The guide of the good creator

(This is the pre-beta version - untested):  

Stage 1: Organise your preferences
1. Prioritize the hardest-to-make aspect of your game. It might require you to change something fundamentally so it is better to do it first rather than changing everything afterwards.

2. Make a template in a corner of your map and draw props from there. Alternatively save your props with your template characteristics so you can use it easily. Grouping things together also helps (like a custom house with a fence around it).

Stage 2: Create as a player
1. Although creating is extremely fun, think as the player and what are they experiencing during the playthrough. Is it exciting? Is your level gameplay focused or visual focused? Most of cases it should be both.

2. Do not copy props too much. Add variety to them, change the height of the terrain, make it look strange but new, excite the player.

<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt54pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Add surprises. Reward the player with secrets if they explore more. Show a text message if they manage something out of the ordinary playthrough. Give additional gameplay aspects. Add a mini-game.

<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt54pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Follow a style that shows your trait as a creator.

<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt54pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Small details make a big difference. Polish your level with decorations. The players will appreciate it.

<span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stage 3: Play as a creator
<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt60pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Test your level multiple times and try to think out of the box to identify errors and unwanted shortcuts. Ideally let a friend play the level and observe their reactions. See where they get stuck or where it is too easy. Then go back and optimise the level until you are happy with the result.

<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt60pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Make it dead obvious so that the player can understand what he has to do. If you want him to find it himself, add a help message after a certain time so that they don't give up. It is easy to make it difficult, but it is better to make it playable for every age.

<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt60pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">No matter how good your game looks, it can be improved. Always check the community for fresh ideas. The group is always better than the individual.

<span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stage 4: Promote it
<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt60pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">Name your creation with an exciting name that attracts players. Avoid using symbols or stuff to attract attention, as the players will lose trust in you. The description of your level is your best friend, don't overlook it.

<p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt60pt;text-indent:-18pt;line-height:15pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. <span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">The end of your level will affect the vote a lot, so make sure you have a good ending that leaves a smile. <p style="margin:4.8pt0cm6pt;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;"> If you become a Guru, make sure you help others because one day you will need their help no matter how good you are.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:15.75pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;">written by wertandrew

<p class="MsoNormal">