Map Labs is a community-run anthology of level design competitions for Half-Life 2, in the vein of the classic PlanetPhillip "Ville" competitions.
From July 2019 to Mach 2021, me and fellow game developer Kim Riswick created 8 levels of varying complexity for several of the competitions. Details, including the scores of each entry, are listed below.
Released: August 16th, 2019
Development Time: 22 days
Place: 2nd of 25
Voice of Barney: Joe Wintergreen (@joewintergreen)
Voice of Scientist: Coby Lewin (@ThatComona)
"Definitely the funniest map of the bunch. With custom voice acting and a myriad of comedic moments, as well as a number of easter eggs and endings, this map is golden and absolutely worth a jaunt."
"An easter-egg and secret-laden romp that abridges Half-Life 1's first chapter. Gordon slept in today, and there's only six minutes until he's fired. Get suited up and to the test chamber ASAP, even if the world does seem to be conspiring to slow you down."
Released: September 9th, 2019
Development Time: 4 days
Place: 1st of 16
"This map has everything. Great visuals, fun combat, some light platforming, easter egg dolls that catch everything on fire, tight level design. It's all-around a great map and absolutely deserves winning."
Released: October 31st, 2019
Development Time: 20 days
Place: 3rd of 11
"This map was fantastic! It severely lacked in the horror department, but the atmosphere was insane - the ending was some of the best effects use I've seen in a HL2 map."
Released: December 17th, 2019
Development Time: 24 hours
Place: 6th of 11
"Yes, ma'am, package is delivered and secured. I might ask though, why is the package screaming?"
— Winterman#9098, Map Labs Discord
Released: Febuary 29th, 2020
Development Time: 7 days
Place: 4th of 16
Voice of Fisherman: Alexis "StebMcDreb" Chambers (@StebMcDreb)
Voice of Mystery Person: Vivian "Capcat" Wren (@ariezuri)
"As always, excellent map. It was a real challenge but not boring. The lore was fitting and fun as well. Nicely done!"
Released: April 9th, 2020
Development Time: 27 days
Place: 3rd of 12
Voice of Russell: Alexis "StebMcDreb" Chambers (@StebMcDreb)
"Holy cow, what a level. Every inch of this map is soaked in pure love for the Half-Life franchise. (...) It felt more polished than most original levels. (...) As the player, you constantly feel "smart". You don't feel like you're in a linear corridor shooter. Well done."
Released: July 26th, 2020
Development Time: 48 hours
Place: 3rd of 28
Particle & Soundscape help: Kim Riswick