Internal Playtest – Performance Improvements, Mini Map, Balance Changes, and More

Yeah I agree with Quitch, it does not have the same functionality as a mini map.. for example normally you are able to click on a mini map to move the main view to another location quickly, can't do that here.

Mini maps are a relic of the past in a way, when games were 2d with no dynamic zoom.. I had a look at a SC2 game recently, I couldn't believe how zoomed in the main view is.

Idk, right now it is a small window you can use to watch an area while a larger window watches something else. Human ingenuity seeking a function will usually utilize the smaller as an inaccurate overhead view while the larger window is used for accurate widespread orders. The smaller window DOES allow orders, which makes it handy and otherwise would limit the whole game if it didn't accept orders (what are we playing, Red Alert One?).

So, currently, the PiP is limited to use heavily as a minimap. Other features in the future, allowing us to resize and shuffle things and having multiple windows at once, will evolve it past a minimap.

Right now, function argues it is a minimap.

Either way, a Rose by Any Other Name... What is in a name, why do we use names to call things things, and why do they lead to insulting context by some while intending to be compliments by others?

Point is, it is a functional feature, reguardless of it's name. All I want are Planetary Ranged Interactive Security Monitors. I will start calling the PiP the PRISM. uMad?

How dare you be so reasonable? Ain't no time for that in nitpicky forum warz man.

Kind of, but I think there is enough to call it something unique. For example, I used to use minimaps to see generally what was going on over the whole map and see where I should switch my main view to. With PIP, I can be actually concentrating on two or more parts of the map, and even have a zoomed view, and be able to respond in each one independently. Personally, that's epically better than a minimap and thus deserving of a new moniker.
Plus, it may trip people up for a while, but PIP could easily become common terminology among players. Just like minimap did

But yeh, semantics in the end, as long as it EXISTS, I'm happy

Ot- it is actually terrible, every time I tried to play it I tried to zoom out because if supcom. Strat zoom has ruined me for other rts',just as spherical maps shall do too. Gawd.

Also planets with engines. Showed a friend of mine that yesterday and he isn't even a gamer(like NO interest) and he was like dude did you just throw a planet at another one?

My goodness this blew up.

From now on I'll just call it the "whacha-ma-call-it" and I don't care what you call it.

2 patches in couple days. pure awesome

I like it, the official whatcha-ma-callit.

ahhh the ol' WMC