I think it's pretty easy to tell a map that is worth paying for: The Swan, UGX Requiem, Leviathan, Oil Rig, Dead Ship, HoboVille and probably a few more here.
This would be something that a prospective mapper would have to discuss with the UGX team and prove to them that their map is worth doing a donation for beta. Not every maps should be worth this, if you wanna try to do this on your own website with your latest box map then fine, but it won't fly here on UGX & you all know how UGX values quality so you know you won't screwed over. (Again - no one has to donate - waiting for full release is an option)
Also, UGX should mandate that the mapper release his map to the public for free within 3-6 months so that this isn't drawn out for years.
Exactly.
The argument that EVERYONE will be doing this is just ridiculous and lazy. There are only a handful of maps worthy of donating for, of course UGX won't go to the trouble of hosting and setting up 'ReBoxified: The Opening' because, guess what, no-one would pay for it!!! But, if they really wanted to, I would have no issue with them doing that, regardless of the quality of the map.
CONS:
We aren't positive a full release will EVER come out. MAJOR ISSUE. It'd be tough luck for anyone that didn't want to pay.
Everyone might try paid betas then. MAJOR ISSUE. No maps will be free anymore and you wouldn't be able to have a fun night with some friends without opening up PayPal.
Rushing maps. People might try to put our maps like factories with no regard to detail or bug fixing because money.
Nothing more than getting a map. Now, this one confuses me. People complain they're only getting a map for $4, but that's pretty much what zombies fans do when Treyarch makes a map. I mean, you pay $15 for MOTD DLC just for MOTD and you never play MP? Well, that's the same case here, but less bullshitting around.
In answer to these points, to the people whining 'well the beta will go on forever in this case', well no, there will be a set release date for 2 months time, so no matter what the map will be released then.
And to the rushing part, yes I really rushed through this map, barely added anything, just wanted it done so I could get some money. It's not like I spent a year working on it or anything.
And if you don't think it's worth $4, then by all means you're within your rights to keep your money, personally I think $4 for a custom map that I will really enjoy is not much at all.
I'm honestly not seeing many real valid arguments coming from the other side. Some of the more reasonable people have made some good suggestions on how to refine the process though, with a few amendments to minor details; adding a countdown to official release, providing a little something extra for donators, etc, I don't really see much opposition towards it, apart from the obvious loud mouths who just want to rant and hate for the sake of it.
