Okay so I have this problem. I can never finish any levels I start. I keep getting side tracked with new ideas or just get bored of making a level. So could anyone give me some tips to stay motivated to actually finish my level?
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Okay so I have this problem. I can never finish any levels I start. I keep getting side tracked with new ideas or just get bored of making a level. So could anyone give me some tips to stay motivated to actually finish my level?
These talks on creativity are great :)
http://www.ted.com/playlists/11/the_creative_spark.html
Always ask yourself, what are you creating for? You can only be as happy as your honesty allows ;)
Which kind of level do you want to build?
Why don't try a story level? for example a platformer with a nice little story.
Maybe it is easyer to finish the level if you have an aim for the end.
A simple example:
Your story is: young knight saves the virgin.
Yeah! Now you have a story! First step complete :)
Now you need a plot:
1. Introduction: the King rewards the knight, who will rescue his daughter from the bad Dragon, who kidnapped her.
2. The way to the dragon: obstacles, dude, now you need obstacles: through the land, over the hills, whatever you want
3. Boss fight: kill the dragon
4. Yay! Free the daughter out of the dragons cave
5. Reward
So you have 5 main pieces of a nice tale :)
You can't fritter away in details, because you know, whats to do.
Whenever a part is finished, you exactly know, what's to be done to finalize this level.
Just a suggestion - hope that helps.
And whenever you are tired from creating, make a break and play my levels :D
Hi there SilverTriForce7.
Ahh...I know well...When yo settle on a great and get stuck in...then a week later its logic and a new idea is springing up and you kinda loose interest.
Best way I'd say is to play a few of the community levels, or even better search online to see about playing free games from various sites or better still old classic games like Gauntlet, Robotron, etc. These games may give you some inspiration.
You could also take ideas from books, movies, or even cartoons.
Once you have an idea (say a scifi-side scrolling shoot-em-up)...play with the idea a day or two (do some maps or character designs on paper, and try a few simple elements in create mode (like animations, player movement, enviroment etc) and let the idea take root in your mind).
IF after trying out some ideas (like say a top down player bot that runs about shooting) you seem to lose interest, shelve that idea (but keep for later), HOWEVER as your trying things, an idea may take root and if its something you contsantly think about, then go with it.
I know its hard, but motivation WILL come, once you hit on the right idea. WHat style and genre of game or movie do you like?
Is there an idea that you keep thinking... 'that'd be cool'.
My advce- try lots of small ideas first and when you get an idea that excites you and you think about a lot...thats the idea to go with.
I hope this helps buddy.
I find if I get bored of making a level, it probably wasn't much of a level to begin with, I've made lots of levels which I never finished, maybe one day you'll start one and finish it, I never want to complete anything that isn't perfect to begin with. In addition, when I add logic to a level without completing the level design I give up on it, save logic 'til last.