Sentient Sketchbook

Welcome to the online Sentient Sketchbook map sketch generator! Recently, the generative algorithm behind the generation of suggestions in Sentient Sketchbook has been converted into a webservice - both online and easily linked with other software. In addition, the generator has been made highly customizable, allowing everyone to define their own custom map components and level design patterns which should be targeted. A detailed rundown of the options for defining the maps' tile types, their playability constraints and fitness functions, and the generative parameters of the genetic algorithm which creates new levels will be coming soon.

Output of the online generator (and its evaluations)

Currently, there are two ways you can try out the online map sketch generator, as it is still in a trial stage.

As a webservice, the generator requires a JSON data structure as an input, where the type of map, its desired patterns and the generative parameters are defined. There is a pre-authored set of example JSON data structures which generate map sketches for strategy games, shooters etc. which can quickly generate map sketches without the need for extended edits from the user. If you select the 'Examples' link below, the generator will show you the input JSON which was used to generate the results (which appear after some time, depending on how many generations you asked the generator to perform). This allows you to investigate the data format, the arguments etc. The output of the generator is shown both as a JSON data structure (an array of ASCII maps) but also visually as a 2D image for easier inspection. After one or more levels have been created, you can evaluate them by clicking on either of the evaluate buttons; the input JSON for map sketch evaluation will be shown, and the results (in simple or detailed form) will be shown below it. The detailed map sketch evaluations come with visualizations of the map which describe properties of each tile (such as safety, exploration etc.).

Moreover, you have the opportunity to edit the example calls to the generator to fit your needs. This done with the 'Freetype' link below. In that option, you must generate the JSON file (via the 'make Generation JSON' option), optionally edit it, and then call the webservice by pressing 'Evolve from JSON' which uses the customizable JSON on that page. The pre-authored example JSON data now are editable, and you can remove fitnesses, tweak genetic algorithm parameters, or add new tile types. When your custom map is generated (shown as a 2D ASCII map), it can be evaluated in a customizable manner as well. The 'make Evaluation JSON' option creates an editable JSON input file with the generated levels as arguments, which can be edited before calling the webservice by pressing either 'Evaluate from JSON' option. Editing the evaluation JSON input file (in particular the "ReferenceTileMaps" value allows you to evaluate custom (e.g. hand-authored) map sketches as well!