Level designer / mapper for creating a map for GTA San Andreas (from scratch)

📝 About the task

I am looking for an experienced specialist who can develop a concept and prepare a detailed technical assignment for building a game map for an RP server based on Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

I need someone who understands the atmosphere of role-playing projects, the logic of player distribution across territories, and the principles of creating a living, functional world.

The work starts specifically with design and documentation, not with object placement.

🎯 Main idea of the map

The plan is to create updated versions of Los Santos and San Fierro in the style of 2013–2018.

Main focus:

✔ atmosphere

✔ diversity of districts

✔ convenience for RP gameplay

✔ logic of player movement

✔ places of activity concentration

The city should feel alive, so that each type of player has their own area of interest.

🌆 What needs to be thought out and described in the technical assignment

Districting

• ghetto
• Latino neighborhoods
• biker territories
• possible areas for Italian, Russian, and Chinese organized crime
• industrial zones
• business districts
• places for newcomers

Activities

• spots for street racing
• truckers' routes
• points for criminal interactions
• public places
• potential zones for future government structures

Atmospheric elements

I would like to add a small area with a visual mood reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City — as a bright contrast and additional highlight.

🧱 Implementation requirements

The use of standard game objects for optimization is allowed, but the priority is new, modern, and stylistically unified buildings and streets.

It is important to create:

• unique visual style;
• memorable districts;
• convenient navigation;
• proper density of objects;
• understanding of where RP will take place.

✅ Who I am looking for

The ideal specialist will:

• have experience in mapping or level design in GTA SA / SA-MP / CRMP;
• know how to build a map that is not just "beautiful," but playable;
• understand the balance of criminal and peaceful zones;
• be able to organize thoughts into a structured document;
• have a portfolio.

I want to build Los Santos and San Fierro almost from scratch, in the atmosphere of 2013–2018. Focus on style, vibe, realism, and convenience for RP. The city should feel alive and logical, not just beautiful.

It is important to have areas where different players will have their own interests, for example:

— ghetto;

— industrial zones;

— schools or public places;

— routes and logistics for truckers;

— points of attraction for street racers;

— places for everyday urban gameplay.

Regarding the criminal aspect, there are plans for African American and Latino gangs, bikers, and, if appropriate, Italian, Russian, and Chinese families. I want each culture to have its own atmospheric territory, visually and logically distinct from others.

Additionally, I would like a small vibrant area with a mood reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City — as a contrast and highlight of the project.

There is currently no final concept for government structures, so it is important to leave room for further development.

Original GTA objects can be used for optimization, but if creating new buildings and areas takes more time — that’s fine. The priority is still on quality, unified style, and modern appearance.

It is important to me that the specialist feels comfortable working. I do not rush on deadlines — better to take longer, but make it really cool and well thought out.

If you are interested in this work, tell me about your experience, show examples of projects, and how you usually structure the process of preparing documentation and planning the map.