Cappadocia is a competitive custom map created for the Mapcore.org CS:GO Exotic Places Mapping Contest 2019. Developed over 7 months, it translates the region’s surreal geology into a balanced arena, combining environmental storytelling with competitive gameplay.
Cappadocia is a competitive custom map created for the Mapcore.org CS:GO Exotic Places Mapping Contest 2019. Developed over 7 months, it translates the region’s surreal geology into a balanced arena, combining environmental storytelling with competitive gameplay.
The Concept: Why Cappadocia?
The contest theme was “Exotic Places.” While researching competitors, I noticed a saturation of Italian and Moroccan themes. To be different from these themes, I decided to focus on the unique texture of Cappadocia, Türkiye. The visual narrative centers around a boutique hotel (“Paradise Cave Hotel”), allowing players to battle amidst the iconic fairy chimneys and hot air balloons. The goal was to capture the region’s warmth through a realistic sunrise lighting setup, inspired by extensive reference research.
Hammer World Editor screenshot of the Cappadocia level
Cappadocia reference images
Cappadocia layout plans. The first three visual planned layouts. The fourth image is the current layout.
Cappadocia envinroment lighting
Production & Technical Execution
Asset Creation
I created 494 unique 3D models and 91 bespoke materials (Substance Designer/Painter) to make the map feel organic and different from the usual stock game assets.
Physics & Animation
Implemented vertex animation for wind chimes and flags, and also created custom physics meshes for various interactive props, such as plates and cutlery.
The “Hamam” Section
The main point of the map, inspired by the historical Çemberlitaş and Kılıç Ali Paşa baths. This particular area alone took 2 months of continuous work to get the light and historical geometry just right.
Branding and Cultural Detail
Map Logo
Includes the “Hittite Sun”, which represents the ancient civilization of Anatolia combined with the gradient of a sunrise.
Soundscape
In order to enhance the degree of immersion, I included localized ambient sounds with a culturally specific “street announcement” voice-over (provided by Buse Çinte Azmanoğlu), adding humor and realism for local players.
Software and Tools
Hammer World Editor
Level Design
3DS Max + Wall Worm Plugin
3D Modeling, Physbox creation and export to Source Engine
Substance Designer
Creating PBR quality materials
Substance Painter
Creating PBR quality coatings for 3D Models
Adobe Photoshop
Some graphic design, manipulation jobs and quick conversion of image to 3D models
Adobe Illustrator
Some illustration works
Affinity Designer
Some illustration works and making pattern
Audacity
Montage and manipulation for sound effects
Outcome
Delivered under strict deadlines with a rigorous 12-hour daily workflow, Cappadocia was successfully released on January 25, 2020. In fierce global competition, the map received an “Honorable Mention” by the Mapcore jury, commended for its ambitious visual fidelity and thematic uniqueness.
Street section before and after
