Introduction:
The TAC Map Rotation will randomly select and run maps based on the preferences you define in the server settings. The server admin rates maps on their popularity and the code then selects maps according to a definable ratio and sequence.
With TAC Map Rotation enabled, there are no more repetitive map cycles where for example, everyone votes for Dangerous Crossing, which is followed by a map everyone hates, which gets voted off in favour of ... you've guessed it..Dangerous Crossing. Variety of game missions and also game types is generally the order of the day, although this can also work on servers which only run one type of mission.
Setting up Map Ratings
The Map Rotation code is enabled with the $TAC::MRenabled = "true"; setting and if you do this you will need to set up some favourites, or be at the mercy of the TAC Devleopment Team's default map ratings.
Here is an example of a map rating:
TAC::MRsetRating ("A_HighRise_Hell_D&D", "verypopular");
To change the rating of a map, just change the field after the maps name. To enter a new map, simply copy insert a new call to TAC::MRsetRating ("newMap", "rating");
Possible ratings are:
verypopular
popular
average
unpopular
neverplayAny map that isn't given a rating is automatically assigned "average".
Setting up the Rotation String
$TAC::MRratioString allows you to choose what map rating will be played when $TAC::MRratioString="1 1 2 4"; This will play two verypopular maps, then one popular map, then one unpopular map. It will then start again.
the default setup is:
verypopular= 4 or 40%
popular= 3 or 30%
average= 2 or 20%
unpopular= 1 or 10%
change them to whatever you please
$TAC::MRratioString="1 2 1 3 2 4 1 2 3 1";
Mission-specific Servers
If you wish to make a CTF only server you can specify your favourite CTF maps in the 'verypopular' category, your not so favourite ones into the 'popular' category and restrict the server. You can to play only 'verypopular' and 'popular' maps by editing $TAC::MRratioString to be something like:
$TAC::MRratioString="1 1 2 1 2";
Your favourites are now played more often than the not so favourite maps!