maps?

[Nescio]

Could someone explain to me the differences between 0 A.D.'s random maps, scenarios, and skirmish? I believe I've quite familiarized myself with the game but I still don't understand those map categories ...

[bb_]

Random maps: computer generated maps, a map maker just sets some basic things and the computer generates the map further, so every time the map is different and the map is available for all civs and sizes etc. (all options setable)

Skirmisch: a solid map, so fixed size and everything on the map is fixed, just players can set there own civ and other settings

Scenario: everything fixed, so also civs and stuff (maybe just rated game not or so)

[elexis]

Yep, that what bb said.

Random maps are the only ones where one can change the size and number of players dynamically and they are generated from a code script.

Scenario and Skirmish maps are created with the map editor Atlas, so they have a fixed size and number of players.

Scenario maps have every setting fixed (the player plays one specific scenario).

But the player can chose matchsettings arbitrarily on Skirmish maps (in particular there is some code replacing the civic centers with that one of the selected civ).

[WhiteTreePaladin]

I do think skirmish maps should be playable with fewer than the max players. Ultimately would need some changes to allow choice of starting positions, but might work in the interim with just using the player numbers as positions for the players present.