STARCRAFT 2 - BATTLE TANKS

[Bob666]

1. Well, unlike before we now have control over the algorithm that choses the next target of your weapon. This means we could implement all kind of fancy stuff. Or we leave it like it's implemented right now - random

Definitely random!! That's what Battle Tanks is about. In WC3 it actually isn't completely random by the way: High-HP units take more damage (Try attacking two units with different HP at the same time, they will die about at the same time). And manipulating the chance could also be done in SC2, for examples weapons with a priority of 5 for tanks and 1 for simply units would fire 5 out of 6 bullets on a tank, if theres one tank and one unit nearby. Or priority of 10000 for buildings and 1 for units/tanks, would only fire on buildings as soon as in range. This way weapons could be controlled a bit, without losing the main game aspect of movement being responsible for your weapon's target choice.

And now pro/contra on an early (but without many features) release. At first I expected BT to be released some days after SC2's release date due to working on it during the beta phase. This didn't happen and it seems to me like a big chance was already missed (Imagine BT being the first map hosted in SC2). Here are my thoughts about the release date of BT:

Pro early release:
- There aren't many maps yet, especially good ones. This means there is a good chance a intermediate BT would already attract lots of players.
- Not all SC2 players played WC3 before, so Battle Tanks has to form its reputation from zero.

Pro late release:
- Planned release dates will make some players wait for BT and give it a fast start.
- Bugs/Imbalances could occur

In my opinion, you need to work on BT a lot now, and do it fast. It's all about the first two months of SC2. Once the position is established, development can slow down to a normal level. Waiting for patches before doing anything is a very bad idea: You get to know the editor by finding solutions to difficult problems. And by doing so, you can create a special map which is very different to any other map, which is restricted to the intended features of SC2.

You won't be able to release a perfect BT instantly. BT was never perfect or any kind of "final", but it improved over the years. Actually now it got to some kind of final state, but I think the evolution of BT is a big factor why people like it. So do not try to launch a perfect BT, just start somewhere (of course with some basic concept) and then improve it. Things like priorities in weapons, special effects on weapons and so on can easily be added later. I think BT is ready to release it as soon as there are about 5 tanks and 10 weapons. It would be very limited of course, but make the players thirst for more.