• Register
Post news Report RSS Level Editor "Spark" Released

Today we're releasing the Spark level editor to everyone who pre-ordered Natural Selection 2. This is a tool we've designed and built from the ground up, melding some of the tried-and-true concepts from level building tools, with some new features we're really excited about.

Posted by on

Today we're releasing the Spark level editor to everyone who pre-ordered Natural Selection 2. This is a tool we've designed and built from the ground up, melding some of the tried-and-true concepts from level building tools, with some new features we're really excited about.

This is a pre-alpha release of the editor, which means we still have lots of features to add and bugs to fix. Releasing something that is in this stage of development is pretty daunting – especially when we know it will be compared to more mature tools that have had many man-years of development – but we expect that most of you would rather get an early build than wait for something perfect. So much for "when it's done!"

The editor has a built-in updater which checks for patches when you start it up. Doing a pre-alpha with this many people is a new experience for us, but our hope is to release new patches a few times a month, all the way up until we ship Natural Selection 2. In addition to bug fixes and features in the editor, patches will also include new artwork, other tools we've developed, and ultimately the alpha and betas for Natural Selection 2.

For the installer, some editor screenshots and some simple video tutorials, go here.

You'll need your NS2 pre-order game key to use the editor. If you haven't pre-ordered it and would like to, you can still do so here.

We also want to say thank you to everyone who pre-ordered. When we released the first screenshots a month ago, Charlie did an interview with Gamasutra explaining how the pre-orders have helped us. To summarize, they've made a huge difference for our company and you really do have our eternal gratitude.

Post comment Comments
LoudCore
LoudCore

Wow! Incredible engine. Editor looks nice as well!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
weroper.GX
weroper.GX

awesome²

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
Kamikazi[Uk]
Kamikazi[Uk]

Epic :D. It looks like Hammer editor style. Engine is incredible. Awesome work guys.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
MrTambourineMan
MrTambourineMan

Great move guys, and a smart one may I add!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
DemonProwler
DemonProwler

It looks fantastic! Reminds me of sketchup the way you create the level.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
cW#Ravenblood

(amazing³)x(awesome³)= Natural Selection 2

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
ausbushman
ausbushman

That level looks freakin' hot!

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
lethal_vortex
lethal_vortex

the map looks awesome:D

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
Muffinssi
Muffinssi

Awesome level editor, what i have so far tested it! Easy to use and able to make remarkable good looking levels in no time.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
Silverfisk
Silverfisk

Now I have to buy NS2.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
Squiggers
Squiggers

Congrats guys. Wish I could afford the special addition at the moment, as this looks mighty tasty. =/

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
Miroku08
Miroku08

This [the history of Unknown Worlds] is the greatest underdog story ever.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
Xular
Xular

go to window > layers or just press f7... :p - its very basic but works for now :)

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
lordegern
lordegern

It's extremely easy to use. Much easier than Hammer but with a couple of bugs which i assume is getting fixed. I would say 6-8/10 so far because of the simpleness.

Reply Good karma Bad karma+1 vote
Post a comment

Your comment will be anonymous unless you join the community. Or sign in with your social account: