With the news of 4 new maps due out this fall, and the method in which Wizards of the Coast has decided to package them, I fear that the importance of custom maps just plummeted.
Just a few months ago, some custom maps were being haled as better than Wizards standards, and some were looked at as possible maps for tournaments.
Obviously a lot of this was desperation and frustration with WOTC because they were sitting on the fence for so long about new maps, and the 2 we've received, while excellent rpg/scenario maps, and have way too many issues to ever be considered for tournament gaming or casual competitive gaming.
Enter Armoredgear7, and 2 of his wonderful maps. AG7 not only shows us how beautiful a map should be, but that they can be balanced. And not only a distance to gambit balance, but a balance for melee and shooter, huge pieces and small. For the smugglers base, we see a beautiful map with winding caves and an enclosed gambit area, and a map I’ve seen more than one being used for RPG encounters at several LGS. Yavin4 is a map that almost looks like the aerial view of a paintball arena, and all the fun of one as well. In many ways this map is the quintessential Star Wars miniatures map, artistically there’s a nice blend of the mystic and the modern, nice dense coloring, and rich tones. It is perfectly balanced on both sides and no matter what size your character is, it’s going to get to the center of the map like anyone else. You left your blaster on the ship? Don’t worry, hide behind any wall, and you'll be able to be safe until your enemy is within striking distance.
And no one can deny the terrific work of Chris Preksta. Cpreksa initially didn't focus on competitive play, but of course the "godfather" of custom mapping was making maps when the game was still in its infancy, and there wasn't the focus on competitive play that there is now. Chris's contribution was making maps that people at home care about, a Giant Death Star, Jabba's palace, and An Echo base. He also focused on the big picture, making maps compatible with other maps. He also had the courage to do an EWOK VILLAGE.
Cpreksta makes maps for the rest of us, not getting caught up in competetive play, gambit awareness, and shooting lanes. HE knew that most of us were going to be playing at home, with Themed squads at home. And then there were my own projects, while my maps were not quite as strikingly beautiful, they were competently made, and more or less professionally done. But what’s most important about my maps is that they show that there is a way to make a map for all seasons, maps that not only had scenario and RPG potential, bit could also be used in competitive play. My biggest contribution has been the map pack, which I will risk sounding conceited, has been revolutionary. Not only have I taken custom mapping to a new level, I have done everything in my power to make this a project for the Star Wars gaming community, and by the Star Wars gaming community. 6 maps for 35 dollars have never been done before as far as I know.
If anyone here is old enough to remember the legendary concert promoter Bill Graham, well custom map makers have our own bill Graham, by the name of Jason Tanner. NO ONE else in the World has put as much effort into making any kind of map available to the public, and with a map bank of almost 150 maps, and some tiles, the Holocron has become the most important sources of variety in all the game or any of its community. While the big convention players haven’t reaped the benefits of these maps, a very large population has. Not to mention SW RPG game masters everywhere who now have a HUGE variety of locations to choose from.
You can deny the possibility of these maps ever being sanctioned by DCI, but you can't ever deny how important custom maps have become in the past 2 years. They really have kept the game fun for the casual player, and for the local competitive scene.
But is this all coming to an end? I hope not. I know I won't stop using custom maps, but I will say this. For about an hour last night I thought, "maybe I will stop making maps, maybe my work is finished'. Maybe AG7 and Cpreksta feel the same way, maybe they don't.
With 3 new map/miniature combo packs and a new starter set in the works, the slim possibility of the Mapmakers' of the community ever having there worked recognized with he highest honor of DCI legality just went from very slim to almost nonexistent.
The Second JediCartographer map pack in the works right now just went from being highly anticipated to really cool, but perhaps unnecessary. All I can say is I'm glad I got one of these packs out as soon as I did, because If I waited one more month, It may never have happened.
In conclusion, custom mapmaking will always be around, in all games, not only SW Miniatures. But its always going to be a hobby, and It's never going to be as vital as it was in the last several months of the game. Although a huge part of me rejoices at the possibility of new maps, a small part of me is sad.
