Archive: 23 posts

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"Motivational Block" is the only way I can describe it. It's not a creative block, I have hundreds of ideas, I just don't feel like creating any of them. I have: a level (major project) which is about 75% complete, and the final stages are completely planned. A second level, which is a large section of the first level which got cut as that level evolved and I have ideas to add to this. A major update for my demitters tech demo A minigame idea A concept for a third level (lol) which would be completely new style for me various little contraptiony things I intend to make at some point for funzies I just don't feel like creating any of it. Part of me feels like that major project has been hanging over me for so long and I'm so pleased with what there is so far that I'm just daunted by completing it. But I'm not even sure that's it. What do you think I should do? Force myself to get back into the rhythm of creating, or just wait for the urge to come back naturally? I'm considering just pimping out my skills to people here, see if that helps me get back into the swing of it all.

2009-06-22 22:04:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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Wait for the urge and the creative juices to start flowing again, or just try and start a basic project for fun in the mean time. After all, if you aren't having fun doing it, why bother doing it?

2009-06-22 22:09:00 Author: BSprague Posts: 2325

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Well that does seem like a bit of a problem. If I were you I would go find some really good levels and play them. Playing well done levels always inspires me to keep working.

2009-06-22 22:10:00 Author: redmagus Posts: 667

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I know how you feel. I probably have at least 400 hours in create mode alone, and now I'm to the point where I have absolutely no motivation to do anything in create mode. Even though I have some ideas. I'm just taking a LONG break. I think I'll still do feedback and stuff, but I'll probably not make any new levels till fall. After all it is summer now and I do have other hobbies. As far as what you should do I'm not sure, but I played your level and I would love to see you finish it, but not if you have to force it. Just keep it on the back burner until your ready for it. I'm sure the time will come when the motivation will return. Whatever you do finish that level. IT"S GOOD!!!

2009-06-22 23:57:00 Author: smasher Posts: 641

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After all, if you aren't having fun doing it, why bother doing it? This is very much my thoughts, I'm just concerned that if I just leave it it may never come back and I would like to produce at least one level, even if it's going to be hated by the majority of the LBP community (this may well happen ) Well that does seem like a bit of a problem. If I were you I would go find some really good levels and play them. Playing well done levels always inspires me to keep working. I may have to do this, I haven't been playing LBP at all much recently, so there are quite a few in the showcase and most of the last spotlight that have passed me by. Will defo see if this helps. Thanks for the support smasher, at least you managed to produce some levels before your block though

2009-06-23 01:07:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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I know exactly how you feel, I used to get this all the time I think the problem is that you're trying to pressure yourself into creating when you're just not in the mood for it. I remember not long ago I kept forcing myself to make levels because I wanted to become known as a talented creator, and really i wasn't having fun doing it at all. Just remember that you're meant to enjoy creating. Nobody is forcing you to make levels so don't force yourself.

2009-06-23 02:31:00 Author: Dexiro Posts: 2100

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I've had the same thing myself (and it looks like others have too ) Creating should be done while inspired and motivated. If you're not feeling 100% motivated to do it, its not going to come out your best. Plus, if you're not having fun, why are you doing it?!?! Personally, i like to take a break every once in a while and just play levels. (thank goodness for the showcase and spotlight!) Your creative urge may come back when you least expect it!

2009-06-23 05:45:00 Author: Burnvictim42 Posts: 3322

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Usually what works for me is to do other things that I enjoy, that gets my motivation skyrocketing! What also works for me is to look through art and illustrations, browse Deviant Art or Flickr, and sometimes a nice day of daydreaming works wonders too

2009-06-23 06:14:00 Author: noddle111 Posts: 174

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I too have suffered from this nasty ailment. I find ale helps! Seriously though, it is tough to get over. I tried playing other levels, but just found myself comparing my creations to the really good ones and got even more frustrated. I had to take a week off of creating just to even begin to think of going back to it with and kind of fervor. I definitely suggest getting away from the game all together for a few days. In fact... get away from the gaming console all together if you can handle it. Step outside, go to the park, look around at life and what else is happening. That is what I had to do. I'm sure you will be back in no time with lot's of new found energy.

2009-06-23 06:31:00 Author: Rustbukkit Posts: 1737

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Step outside, go to the park, look around at life and what else is happening What are these strange and wonderous things of which you speak??? Yeah I've been off LBP for 2 weeks now, and my PS3 has been almost exclusively a media player, so I think it's time to at least try some other levels and bits and pieces. Prob take another couple of weeks off creating and see how I feel then, unless something draws me in unexpectedly!

2009-06-23 10:16:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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Don't you have any other ps3 games you could play for a while? I think what really helps is to just do anything that you know puts you in a really good mood I find whenever i'm in a really good mood i'm pretty much motivated to do anything

2009-06-23 10:32:00 Author: Dexiro Posts: 2100

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Well yeah, I've still got to complete RE5, Assassins Creed, Blood Omen 1 (although I'll need to crack out the old TV for that), along with a massive collection of PS1-PS3 games I could be playing. For the last week, when I've not been out and about, I've been watching films and nature documentaries (Planet Earth FTW), mostly. I think you may have touched upon something here Dex, I might have simply lost the motivation to play video games at all... That makes a bit more sense TBH. I know that one will defo come back given time

2009-06-23 13:04:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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Another fairly strange but effective (for me at least) strategy, is to listen to calm music when I create, it seems to galvanize me and focus me to work on the level.

2009-06-23 20:12:00 Author: BSprague Posts: 2325

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Never force creativity. Take a break or play some other games for a while and come back when you get that nagging urge to create. If you force it then it just becomes work and you get burned out and the quality suffers.

2009-06-23 21:17:00 Author: Reef1978 Posts: 527

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Well thank you to everyone who posted helpful and supportive comments. It's now three weeks since I stopped working on my levels... and I did some creating today Admittedly it was only for an hour and was just some technical enhancements and aesthetic tuning to satisfy my pernickety nature, but it's something and I have a feeling it will snowball. w00t.

2009-06-30 22:57:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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I've had this happen a few times with the game... the first time, I really just had to take a huge break from the community, playing and creating. It passed when I got bored enough to come back, and ideas were just hitting me like I had an epiphany. Then, not too long ago when I was working on False Idols III, I was getting so overwhelmed by it and trying to juggle too many side projects and personal stuff at the same time, that I ended up just taking a step back and doing fun things like making costumes, and just playing the game again for a week while I slacked off. Not looking at it like an imperative emergency that HAS to get done, and just letting it happen when it feels right helps the creative process happen naturally. Less like work, and more like R&R. Just recently I had gone on a binge of projects in the beta, and was feeling really burnt out... but I ended up working with some others on something new, that really inspired me to do my best, and the "block" never got a chance to take hold. A creative environment and cypher-session of ideas really helps... I say go with some friends, or whoever, and check out what they're working on. Give them advice, or get inspired like that, and it will probably get the creative juices flowing again... I've noticed that doing things for other people really feels less strenuous or daunting than your own work. With your own ideas, your attitude can be "why bother" or "what's the point" but when making an object or set piece for someone else you're motivated in a more positive and less self-critical way to get the job done... it becomes more of a social exchange too, and that's always like stepping out of the lab and getting some fresh air and sun. It breaks down the block, and keeps you sharp... and usually leads you back to an old project or onto a new one.

2009-07-01 01:45:00 Author: Unknown User

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Sit down in front of the TV with LBP with a beer and start building odd stuff.

2009-07-01 08:40:00 Author: OmegaSlayer Posts: 5112

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Well thank you to everyone who posted helpful and supportive comments. It's now three weeks since I stopped working on my levels... and I did some creating today Admittedly it was only for an hour and was just some technical enhancements and aesthetic tuning to satisfy my pernickety nature, but it's something and I have a feeling it will snowball. w00t. YEEEEE....HAAAAWWWWW!!! Welcome back to the creative flow.... hope it lasts for you!

2009-07-01 09:10:00 Author: Rustbukkit Posts: 1737

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The solution to this issue is called online create.

2009-07-01 11:02:00 Author: BasketSnake Posts: 2391

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A lot of what ninja has described was what happened for me. Backed out of anything major, looked at some awesome levels, did some creating for others and some creating of just random stuff with no use, except it's kinda cool. Definately doing something for others, especially if they've only got a loose idea of what they need and you get a feedback cycle going helped a lot - and weirdly there is less pressure. It's still gonna be forever before I finish a level, but at least I'm back on track.

2009-07-01 13:15:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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Do what I do. Choose a theme and create bits and pieces. At one point you'll have enough stuff for a whole level.

2009-07-01 14:45:00 Author: BasketSnake Posts: 2391

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Thats very close to what I did originally BasketSnake, but I was working with various themes. 2 of the themes fused into a single level and 2 more have been shifted into side projects.

2009-07-01 21:44:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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I think after my new level I will be taking a break. I may go back and tidy up Flaming Timberland 1 and 2 a little, (there's a few things that could do with tweaking) but that's about it. I've been creating none stop since the game was released. Pretty much everyday, I'm definitely feeling like it's time for a break. Obviously this may not be the case and I may get inspired all over again. I was planning to take a break after Calamity Construction, but after creating the 2 player area near the end, it inspired me to create a whole level based around that idea. It was something fresh and a whole new way of looking at the game and how it can be played so it caught my imagination and interest all over again.

2009-07-03 02:38:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

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