In this interview, Colin "brute" Volrath tells us more about his passion and, of course, "de_tuscan". Its Development seems well advanced, and the biggest fans of this map should be delighted in the next weeks.
Colin "brute" Volrath talks about its project for CS:GO
First of all, can you introduce yourself for those who don't know you ?
Sure, my name is Colin Volrath, I have been involved and passionate about level design for over 15 years. I've created environments for Counter-Strike 1.6, Counter-Strike Source, Condition-Zero, and I'm currently working on future projects for Counter-Strike Global Offensive.
Some notable maps I've created in the past are de_tuscan, de_forge, de_russka, de_crete, and placing 2nd in the Arbalet Mapping Contest in June 2010. I played counter-strike 1.6 professionally for over five years in the United States, mostly on the east coast LAN circuit.
When you are making a map, where do you find your inspiration to get your perfect results ? (more 1.6 or Source?)
Inspiration is everywhere for me. I find my inspiration in creating something that the CS community hasn't seen yet. I try to stray from the normal map themes you see through the CS community and offer something creative but still simple. I find inspiration in everything from other FPS games, movies, and my favorite inspiration of all, real places of interest around the world.
I saw that you are making your famous map is de_tuscan for CSGO, can you said something about your progression ? (If yes, can we have a screenshot or a date for a major annonce about it?)
Yes I'm currently working on de_tuscan for CS:GO. I don't have any screenshots yet but I will very soon, the first map on a new game engine always takes longest in my opinion. The process picks up after you nail down that first project and release it.
Bomb site A of his latest version of de_tuscan on Counter Strike : Source
The first projected ALPHA test is slated for early October, with the first BETA release scheduled for mid-late October 2012.
Do you think that a type of map is missing for players (a map more close, higher, for rifles, etc) ?
Interesting question, I think this falls more on the community accepting a different type of map. Players are used to a certain "formula" of map layout/style, so when a mapmaker comes along and introduces something unusual to the community it's generally met with harsh criticism. A great example of this is "de_cpl_strike" which I found to have an extremely different play-style and layout than previous maps with the convergence of the middle into A site. Players originally complained about this map and now it's one of the most popular maps for league play everywhere. The same is true with some of the maps I've created from "de_tuscan" to "de_forge", both of these maps fell under harsh criticism's for years before the community and professional players came together in skill and understanding to know how to play the maps successfully in league-play.
Salvatorre « Volcano » Garozzo created de_nuke_ve, do you think that there is again something to change as a "professional" map-maker? And what do you think to change on classics maps?
My short-term answer to this is no. These maps do not need to be changed, yet. The game is still way too fresh and new for players and it's merely a cry for the old cs community to want something they're used to. Let the players at least play these maps for one or two seasons before you put them under the knife, you might be surprised what strategies and teamwork are created based on the original maps released by Hidden Path.
You made de_forge on 1.6, a very interresting version of de_cbble, will you make it ?
Yes I will be converting forge over to CS:GO when the time and schedule permits. It's on my list for projects starting in 2013. I'm trying to not port my old work right away (other than tuscan) as I feel new content will better serve the community in the long-run.
Bomb site A and spawn for counter-terrorists
Do you want to say something to finish ?
A special thanks to all of the fans and support I've received over the past years within the community to help me push forward and keep creating great work for the community. It's truly appreciated!
Feel free to follow my latest work updates on Facebook, Twitter, and online at www.brutesmaps.com.
You can also find my professional mapping portfolio online at www.colinvolrath.com.
The map "de_forge" is a balanced version of "de_cbble", which was created for Counter-Strike 1.6. There are two new locations, that allow terrorists to create more movement. This is a very interesting map, which could be the scene of intense rounds in competitions for Counter-Strike : Global Offensive.
An overview of this map wad made by eSportsfrance six years ago. The two news location are focused:
For those intered by Colin "brute" Volrath's creations, you can download them here.
