Archive: 13 posts

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Now I'm sure quite a few people have this problem. You're all ready to create, PS3's on, LBP disk is in - phones are unplugged and your not signed in to PSN. You open up a blank level, raring to go and then it hits. The level is empty and you have no idea how to start. You feel small and your brain goes blanks as you struggle to think of a starting point of building. Should you build the beginning...but then how!? Lay down some materials? Or maybe you should be getting out decorations. So I've had this quite a lot and it stops me creating which is really annoying, so tell me LBPC - what are your top tips to starting a level?

2009-11-07 14:39:00 Author: Coxy224 Posts: 2645

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Sounds like an "artist block" for me D:, make a planning of the level not straight in the level builder, like, making "outside-LBP" drawings of stuff related to the level or viewing pics or stuff as references, and analyzing which ppiece of material could go well with a part, or what sticker would go well. Or maybe you could try designing the characters / enemies that would go with the levle first, so at least we can have somepart of the level started, I don't know. I too have problems like this, it is really annoying, and we indeed feel like we cant move from the starting point... Good luck on your level !

2009-11-07 15:07:00 Author: AlvaroShiokawa Posts: 126

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Planning. Think about your level and what you want in it BEFORE plugging LBP. Good old paper and pens you know? Works wonders. Also, when you have a plan (even if not super precise) it DOES save time when you create because you are organised. .

2009-11-07 16:49:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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I keep a notebook handy and fill it with LBP ideas all the time. I spend many lunches at my desk with my notebook. Also, I try to draw inspiration from everyday stuff. I know what you mean though. Sometimes I just sit down and create a single object or contraption. If its cool, I might save it or just scribble it down in the notebook for later. I also build sections in a random manner, usually in a separate blank level and copy them when I have where I want it to go figured out.

2009-11-07 18:00:00 Author: thanatos989 Posts: 248

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A good BIG block of dark matter and a skateboard!

2009-11-07 19:15:00 Author: FlameAtNight Posts: 405

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Well that depends... when I have an idea, a theme, I always start with "sketch level", where I work on the visuals and the atmoshere : materials, colors, lights, shapes, characters, some gameplay ideas etc... So everyting is random, there's no real level structure at this point. I really enjoyed this step because visual design is what I prefer, so I'm not blocked here. When I finish the look of the level, I make a new empty level which is going to be the final one, in which I start the structure and the layout, includind the gameplay... And here it's an another story! I'm always blocked when it's comes to this. "How am I going to start the level, what should I do after that section etc..." This step isn't as fun as the first one for me, so sometimes it's really painfull

2009-11-07 20:02:00 Author: dajdaj03 Posts: 1486

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its an epidemic! quarentine quarentine!!!!: i too recently posted a thread just like this and got some nice feed back, check it out.

2009-11-07 20:09:00 Author: Littlebigdude805 Posts: 1924

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In my case: sketching I have a sketchbook filled with LBP ideas and concept art. Most of my initial drawings never end up in the actual level but in my messed up mind, it sets the world & the characters that live in it. I always create a lot of stuff that has no really connection with the level anymore as I tend to look at everything I do as a movie. (yes, I dream of making movies since I was about 6) After that, when I actually start making the level, I have another & different sketchbook at hand for the more technical quick doodles in terms of platforming and mechanics. For example, these are just a couple of pieces I have done that actually have very little to do with what ends up in the level. (Keep in mind that these are all done on my daily 15 minute trainride to work, don't expect masterpieces here, just quick doodles) http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/th_007.jpg (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/?action=view¤t=007.jpg) http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/th_006.jpg (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/?action=view¤t=006.jpg) http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/th_005.jpg (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/?action=view¤t=005.jpg) http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/th_003copy.png (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/?action=view¤t=003copy.png)http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/th_002-1.jpg (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/?action=view¤t=002-1.jpg)http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/th_004.jpg (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Zwollie/?action=view¤t=004.jpg) Final step, I create the level in what I like to call "sketch mode" a.k.a dark matter quick layout of the level. After that, I create for real and get a creators block about halfway through!! Did this help you anything? Don't think so but I shared.

2009-11-07 20:28:00 Author: Zwollie Posts: 2173

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Personally I draw everything on paper (platforming, puzzles, even mechanical stuff like pistons or mag switches). Only when I feel I'm done with that I open the edit mode; and believe me when I say it save A LOT of time. I.E. Platforms Madness that had no concepts on paper took me like 2 months 5 hours per day less or more; with the 7th Idol I designed separated sections without connecting them together and it took me ''only'' a month 300+ hours. For the newest I designed each part of the level on paper, selected those I thought were the best and connected them together; then started building stuff and I completed the level in about 40 hours (I think). The pain for me always come when my thermo runs out and I only built half of what I planned... shooot! I also uploaded in my profile page some concept design of 'The 7th idol' and of my newest-about-to-be-released 'Cave Escape'. Have a look at that if it can help.

2009-11-07 20:39:00 Author: Miglioshin Posts: 336

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thanks for all the adivce so far guys - I've managed to start creating something now, but I'm not 100% sure I like it so I may start over. Also Zwl I love looking at concept art and yours have a definate and very awesome style. Jump_button does similar stuff and I asked him to show me some of it - they are amazing!

2009-11-07 20:43:00 Author: Coxy224 Posts: 2645

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Just think of a theme and go off of it! i do it all the time, Think about somthing you enjoy

2009-11-07 21:59:00 Author: Snrm Posts: 6419

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I draw out my ideas, then the level itself on paper. I normally make a few changes from the page, but since it eliminates my ELS, that's quite fine with me. However, it does not stop my GBWMLS... Getting Bored While Making a Level Syndrome

2009-11-08 00:35:00 Author: Xenifus Posts: 306

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I don't pre-plan because I don't know how to draw, lol. But when the creative juices start running, I just go with it. Inspiration is hard to come by. Instead of putting it to paper, I have visions in my head that I try to mimic in create mode. And even when it doesn't completely pan out it somehow evolves into something different, even better than I originally planned in my brain. I hope that made some sense.

2009-11-08 22:26:00 Author: SHENOA77 Posts: 184

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