The TMX Knockouts regularly need new maps to keep things fresh and interesting! All players are welcome to submit maps for possible inclusion. Below are the map packs you can build for, as well as mapping guidelines, and information about submitting a map.


About the Knockouts
ManiaCalendar - Schedule for KO and other TrackMania events.
Site Rules



Open for Submissions:
KO-R - Rounds - 40 to 50s
KO-T - Time Attack - 15 to 25s (closer to 25 preferred)
KO-L - Laps - ~60s per lap
KO-P - Platform - 40 to 50s



General Track Design:
- A clear and simple design. Easy to complete on your first run.
- No parts requiring perfection in speed or overly precise steering.
- Place checkpoints strategically to reduce the possibility of cuts.
- Easy to Intermediate difficulty
- Be mindful of display cost, under 10,000 is preferred

Required:
- Scenery should be used to lead the driver.
- Use only default Nadeo signs or the allowed sign packs. (listed below)
- Signs should be consistent and easy to follow.
- Ability to finish the track from any stationary CP respawn using the main route.
- The next CP should be placed no more than 10 seconds from the previous stationary respawn.
Easy sections, with low probability of crashing, that go over the 10 second rule by only a few seconds may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

Allowed:
- Embedded items/blocks
- Blockmixing
- Multiple finishes (all finishes must be easy to see and obvious which is faster)
- GPS (only if triggered somewhere other than the start)
- Custom signs with locators can be used for non-guidance purposes.
- Larger bases: 64x64, 128x128, 256x256 (Adjust sound volume using Mediatracker to workaround the sound bug)
- Allowed sign packs:
Keissla's Official TMX Sign Pack
TMSolus' Official TMX Sign Pack Remake & Extension
Zai's Colour Backgrounds

Not Allowed:
- Checkpoints with no static respawn. This includes gate checkpoints, wallride checkpoints, and custom checkpoints with no static respawn.
- Texture mods
- Custom music
- Excessive flickering textures
- Multilap starts in Time Attack maps
- Passworded maps
- Previously released maps
- Inappropriate map names (see rules below)
- PF starts (they often break when using analog controllers)

Naming Rules
As these are new rules, old tracks will not require updates unless the author wishes to.
- No offensive names (in any language)
- No special characters
- No repetitive names (eg. KO-R - MyTrack1, KO-R - MyTrack2, KO-R - Mytrack3, etc.)
- No lazy names: (eg. KO-T - Valley, KO-R - 3, KO-P - hbfgfugbng)

KO-P Platform:
- Easy to intermediate difficulty (By the standards of platform maps)
- Every CP should have similar difficulty.
- Good sign placement and pathfinding (GPS not required, but GPS at a CP is ok).
- Don't be afraid to build tricky spots that need you to slow down a lot.


Before you submit a map, please consider:
- KO maps may get played for years. Polish the design, scenery, and signage before submitting a map.
- Start the map name with the KO prefix. For example: KO-T - MapName

Deadline:
New maps will be tested as late as the day before a knockout. Ensure new maps are uploaded with plenty of time to check them. Maps posted late or last minute may be deferred until the week of the next relevant knockout.

How do I upload my map?
Go to the relevant Map Pack and click the Upload button.
Set the map as "Unreleased" and "Hidden" but not "Unlisted.
New maps can only be downloaded by TMX KO admins.

What happens if my map is approved?
- You'll receive a notification on TMX when the map is approved.
- We'll add the map to the server for the next weekend those maps are played.

What if modifications to the track are requested?
- You'll receive a notification about what changes are requested.
- When a map is updated, the map will be moved back to the pending stage and will be tested again.
- Further modifications may be requested. Otherwise we will approve it.
- Sometimes modifications are requested again after the map is played in a Knockout, if other issues are found during live play.
- We reserve the right to update your map if you're inactive (haven't logged onto TMX for over a year) or do not respond to requests to update the map in a reasonable amount of time (~1 month). If we do update your map, we will credit you in the track name. Example: "KO-R - Booger (by eyebo)"
Please note: Updating your map, even if updates aren't requested, will put the map into pending. The map will be tested again.

If my map is accepted, when can it be released?
- Approved KO maps are eligible for public release after the first day they're played in a KO.
- If you wish to release your map, contact a KO admin. They can release the map within the map group.
- We recommend removing the KO tag from the name so players know the map can be downloaded.
- Publicly released KO maps may continue to be used in the KO. We'll use the original version with the KO tag in the name.

What if my map is declined?
- If your map is declined, this means the map is unsuitable for the Knockout.
- You'll get a notification if it's declined.
- Maps are declined if major portions of the track would have to be changed to make the map suitable.
- You can release your declined map by removing the KO tag and re-uploading to TMX.

What if my active map is retired?
- After a period of time, we may decide to retire your map, for a variety of reasons.
- Sometimes an author may request to retire their own map from the KOs.
- If your map is retired you are free to remove the KO tag and release it publicly.