and you will be presented with a series of box’s to fill in, all are obvious to what info you require, but the “scenario date” is the historical date not the present one. The file to be uploaded should be zipped as that is less likely to become corrupted, also if your mouse has a wheel be careful while using it you may change info already entered!
My scenario is uploaded now what happens?
Your scenario will move to a holding area where the H2H Commander or the ladder Rep will check it before moving it to the main H2H page (for that title). Once the scenario appears on the H2H page a new link will appear under the “table of contents”, this new link “my scenarios” will take you (only) to view just your own uploaded scenario(s).
What are the links displayed under “my scenarios” for?
“Details” allows you to view all the information about your scenario, tests running, tests completed etc…. this is the same info shown on the H2H scenario page.
“Test reports” will show you any reports on that scenario submitted.
“Modify” allows you to modify all the text of the scenario.
“Update” allows you to upload a new file to the H2H page, note that this is not possible while any tests on the old file are still running, use the “stop testing” button to prevent any new tests being registered.
“Stop testing” prevents any new tests being registered for this scenario, if the link says “start testing” this is because you have already clicked this button to prevent any new tests from being registered, if you have now uploaded a new file click “start testing” and it will allow tests to be registered again.
OK my scenario is uploaded and I understand the links available now what happens?
In the past most designers have just sat back and expected testers to appear to test their work, I am afraid that will just not happen, while the H2H Commander and his Rep’s will do all in their power to arrange tests they are principally there to answer questions and do the admin that the H2H creates.
So how do I find testers?
There are two ways to find testers, firstly you can post on the appropriate forum for your scenario asking for help or you can approach present/old opponents to help you out, I have found that the latter works well but doing both will have maximum effect!
OK I have some testers, what now?
One of the testers needs to go to where your scenario is uploaded and click “start testing” and enter the other opponents username, then their test will show up on the H2H page, the testers then play your scenario, when they have finished they do not
report the scenario to the scenario DB, they go back to where your scenario is uploaded and click “rate scenario” that will open a report that they fill in, they then hit “rate scenario” at the bottom and you will receive the feedback and the H2H Commander will award them bonus test ladder points.
It is important that the testers register their tests as scenarios with no apparent testing could be deleted.
My scenario has been tested and I have the feedback, what do the scores indicate?
Each scenario is scored on three categories, balance, enjoyment and briefings the score your scenario receives is an average of them, a scenario requires four scores of 8 (or more) to be considered as tested and approved.
If your scenario scores less than 8 then once the present tests are finished you should use the feedback to make changes to your scenario and then upload a new version for testing (using the “my scenario” link).
My scenario has the required score, how do I move it to the approved list?
Once your scenario has the required score when you view that scenario through the “my scenario” link will have a “approve” button appear, when you click this your scenario will move to the approved list for that title and you will receive your bonus ladder points.
Note, once the scenario is moved to the Approved list it cannot be altered so make sure it is perfect as possible.
I have been told my scenarios could be removed, what can I do to prevent this?
In one word test them, if there are tests running on a scenario it is unlikely to be removed, also make sure the tests are registered (see above) and your Blitz email address is correct so you can be contacted.
Icing on the cake
When your scenario is moved to the Approved list you may also want to list it at the Blitz scenario database so players can report the scenario with ease (this may not be appropriate for all titles)
Conclusion
I hope all designers find this document useful, if you have any questions or if any of this document does not make complete sense, I would like you to mail me at foulattheblitz@hotmail.co.uk with any comments/feedback.
Foul (aka Darran) H2H Commander July 07