We are currently WORKING on a large project!

Feel free to email Shy about commissions even if we are working on projects! You may be able to jump to the front of the waiting list if you are willing to pay a premium. We are willing to take one offs or small projects even if we are currently not accepting general mapping commissions. (see: "other serivices offered" below)

Source Engine Environment Art - "Mapping"

Environment art is the full design and creation of worlds, levels, buildings or even rooms usually (but not always) inside of a digital environment. Typically in the gaming community, environment art is referred to as “Mapping” but mapping, or raw level design, is simply one aspect to a completed “map”. ShyStudios provides full spectrum Environment art services including but not limited to: Level Design, Level Testing, Texture Creation, Model Creation, Game Logic Development, Sound Scripting, Sound Engineering, Post Processing, Special Effects, and Lighting. ShyStudios does not release art that isn't up to Shy's minimum standard of quality and perfection for the scope of work. We most likely are not willing to create a city map for you, use rp_unioncity for a city map that meets Shy's standards. ShyStudios does NOT do map edits, however we will do server side only entity based map modifications.

If you are serious about commissioning work, please email Shy Please provide a basic layout idea (even a quick ms-paint drawing is fine), some kind of reference material, and as many details you can give. If the project is accepted you will be charged an initial R&D fee depending on your project needs. A more coherent map layout will then be designed and agreed uppon. After the R&D phase, typically a contract is written up and agreed to by all parties before any work on the level begins. Details will be discussed via email first then later by IM or voice on whatever platform is most convenient for you. We like to examine community gameplay first before doing anything to get an idea of how your players function in their existing situation (part of the R&D phase). Please DO NOT ADD any of our members on steam to ask about business unless we have already spoken via email first.

For more information on the R&D phase please refer to the R&D Terms and Conditions page.

Pricing is entirely dependent on your project needs. Payment is usually done via paypal, however we give discounts if paying in physical cash, precious metals, or other commodities. You must pay up front. Typically you are charged around 700USD per day if you want full time work done (ie:8+ work hours per day), however we are always open to other methods including royalties, monthly payments, and a mix. Pricing largely depends on how quickly you want something done.

ShyStudios XProtect

XProtect is the latest in Source engine BSP obfuscation technology. XProtect implements multiple never before seen methods to deter recompilation of decompiled maps. We now offer this technology as a service. The XProtect project has many requirements on your end, as well as a large upfront cost. If you would like to learn more please check out the XPROTECT INFO PAGE.

Custom Poster Prints of Map Files

We have the ability to take a 'worldcraft map file' (ideally a .vmf but not limited to the source engine) and create a cad-like drawing of it. This drawing is a bitmap composite image that is then printed on large format paper. This is quite an intensive process as it relies on a lot of manual image and map editing to get a visually appealing result. Typically these are made from the top down hammer perspective however sideviews or mixtures of the two are possible as well. Sections can be isolated or overlapped, labels made, etc.. A one off print of your map typically will cost around 1KUSD depending on complexity but smaller maps may cost less. Price of extra copies depends on the size of paper you desire but extra coppies are usually no more than 15$ each unless you want some insane size/special paper, otherwise these are plotted on standard large format printer paper. We hope in the future to open an online shop where anyone can buy these posters, meaning if you commission to make a poster you will have the option of letting people buy coppies from us directly for a much cheaper price.

Other Services Offered

ShyStudios provides: General Modeling, Landscape Creation, Skydome Creation, Texture Creation, Sound Design, Soundscape Scripting, Video Production, CADD, Server Side Map Modifications, and Map Consulting/Design. We are willing to take one offs or very small projects even if we are currently not accepting general mapping commissions, typically Charging around 100-200$ an hour depending on complexity and service needed. If we are not working on a large project we offer these services for a lower price and are willing to work on an entire project (ex. making an entire texture set for your needs). We do not currently provide; character modeling, character animation, rigging, or weight painting. Again, please email SHY first, do not add any of us on steam to ask us to do something for you.