Thanks for sharing the link.
I haven't tried it yet, but it looks interesting.
In my opinion, the best tracks will always have the human touch. Good track design is a very complex undertaking with so many facets to it. It's not about placing a bunch of random blocks and scenery.
Good track design involves:
- Building
- Test driving
- Refining
and repeating that process over and over.
It involves making sure:
- the track is finishable from every CP.
- jumps and drops are well indicated.
- jumps and drops are calculated properly for the speed gained before them.
- the track has a consistent difficulty throughout.
- the track flows and that the lines are good for hunting.
- the scenery compliments the route.
- the lightmaps compliment the track and help guide the driver.
- signs are placed to keep the route clear.
- new transitions are obvious to every driver because of the way the track flows
- every section of the track is crafted to engage the driver for maximum fun
- a good diversity in track blocks is used
I don't see a script doing most of those things. Maybe in time it could take on some of them.
But I'm not sure I see the purpose of the autogen script. If you can't be bothered to build your own maps, you don't need to autogen them. You can download one of the thousands posted by experienced authors here on MX.
I'm sure it's an interesting technology demonstration, and I still intend to check it out. I'm just skeptical about it having any real practical value.
Edit: I just checked out the ManiaLink and there's a post there that says:
autogenManiaLink says:
So this is the end of maps created by players ?!
ABSOLUTELY NOT !
Generated tracks will never be as awesome as maps that players spent hours to create and test. But, the map generator enables you to get in a few seconds some maps you are sure nobody has ever played. The plugin can be helpful for map creators too, allowing them to add random terrain or random decoration to a track created manually. Generated tracks can also be a source of inspiration : you can generate one randomly and then modify it manually.
Having read that, I can see it having some value as a starting point for tracks. I'm going to investigate further.