Question/Suggestion for functionality [random values in custom maps]

[Kumlekar]

Wasn't sure which forum to put this in, as it applies directly to map making.

I was wondering if there is / will be functionality to make planetary variables random.  Either having a planet be at a random x,y coordinate, or setting random production values?  (a random natives production would be particularily evil)  The basic idea is that this would allow for rough formats that are slightly different each time they're played, while limiting some of the balance problems we run into with the random map settings.  I can imagine a map with randomized planet locations within set regions, and rifts carefully places in between them.  It could make for some very interesting games.

[Chris]

Yeah, I like this idea. Perhaps I could allow specifying a range (so 100...200 would mean pick any value between 100 and 200).

You'd have to be careful when designing such maps that you didn't end up with stupid things happening, of course. For example, if you had two planets being randomly placed in overlapping areas, they might end up being placed in the same location, which would have unusual consequences.

[Kumlekar]

I realize that, but I think we could handle it =D.

[Chris]

I'm sure you could!