Home    LittleBigPlanet 2 - 3 - Vita - Karting    LittleBigPlanet 2    [LBP2] Help!
#1

I'm getting barely any plays!

Archive: 95 posts

I've advertised my levels in the level showcase forum but they don't get viewed! What should I do? My other levels have been played a lot more in a shorter time period, but why not my others that I actually put time into?2011-07-01 04:11:00

Author:
LBP2_Tutorialist
Posts: 225

I try to hit up the level showcase whenever I can, I'll look for yours next chance I get.2011-07-01 04:49:00

Author:
Mr_Fusion
Posts: 1799

it's sad, really. ingenious levels and items that had months of work poured into them get so few plays, while tons of H4H and free crap levels dominate the cool pages, and often get more hearts than plays. it's stupid, isn't it?2011-07-01 05:08:00

Author:
LBNinja
Posts: 204

I'm havIng the same problem, I have put hours into my level, and it only gets played a couple times a day. Meanwhile, I saw 20 copies of the exact same H4H level with 0 plays on cool levels. What's going on here?!2011-07-01 08:47:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

I know exactly how you feel. It's ridiculous really. It seems if you want ppl to play ur lvls you gota name it super Mario remake.....sonic remake....or you can join the band wagon of zombie levels. Forget trying to be original with your title. It won't draw ppl in to play it. I'm working on a mini series called into the shadows. No negative reviews. No dislikes. Few plays. And you can only post your lvl on the forum once...anymore and they will delete it. Loads of people view it but few play it. It just makes you think what's the point? And If I'm honest I think my lvls are decent...I'm Gona finish my series and maybe do a metal gear remake. By that time deus ex will be out and ill play that until bf3 is released....I don't see the point anymore in wasting my time.2011-07-01 23:16:00

Author:
wolfy_616
Posts: 202

On your F4F level, are you playing OTHER F4F levels and leaving detailed feedback as well as mentioning to them to check yours out to honor their F4F request?

..if you are simply sitting with an F4F and waiting for others to come play it, that will not work as well. Play other F4F levels and leave constructive feedback. ..then mention to them to check out your level as part of their F4F. It works, but you really have to work at it. 		2011-07-01 23:24:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Truth is although those may be getting the most plays, you have to admit the overall quality of the really good levels shines out due to that. Have you seen some of the newest MM picks? They are fantastic. I think that there has to be a better way to sift through the junk to get to the gold.2011-07-01 23:33:00

Author:
Captain_Dinosaur
Posts: 214

yeah, I don't understand how some people are getting tons of plays. I played one a while back and while the level was ok (certainly better than my stuff) it wasn't ground breaking or creative or unique. It was this guys only level. He has just the ONE level and had over twelve thousand plays. !!?? It wasn't a bomb survival or zombie level so I can't for the life of me figure it out. Oh well. I mean, I'm happy with a few plays. I was ecstatic that 60 people played my little LBP1 train level. It blows that some awesome creators out there are only getting a few hundred plays and others with the stupidest, most junky levels are seeing tens of thousands of plays. Unreal.2011-07-02 00:43:00

Author:
biorogue
Posts: 8424

I have worked over, I'm guessing, 50-60 hours for my boulder dash level, and I barely get any plays. Unfortunately, I think I'm part of the problem: I don't like playing levels, I just like creating. However, I must admit there is something odd about level exposure. There are very stupid levels indeed with incredible amount of plays. But what can be done? There are millions of levels. How can an automated system differ a good level from a bad one? It's impossible. I don't know there's a method to increase the exposure of good levels when there's so much junk out there. That's why they came up with MM picks, at least a few elite levels get shown.2011-07-02 08:57:00

Author:
hesido
Posts: 166

They need to have a ranking system based on the amount of content in the level. Sure, some cheap levels have a ton of objects, but MOST of these levels are nearly empty. If we had a content system in place, these levels would be pushed to the back. Logic and objects/shapes/materials should count.2011-07-02 09:03:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

They need to have a ranking system based on the amount of content in the level. Sure, some cheap levels have a ton of objects, but MOST of these levels are nearly empty. If we had a content system in place, these levels would be pushed to the back. Logic and objects/shapes/materials should count.

but then people could make a spam blam level with tons of emitters and stuff to easily get visits for THEIR junky levels, their spam blam level would be at the top of the list not to mention all the people checking out the content section because it would be new		2011-07-02 13:14:00

Author:
Unknown User

but then people could make a spam blam level with tons of emitters and stuff to easily get visits for THEIR junky levels, their spam blam level would be at the top of the list not to mention all the people checking out the content section because it would be new

Exactly! Also, a simple level doesn't mean it's bad. It could be a very simple survival level with very basic mechanics but it could be the best level.		2011-07-02 14:01:00

Author:
hesido
Posts: 166

They need to have a ranking system based on the amount of content in the level. Sure, some cheap levels have a ton of objects, but MOST of these levels are nearly empty. If we had a content system in place, these levels would be pushed to the back. Logic and objects/shapes/materials should count.

If it takes into account that 95% of my level is emitted, then sure.		2011-07-02 18:50:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

It's not perfect, but I think we can all agree that the system we have in place ISN'T working very well in our favor. It has to do with all these ppl who got LBP for welcome back. It's gonna be bad for a while.2011-07-02 20:12:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

They need to have a ranking system based on the amount of content in the level. Sure, some cheap levels have a ton of objects, but MOST of these levels are nearly empty. If we had a content system in place, these levels would be pushed to the back. Logic and objects/shapes/materials should count.

They should have a system that checks the title and description for "H4H" or "FREE PRIZES!!!!!!!!" and add a block for them		2011-07-02 20:18:00

Author:
Zero10100
Posts: 385

They should have a system that checks the title and description for "H4H" or "FREE PRIZES!!!!!!!!" and add a block for them

Lol, if they did that right now there would only be like, 8 levels left, and then we could get ALL the plays!!

I also had an idea that each level could be ranked based on how much time was spent active in create mode for that level. It's still not perfect, but most of these crappy empty H4H levels can't take more than 20 minutes to create, most even less. This way the 50-60 hour levels will be prominently displayed.		2011-07-02 20:44:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

Lol, if they did that right now there would only be like, 8 levels left, and then we could get ALL the plays!!

You forgot to add "MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"		2011-07-02 22:37:00

Author:
Zero10100
Posts: 385

Oh, I can't believe what I'm seeing, my level is now 2nd in trending levels on lbp.me. I'm pressing the refresh button like crazy.

Strange thing being, the last play was 25 minutes ago, it was the 4th. There's no new plays and it jumped to 2nd. Maybe it is being updated as new people are entering? Let's hope so

Edit: Argh: It says popular on the web. So it's not popular in the game. So I guess some people were viewing the lbp.me page. Hope that translates into plays sometime :=)		2011-07-02 23:18:00

Author:
hesido
Posts: 166

I know exactly how you feel. It's ridiculous really. It seems if you want ppl to play ur lvls you gota name it super Mario remake.....sonic remake....or you can join the band wagon of zombie levels. Forget trying to be original with your title. It won't draw ppl in to play it. I'm working on a mini series called into the shadows. No negative reviews. No dislikes. Few plays. And you can only post your lvl on the forum once...anymore and they will delete it. Loads of people view it but few play it. It just makes you think what's the point? And If I'm honest I think my lvls are decent...I'm Gona finish my series and maybe do a metal gear remake. By that time deus ex will be out and ill play that until bf3 is released....I don't see the point anymore in wasting my time.

Creating for yourself, your family or someone you like is an alternative. I don't need to be sure hundreds of people will see my drawings to justify drawing.		2011-07-03 02:56:00

Author:
Rovelius
Posts: 74

I try to hit up the level showcase whenever I can, I'll look for yours next chance I get.
I tink it's on page 5 or 6. Not sure.		2011-07-03 03:09:00

Author:
LBP2_Tutorialist
Posts: 225

Also, republishing your level every 5 minutes helps!2011-07-03 19:53:00

Author:
RibShark
Posts: 83

Also, republishing your level every 5 minutes helps!

It's crude, but every time you EDIT(important) and republish, ur level will be at the top of newest levels for a minute.		2011-07-03 22:55:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

It's usually just good to make 10 levels to start out with.. then after you start gettin' good, delete em and start over. Its just a matter of practice. I, myself haven't published any of my latest creations...but i just got finished with one, so people can see the outcome of my practice. Usually if a level gets under 100 plays, its either not good...and requires more work...OR you didn't put on the right level badge,title,description, or tags. That's just some play tips i got for you.2011-07-04 05:05:00

Author:
Dan930930
Posts: 77

It's usually just good to make 10 levels to start out with.. then after you start gettin' good, delete em and start over. Its just a matter of practice. I, myself haven't published any of my latest creations...but i just got finished with one, so people can see the outcome of my practice. Usually if a level gets under 100 plays, its either not good...and requires more work...OR you didn't put on the right level badge,title,description, or tags. That's just some play tips i got for you.

I have to disagree with this, there are tons of H4H levels with THOUSANDS of plays NO badge, and NO description, and I spent 30+ hours on mine, with a nice description and custom made badge and it has less than 100 plays. are you trying to say that these levels are better than mine, or that my level "needs work" and theirs doesn't?!

I'm straight up INSULTED by that, you obviously have no idea what's going on with the level ranking system, and how brilliant levels are getting shoved under the rug by crap. That, or you are one of the people who posts these H4H levels with a thousand plays. Have you even LOOKED on cool pages lately? It's pages and pages of empty H4H levels, yet mine's the one that needs work, right. Maybe you should take a look at some of out levels before you tell us they're "not good" just because they have under 100 plays. Are you one of those ppl who boos levels just because they have less than 100 plays?!

That's or of the most ignorant things I have ever heard anyone say on ANY forum I have read.		2011-07-04 05:39:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

Creating for yourself, your family or someone you like is an alternative. I don't need to be sure hundreds of people will see my drawings to justify drawing.

Very well put... Brilliant.		2011-07-04 09:27:00

Author:
Madafaku
Posts: 738

It would also be great if MM picked more levels to be in MM Picks. Im sure they can look harder and find more great levels. It's not like there are aren't many.2011-07-04 22:10:00

Author:
Unknown User

It's not perfect, but I think we can all agree that the system we have in place ISN'T working very well in our favor. It has to do with all these ppl who got LBP for welcome back. It's gonna be bad for a while.

Hey now, we're not all bad!

I do think it's absurd that amount of genuine trash thats out there :s Is it worth their while hosting this rubbish to brag about X million creations online?

Perhaps it is, as I'm sure some simple protocols could be put in place to reduce the amount of crap out there. I do a dozen or so lucky dips daily (ignoring titles with H4H, ALL CAPS, unamed, or anything that suggests its nothing but a ton of score bubbles). My own filtering aside, I've run thru levels where after seeing absolutely nothing for 20+ secs I quit out and think surely something like that could be identified quite easy as being a junk level? or something that has no end, or something that has 1 single material that runs on the same layer and squiggles up skyward as a sum total of a level. I can't think of a good reason a handful of light, broad checks are done before allowing the publish button become active.

Wishful thinking! I guess you just gotta use your own common sense and let the kiddies and the FB-esque whores do their thing...		2011-07-05 20:22:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

I didn't mean all ppl who got LBP1 for welcome back are bad, but it most likely IS the reason we have seen such a jump in empty levels recently.2011-07-05 21:39:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

It's usually just good to make 10 levels to start out with.. then after you start gettin' good, delete em and start over. Its just a matter of practice. I, myself haven't published any of my latest creations...but i just got finished with one, so people can see the outcome of my practice. Usually if a level gets under 100 plays, its either not good...and requires more work...OR you didn't put on the right level badge,title,description, or tags. That's just some play tips i got for you.

What so even though I have worked for weeks on my levels, but i get 1-2 plays a day (if I'm lucky), my levels are bad?! I think that is just poor judgement. Some people really spend time on their levels while others publish complete CRAP! I get angry when I see H4H levels on the COOL PAGES. Unless it really is cool, which I could bet $1000 that it isn't among us who care what we publish. All my levels that I have published recently don't have 100+ plays. Yes, I'm disappointed, but it doesn't give anyone the right to say that it is bad because of it.		2011-07-05 21:56:00

Author:
LBP2_Tutorialist
Posts: 225

What so even though I have worked for weeks on my levels, but i get 1-2 plays a day (if I'm lucky), my levels are bad?! I think that is just poor judgement. Some people really spend time on their levels while others publish complete CRAP! I get angry when I see H4H levels on the COOL PAGES. Unless it really is cool, which I could bet $1000 that it isn't among us who care what we publish. All my levels that I have published recently don't have 100+ plays. Yes, I'm disappointed, but it doesn't give anyone the right to say that it is bad because of it.

I agree with you, that users post offended me a lot. I hope he doesn't come back unless he's coming back to say he was wrong.		2011-07-05 22:34:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

I had a run in with this recently. I published a Safari level of mine, and I'm still kinda editing it, and some guy rated it because it only had 1 play.... I was livid. It took a lot of time to set up the level just right, and that smug little jerk rated it like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (brb chargin mah LAZOR).2011-07-05 22:42:00

Author:
Captain_Dinosaur
Posts: 214

I had a run in with this recently. I published a Safari level of mine, and I'm still kinda editing it, and some guy rated it because it only had 1 play.... I was livid. It took a lot of time to set up the level just right, and that smug little jerk rated it like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (brb chargin mah LAZOR).



It's time we here at LBPC got together and just start large-scale trolling of ppl who commit this kind of unforgivable crime, rating levels boo out of jealousy.		2011-07-05 22:47:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

Sadly that nonsense really doesn't surprise me in the least anymore, should be included in the 'welcome to the interwebs' pack ^_^

Played a fantastic level, beautifully made, painstaking tested, dream gameplay... Finished it with a smile on my face, came out to lavish some praise and the review below me was "THIS IS ****" ... Oh hai jealously, how's things?

But yeah, interwebs facts, a vid of a granny dying saving a starving puppy and there would be still comments left about the lulz they got from the face she pulled just before she passed. Oh what a lovely note to go to bed on!

Love u really Internet *kisses*		2011-07-06 05:03:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

H4H and the low tier community levels are an example of what I call "metagaming" XBL achievements created a monster. Trophies and Accolades. These things make playing playstation a game within itself, and as in any other games, there are cheaters. There is nothing wrong with cheating in single player video games. If you choose to rob yourself of a rich, immersive world, that is your own thing, man. But this trophy collecting meta game is ruining the actual real life game by distracting children by shiny pins and things to make them look like an uber pro. People don't play games for the game anymore. They play for the meta game. I know this, because back in 2009-2010 when H4H was seeing it's golden days, I confronted a player who was H4Hing, and I told him he was hurting the community. He said "what community? It is a game. It is a **** game, I just want my trophy, now do you want a heart or not?" this killed me a little inside.

Long story short, the people playing cool levels are meta gamers. Real players and creators for the community's good are here on LBPC. THIS is my cool levels page.		2011-07-06 14:06:00

Author:
poorjack
Posts: 1806

What so even though I have worked for weeks on my levels, but i get 1-2 plays a day (if I'm lucky), my levels are bad?! I think that is just poor judgement. Some people really spend time on their levels while others publish complete CRAP! I get angry when I see H4H levels on the COOL PAGES. Unless it really is cool, which I could bet $1000 that it isn't among us who care what we publish. All my levels that I have published recently don't have 100+ plays. Yes, I'm disappointed, but it doesn't give anyone the right to say that it is bad because of it.

I feel ya. I think I have your level queued. Is yours the Da Vinci one? I'll play it and post some feedback.

I know how it feels to get barely any plays. My first level has 9 in total. This level I'm not too bothered about. I'll just say that it has some free music (including Sonic 2 - Mystic Cave Zone) (which you have to earn) for you to keep. The main reason I made it is because when I first got LBP2, I played around a lot with the music sequencer, so I just decided to put them all in a level. There's a few puzzles and a bit of basic platforming. It's nothing special, but I'm proud of it because it at least showed that I CAN make a level. The one thing I am bothered about is that some idiot booed it, and I think I know why - he played it with a friend, and found that it didn't work properly. This is despite me specifically saying that it's 1P ONLY. I wasn't too offended when I looked at the absolute crap that he has hearted!
I'm a little more annoyed that my second level only has like 13 plays. I spent aaaaaaages on that one. It looks like my 3rd level is heading down the same path. 8 players after about 2 days (it's a 2 player level so it's only been played 4 times in total!). I've got some more levels queued for feedback, that's my saving grace, but I think the ONLY people to play it are registered here!
I'm not expecting thousands and thousands of plays. But having less than 20 plays for a level you spent months on..... it's just not worth it.		2011-07-06 14:32:00

Author:
Ali_Star
Posts: 4085

Probably wouldn't hurt to ignore rate downs unless they are accompanied by a genuine criticism. Not sure I can talk tho, got my first rate down other day and rather than leaving it be I went to his profile and messaged him the solution (he rated down as he couldn't solve puzzle), and then I went and added hints to that part >.< I'd just rather the 7 ppl who will ever play it to not stop half way thru!

And apologies about last night, had bad birthday, was ill and mixing meds = loose tongue XD

All this sliding off topic I just realised I haven't visited anyone's planet here yet, will fix that now 		2011-07-06 17:28:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

I know exactly what you all mean it took me two and a half months to get my 40k level up and published and when i did i mentioned that because it was my first top down level it might have a couple issues to fix as it was a beta. Someone played it and said plain and simple BAAAD. Now if the level was unplayable or really basic and boring i could understand but it is very intricate and the desighn is very pleasing to look at so i wondered why he rated it so bad.
It took a whole week for one more person to play it and i think it was because of that rating. I checked his latest activities and found he had hearted Bomb survivals and H4H levels and so forth so i am not happy that my hard work seemed pointless to him.

I have noticed and i'm sure most of you have as well that the people rating our levels so badly are people you have really basic crappy levels or no levels published at all. They obviously don't understand how much effort went into these type of levels and that these bad ratings for no real reason are stopping others from playing our levels.
I know this to be true because my first 40k level i published were you fly a ship around got rated down by someone who said he liked it and the design was good and the whole idea was great but because he couldn't strafe like he wanted he rated boo. Someone else who played sent me a message over PSN saying it was a great level but because others had rated down because of controls he didn't play until a couple months later when his friend told him about it and that it was good.

This site is now my basis for finding good levels to play and if i don't particulary enjoy some levels i rate then on how much effort went into them and if they are bad but the creator improves the level on feedback i give him or at least tries i go back and change my boo to a yay then say that because they want to improve i they deserve a yay at least even if i don't like the gameplay myself.

But yeah it is really hard to get the plays we all desire. It wasn't until i joined this site that i even got beyond 20 plays on a level i created.

It looks like none of us really have an answer to how to get more plays as were starting to rant on about our stats so maybe all of LBPC should play as many levels of each others as possible to get our names up there seeing as most of the community are actually hurting good and great levels for stupid or no reasons. Thats the only answer i can think of.		2011-07-06 17:43:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761

Kay, I've shown a lot of love now! Must take a break, can hardly see my penis ATM...

So much creativity!!

...tbc		2011-07-06 19:36:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

Too bad we can't hack PSN again and just go delet crazy on these users, can you imagine LBP with NO H4Hers or good-level haters? It would be a utopia, and then it would quickly spiral into a dystopia as the few of us who are left fight for leadership amongst ourselves. It WILL happen.2011-07-06 19:54:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

I know its a game and all and putting your work out there is part of it, but i just don't feel as passionately as some of your seem to about having people play (or rate down) your levels. To me little big planet is about expression and creativity, its the personal journey that makes this game what it is, not some ego driven desire to have people express recognition for your creativity and ingenuity.

Its like people who want to become and actor or singer just so they can be a celebrity, then you have those actual artists that really don't care if no one ever payed any attention to their work because its a natural expression of self flowing from the individual for no specific reason other than a desire to forge inspiration into reality and revel in the process as one would enjoy a fine wine, not to get drunk, but to savor the taste and explore the nuances it has on the pallet.

There's two explicit paradigms going on here. Ask yourself why you create in little big planet and decide which side of the fence you're on, then make a heartfelt decision about how important this fabled recognition is to you.

Harboring negativity caused purely by certain perspectives is only going to make you waste what could be a happy experience and every time you get wound up by something like this you're only letting yourself down, because ultimately its your decision to see it the way you do.		2011-07-07 07:16:00

Author:
Epicurean Dreamer
Posts: 224

Kay, I've shown a lot of love now! Must take a break, can hardly see my penis ATM...

So much creativity!!

...tbc

Did autocorrect screw you over or did you actually mean to type that? If so, what does it mean?		2011-07-07 09:01:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

@poorjack:
Excellent observation about "metagaming".

I hope next LBP has no trophies or even pins for getting hearted, or even hearting someone. There'd still be people wanting to go high on the scoreboard, but there will be less people with the sole intention of getting hearts without even creating something.

@Epicurean Dreamer:
You are right, but it is not wrong to ask for acknowledgement when you have put so many hours into something either, esp. when this "metagame" is reducing the exposure of such good levels. This very "metagame" (thanks poorjack for bringin the concept again ) is actually preventing ordinary players who don't spend time in forums to find gems from playing good levels, so it's not only the authors being effected . It's not necessarily being famous, but being able to share something with as many people as possible, when there's so much blood and sweat.

I do see your point tho. Back in the Amiga days, we were trying to make music, we were trying to draw pictures on deluxepaint, trying programming on AMOS / Blitzbasic, with the full knowledge that nobody else was ever going to see it. Maybe, just a few friends would see it. Maybe we should get back to that kind of thinking to feel good about creating.		2011-07-07 12:01:00

Author:
hesido
Posts: 166

Did autocorrect screw you over or did you actually mean to type that? If so, what does it mean?

Er, autocorrect can be a *********, but that msg was correct o.O

Not sure which part you didn't get (thankfully a short msg!)

I showed a lot of love - played/rated/commented on anyone who has posted in this threads lvl (more in queue)

Can hardly see my penis - I'm feeling tiny next to some seriously creative works!

@hesido, I'm afraid like/+1/heart are here to stay, the Internet has spoken! It's just an aspect of it, best not take it too seriously and even tho a campaign to smash trolls sounds great it's not very realistic, just use common sense and find others who do to and pray your not still alive when selective breeding becomes a necessity.

@ Epicurean, u raise a fair point but truthfully I enjoy a fine wine and can drink it with both the intention of thoroughly enjoying it and getting written-off.		2011-07-07 14:57:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

@Masseyf: I wasn't campaigning for troll smashing 2011-07-07 15:12:00

Author:
hesido
Posts: 166

Didn't mean to imply u personally on that, it's been brought up in thread is all! Although you could be "charged" with worse things lol, troll smashing would be a great campaign, just in a fantasy land (there is something funny about that statement given where we are and the game it's even based on ^^)2011-07-07 15:31:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

You are right, but it is not wrong to ask for acknowledgement when you have put so many hours into something either, esp. when this "metagame" is reducing the exposure of such good levels. This very "metagame" (thanks poorjack for bringin the concept again ) is actually preventing ordinary players who don't spend time in forums to find gems from playing good levels, so it's not only the authors being effected . It's not necessarily being famous, but being able to share something with as many people as possible, when there's so much blood and sweat.

No, it's not wrong to want to share something you put a lot of effort into, but it's far better to share with a small select group than with as many people as possible. Play count, yay/nay. heart...that's not a very meaningful interaction...it's just some numbers. In the larger community there seems to be a whole lot of folks that expect you to be a profressional level designer who should only create the type of level they wish to play...you don't want these folks playing your levesl.

I don't see this "metagame" as really preventing "good" levels from being played. Take this away and there is still a sea of "ok" levels to wade through...and those "metagamers" you're relying on for plays would probably just move on to other games. Less players is never good for a game.

Cultivate a group of friends or pander to the lowest common denominator, that's your choice...I can't imagine the later will be very rewarding. As for me...I used to do a lot of oil painting before LBP was released...I think it may be time to pick up a brush again.		2011-07-07 15:36:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214

It would be good if they made a new page like the cool pages but called it something like Masterpieces or Cool Creations or something like that where they placed levels that have had at least 65-75% of the levels space filled a badge filled and title and a certain amount of create time in the level. That way even a level with only two plays could get in there.
It would be simular to the cool levels page on this site and there would be no unamed levels or crappy one material bubble fests.

Undoutedly there would be some rubbish but nowhere near as much as the cool pages. If they did this i bet most of the people on this site would be in there instantly.		2011-07-07 15:55:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761

@ lordwarblade - Sounds like u want mm-picks2. And FYI having amount of space used as a factor is a terrible idea.

@Fullofwin - completely agree it's just the inevitable negative aspect happens to weigh in heavy in these scenarios. I noticed lockstitch putting up some defensive comments the other day (don't know the full story just spotted them in passing on recent activity) but it would appear he's having to deal with being popular. It's that aspect we'd all (I imagine) would like to be rid of. I played a lvl called relic yesterday I think, commented on it (a little foolishly, didn't realise the creator was a bit in the veteran side), but even tho it was only up an hour, there was already a war starting in the comments trying to remove this guy o.O and the comment I made has gotten the most yays and nays ever because I said I really enjoyed the lvl and pointed out some bugs, so I had both sides of the fence rating. It's all very silly..		2011-07-07 16:10:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

We can also all agree from now on to tag our level titles with "LBPC" and remain as unknown as possible, except for the community we care for. Let us have a little corner of our own while the H4H lemmings drop themselves off a cliff or something.2011-07-07 16:21:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

I agree with you zero10100 I would love something like that!! 2011-07-07 16:50:00

Author:
Unknown User

@Masseyf - Your most probably right about the 65% complete part now that i think about it (Though most of the levels i have played that are good in this site alone have been over 55% complete) but would it really be bad to have another page for people who actually want to create good creative levels without the need of thousands of plays and yays to be placed in the cool pages. I just want to see better levels that have been worked on with a lot of effort easier to find. I don't even bother looking at cool pages any more. Even some of the MM picked levels i don't really like.

I also have to say that just because i would like to see more plays on the levels i worked on for hours, months even doesn't mean i want to be MM picked. I know we shouldn't complain about it but it is unfair how the latest shark survival level with a description saying H4H can make 1000 plays in a day yet a well made level struggles to get 2 in a week.

Like myself LBP2_Tutorialist has joined this forum to improve his skills as a creator and show off his work to an audience like any game desighner or writer would. We could just go back to some other hobby but if he is like me this is now his new hobby and wants to share his creations.		2011-07-07 17:37:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761

We can also all agree from now on to tag our level titles with "LBPC" and remain as unknown as possible, except for the community we care for. Let us have a little corner of our own while the H4H lemmings drop themselves off a cliff or something.
I like that idea for a level tag.		2011-07-07 17:53:00

Author:
SSTAGG1
Posts: 1136

My Zombies the Middle East. Which lol is a Zombie survival has 320 plays but only after a long time. What i did (this was when the search was working) i joined random people and asked them to play my level. As simple as that and sometimes i would ask them to ask there friends to play it. Trust me it worked but the community search no longer works so that way wouldn't work. (Don't think that my levels are rubbish coz i did this my link below proves they arn't bad)2011-07-07 17:54:00

Author:
Unknown User

We can also all agree from now on to tag our level titles with "LBPC" and remain as unknown as possible, except for the community we care for. Let us have a little corner of our own while the H4H lemmings drop themselves off a cliff or something.

Actually if we all did that all we would ever have to type in the search bar was LBPC and there would be loads of decent levels to play through.

It would be good if there was a LBPC page in the game showcasing every level from this forum. Think about it we would never need search through the cool pages again. Well we would sometimes just in case something good turned up.
I very much doubt this would ever happen.		2011-07-07 17:57:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761

Well you have highlighted in your own post how subjective opinions are, that alone poses a huge problem.

And as I said earlier in the thread (and even being such a young sackling myself), even I can see 90% of what's out there is utter horse****e. I do lucky dips fully prepared to have to sample a dozen turd burgers before finding something with promise, but I do this in the hopes that some creative person out there who may never have gotten a play will get some recognition and on a very rare occasion find someone worth hearting.

I think I've been looking at it wrong. MM want the bragging rights to X million creations online, so rather than protocols to stop things being published, maybe a more viable solution is that said protocols will put your work into another tier. Kind of in the direction your going for yourself. I'd get a nerdboner if we could also filter out text from titles and descriptions... First thing in my exclusions would be "H4H".		2011-07-07 17:58:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

The problem is that there is the MM picks page which is the cream of LBP then the cool pages which is the whats hot now area for all the cheap thrills and quick hearts but there is no page for the run of the mill creative levels which are what most of us create and play. It might actually help if the other pages like most played and most rated didn't showcase MM picks or Cool levels seeing as they have their own pages and will always be on top of other levels.


And as I said earlier in the thread (and even being such a young sackling myself), even I can see 90% of what's out there is utter horse****e. I do lucky dips fully prepared to have to sample a dozen turd burgers before finding something with promise, but I do this in the hopes that some creative person out there who may never have gotten a play will get some recognition and on a very rare occasion find someone worth hearting.

@Masseyf - this is one thing i have been doing occasionally and when i find a level i really think is worthy i make sure i give it a good review and a yay or heart if needed. Even a level that is not so great but has a good theme or looks great and obviously shows the creator is trying. But most like this i find always have a bad coment or review from someone else who hearts bomb survivals and such levels. I mean why rate people bad because its not a bomb survival or H4H level.

Sorry for all the ranting.		2011-07-07 18:16:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761

Really all that is needed is for us here to be more pro-active about playing levels posted in the showcase. I see many levels get posted that are all but ignored...you almost have to do F4F to get someone to return the favor.

I'm to blame as much as anyone...I like to create. My playing is usually restricted to trying whatever has floated to the top of the recent activity queue and about half of the spotlighted levels. Not all the levels posted to the showcase may be great, but you at least know it's a creator that cares and is trying and will probably really appreciate some feedback.

Sadly, I doubt I'll change my ways...but I'm totatlly in favor of any system that makes it easier for me to find LBPC levels in game. I don't like the LBPC in the title idea as it doesn't scale. Sure it would work well as first, then after a few hundred levels are posted it becomes useless, need to be able to further restrict searches by date, etc. LBPC levels from this week, etc.


The problem is that there is the MM picks page which is the cream of LBP

I don't agree, MM picks are "interesting" levels...not the best. It's this notion that these represent the very best of what's out there that causes a lot of grief for creators that are unlucky enough to have a level selected and gives players unreasonable expectations.		2011-07-07 19:26:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214

Sorry for all the ranting.

ranting is even better for the soul than +1ing

@Fullofwin, I would rather not go down that route ^_^ of having to push my stuff in ppls faces or go F4F which is really another version of H4H. But as the tag line of a film that nearly made me pee in the store (remember those days?!) when I read it "there is no stopping what cannot be stopped" (lol, now that's Fullofwin!! Lol, I nearly fell into the rack lmao... May have been drunk)

Anyways... I've made a nice start, I've spent 6-7 hrs going thru folks on this threads lvls, much enjoyed (some epically so), hope u found the reviews helpful or with the humour they were most likely aiming for 		2011-07-07 19:52:00

Author:
Masseyf
Posts: 226

@Fullofwin - No i dont mean theres anything wrong with MM pick i just mean theres the best the the cool but no category for the moderate. If you know what i mean.2011-07-07 20:09:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761

We can also all agree from now on to tag our level titles with "LBPC" and remain as unknown as possible, except for the community we care for. Let us have a little corner of our own while the H4H lemmings drop themselves off a cliff or something.

This is actually a REALLY good idea, it's not without it's flaws, but I personally HATE using LBP.me because I have to log in every time i try to use it. If I could jut search (LBPC) and get results that would e wonderful!

The only problem I foresee is others from outside the community trying to infringe on our name, we would need some sort of regulation.

Seriously though, that's a GOOD idea with a lot of potential. You should consider starting a thread about that with a poll to see how many of us are interested. You have my vote!		2011-07-07 21:31:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

I'll play it.2011-07-07 23:22:00

Author:
PSN:AAM2730
Posts: 128

How about we put LBPC in our level title and our level description? That way we can find great levels with more of a chance of finding these 'tagged' levels using the search engine (since it's crap). I will do that from now on. I will edit all my level titles tommorow 2011-07-09 05:40:00

Author:
LBP2_Tutorialist
Posts: 225

We need to spread the word about this. It's not technically my idea, so I would like to give antikris a chance to start a thread about it. Antikris if you don't want to make one I can make it myself, I just thought you should get credit for it since you were the first to mention it on this thread. This idea will not be effective unless most of us are on the same page, but this would make it a much better experience for us trying to play each other's levels. It would also make it easier for other ppl looking to play LBPC levels.

We MUST enact this ASAP!! I will add the (LBPC) tag to my levels as soon as I get home.		2011-07-09 06:10:00

Author:
sp0ngyraver
Posts: 407

We need to spread the word about this. It's not technically my idea, so I would like to give antikris a chance to start a thread about it. Antikris if you don't want to make one I can make it myself, I just thought you should get credit for it since you were the first to mention it on this thread.

I don't care much for the credit. Go ahead and make a thread to see if people are interested in this idea. With this ban hammer stuck in my cranium there is not much I can do right now anyway.		2011-07-09 09:41:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

I'm getting really tired of this also. I've been working on mine since, I believe early august. Finished and published it Last week. Got 9 plays on one, on the other 7. I worked really hard on these, day and night. But it doesn't pay off. This disgusts me, us creators that socially work hard to get plays that we deserve don't get anything. Gettin' pretty tired of it.2011-12-27 22:57:00

Author:
Unknown User

I'm getting really tired of this also. I've been working on mine since, I believe early august. Finished and published it Last week. Got 9 plays on one, on the other 7. I worked really hard on these, day and night. But it doesn't pay off. This disgusts me, us creators that socially work hard to get plays that we deserve don't get anything. Gettin' pretty tired of it.

Have you tried the F4F feature here at LBPC? ..and by trying, did you do it proactively or simply wait around for folks to play it? If the latter, you got exactly the amount of effort you put into it. Sorry to say, but spending tons of hours creating a level doesn't guarantee you squat. The way to make F4F work is to play OTHER F4F levels and leave detailed constructive feedback for them. After that, mention which level you would like them to return the favor of their F4F commitment. Do this to as many F4F levels as possible.. not 4 or 5. Do it like 20 - 30 times. Not everyone will return the favor, especially if they have left LBP or LBPC. Some get busy and forget. You really have to work at it.

It also doesn't hurt to add some interesting pictures to your Level Thread. You have to think of it like you are selling a game at Best Buy. Some box with some text on it is not going to sell very well. Dress it up! Show if off! If you are proud of your creations, take some pictures and give someone something to wet their appetite!

If you are really great at creating and the word gets out, it will get even easier as you get better and better. However, if you are still not landing Spotlights for example or never get a mention, then you need feedback not plays to help you improve before you will get many plays or interest in you as a creator.

Good luck!

*** Edit *** oh wow... that was quite an old thread! Possibly you should have started another one rather than bumping this one.		2011-12-27 23:10:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

here's another thing to do. Take a look at my signature. I've never posted this junky level in the showcase, but here it is with 200+ plays. advertise, advertise, advertise. Plus I'm a member of many, many fansites and this is the sig used at all of them. I'm not advertising other sites, just saying what I do. When my real level comes out, I'll do the same thing, but I'll also do F4F in the showcase, as it's actually a "real" level.2011-12-27 23:35:00

Author:
biorogue
Posts: 8424

Yup advertising is a great thing! Look at my sig as well as my avatar. In fact if you want to see how I do my level threads, feel free and check any of them out in the links in my sig.2011-12-28 00:40:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I'm quite annoyed because it actually looked like my levels (well... my latter 2 anyway) were starting to pick up, but then they just went dead again. They were'nt getting many plays, but a few each day (which is good enough for me because they've been out for months).2011-12-29 11:42:00

Author:
Ali_Star
Posts: 4085

Put it in your avatar. Help people with their levels if you can. When you play a good level put it on a list and when you have a considerable amount, post it on a forum were people don't play as much as you, so they don't need to look for good levels as hard as you did. Ask your friends to test your level with you and ask for their opinion. Advertise, but through the proper channels like the level showcase, and include screenshots. Put an LBP.me link in your signature. Politely ask a creator you respect if they could play your level and give you their feedback, but don't be too naggy and don't spam. When doing this, go with:
"Hey, I made a level and it'd mean a lot if you had time to play it and tell me what you think"
instead of:
"Play my level: [level's name]!"

Do this and you should have recruited a good amount of people to make your level's play count kick off.		2011-12-29 11:55:00

Author:
SnipySev
Posts: 2452

OK, I tried making a new sig to attract some more plays, but when you click on the pics it just brings up a picture popup, and not the lbp.me page (which it does do in the preview). Any advice, or can anyone point me in the direction of another sig making site?2011-12-29 12:47:00

Author:
Ali_Star
Posts: 4085

....moaning about only getting a couple of hundred plays....I havnt even got past 50 yet!!! (but then thyve only been online for about 3 months). Id be so thrilled to get a couple of hundred plays....even though I know thats poor.

I have churned out a lot of stuff in a short space of time, but then, Im a professional modelmaker and a fast one, so I should be able to make stuff fast. its not all crap though. theyre not conventional 'levels' as such. quite quirky really. but then, isnt that refreshing when faced with no-end of copys? I know you cant please everybody...lots of players like the run and jump as fast and as accurate as you can or you die levels, but I dont. Plus, I dont have that much spare time to make full blown levels.
I'd like to know which levels people like...although, being a good level doesnt seem to matter with regards to number of plays.
'an enjoyable planet to visit' rateher than good levels is what Im trying to achieve. But I do think 'whats the point'? sometimes, when I look at my plays. its sad. theyre not that bad and deserve more plays!		2012-01-29 09:49:00

Author:
futureboy
Posts: 74

Im afraid to publish any levels I finish because I know it will most likely get over looked I really think the Cool pages should have like a filter of some short to clean out the crap in the cool pages.2012-01-29 10:13:00

Author:
The_Lil_JoKeR
Posts: 745

Here are a few things I've found from experience:

- Name - Give it a decent name, something reasonably memorable with no words in all caps. Correct spelling and grammar helps too.

- Custom badge - Always do this! Use bright colours if you can. Depending on the level, the badge to use will change. If the level title will fit and you can't think of an image, use the level name as the badge. If you can't fit the name, don't use initials. e.g. If the level is Super Happy Awesome Fun Slide, don't put SHAFS. Just looks weird. If you can, make a new image based on the level. Don't just take a picture of a section, character.

- Description - First thing is state how many players the level is. Then give a quick description using fun sounding words. Onomatopoeic words are great for this. e.g. Boom, Bubble etc. Again, grammar and spelling.

- Publish - Try to do this on a busy day. Personally I've found publishing on a Friday afternoon is best, there are more players online.

- Pictures - Straight after publishing play your level and take some pictures. Don't forget to upload them before leaving!

- Make a thread - Because I'm a crazy person I actually have the level thread ready to publish as soon as I publish the level. You don't have to do this, but try to do it pretty soon. The thread should give a bit more insight into the level, maybe list inspirations, ideas you used and of course pictures!
Remember, just because people aren't replying to your thread doesn't mean they aren't thinking about playing your level.

- Change your signature to have a link to your level thread. Also note that it's your "New!" level.

- Change your PS3 comment above your profile to something like, "New level out!"

- Tweet - I tweeted about my new level several times, but didn't specifically ask for people to play it. You don't want to sound desperate now - It's also worth mentioning Spaff in your tweet, if he sees it and plays the level. The many people who have hearted him will see your level in the recent activity.

- Finally, keep checking on your level either in game or via lbp.me and look for any comments on bugs/glitches. If you see any, fix them straight away!


Hope this helps people get more plays on their levels. These won't guarantee more plays but I'm pretty sure they'll help.		2012-01-29 11:24:00

Author:
Jedi_1993
Posts: 1518

I do all of this and still nothing....its prob becuase I dont publish it on a busy day.2012-01-29 12:24:00

Author:
The_Lil_JoKeR
Posts: 745

I've been working mostly on one project since LBP2 got out, my Health Meter Toolkit. I waited what... 6 months before publishing ? And now 1 year after the idea started, I got around... 249 plays ? 100 YAYs ? Nice, it grew since last time ! But yeah, it's a logic giveaway, so it's something I often modify and republish. So it's often on the "new" page. Still, I put so much work in this and my friend made only 1 level in LBP one, but since he published it right after the PoTC pack came out and it's a Wipeout level, it got 272 yays, 746 hearts and 22597 plays ! He bought LBP, he bought the pirate pack, he made this level then he stopped playing. I gave him a code for the collector's edition stuff since I had two after an error, and he used it, but he didn't even buy LBP2. He doesn't care about it enough. But he got 22597 plays ! AAAARG !

I really have to make a level with the attracto-tweak.		2012-01-29 17:42:00

Author:
Unknown User

LBP is harder than you tube to get recognised. I have created levels on lbp 1 & 2, Most plays any of them have had is about 38. I am not that fantastic at creating levels but I have made some that are a lot better than some I have played. Do you have to be American to get noticed ?. I get disheartened with creating, I enjoy it but don't see the point if I am the only person that plays the levels.2012-01-30 13:26:00

Author:
Unknown User

LBP is harder than you tube to get recognised. I have created levels on lbp 1 & 2, Most plays any of them have had is about 38. I am not that fantastic at creating levels but I have made some that are a lot better than some I have played. Do you have to be American to get noticed ?. I get disheartened with creating, I enjoy it but don't see the point if I am the only person that plays the levels.

Of course you don't.

Everyone on here will tell you that the key thing is to advertise! As long as you have a good idea, which you promote well, you should do ok.

Failing that, just make a Mortal Kombat level, release 6 more similar ones, and you'll occupy half the cool pages! 		2012-01-30 14:56:00

Author:
Ali_Star
Posts: 4085

LBP is harder than you tube to get recognised. I have created levels on lbp 1 & 2, Most plays any of them have had is about 38. I am not that fantastic at creating levels but I have made some that are a lot better than some I have played. Do you have to be American to get noticed ?. I get disheartened with creating, I enjoy it but don't see the point if I am the only person that plays the levels.

Well.. one thing I noticed is you have yet to post your levels in our Level Showcase. That is a great start to get some feedback to help you improve your creations. The better you get, the more people are interested in playing your levels and more importantly your next level.

..and don't make the mistake like some do. Many I have seen will make a level thread and title it Play my level with the description of the level leaving little to be desired. You have to sell it live a movie title. Use the level name as the thread title, put a fascinating description with any additional information to perk others interests. Also include a few pics of the level.

Check out some of mine for example... 		2012-01-30 15:35:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

On your F4F level, are you playing OTHER F4F levels and leaving detailed feedback as well as mentioning to them to check yours out to honor their F4F request?

..if you are simply sitting with an F4F and waiting for others to come play it, that will not work as well. Play other F4F levels and leave constructive feedback. ..then mention to them to check out your level as part of their F4F. It works, but you really have to work at it.

This ^ is probably the best advice on this thread. F4F encourages others (Almost fores them) To give some feedback on your level in return if you give them a good enough feedback post. 		2012-01-30 16:25:00

Author:
grayspence
Posts: 1990

This ^ is probably the best advice on this thread. F4F encourages others (Almost fores them) To give some feedback on your level in return if you give them a good enough feedback post.

Thanks for that.

It's amazing to me how some complain or ask for advise, but fail or choose not to use the tools available. They might even plop a thread out there or others not, then wonder what is wrong. Like having a bake sale and leaving all the cakes and cookies at home, never putting out a sign at the event, nor even put it in the newspaper prior to the event. Then they wonder why nobody came? ...sorry, but wow. 		2012-01-30 16:46:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Walk backwards in a circle 3 times trying not to fall over, stop and with your arms reaching towards the heavens say the words "zlp-syalp-dah-i-nac," at which point there will be a blinding light and Stephen Fry's soothing voice will resound in your head "u can haz plays now". Then you will have plays.2012-01-30 16:55:00

Author:
Ayneh
Posts: 2454

LBP is harder than you tube to get recognised. I have created levels on lbp 1 & 2, Most plays any of them have had is about 38. I am not that fantastic at creating levels but I have made some that are a lot better than some I have played. Do you have to be American to get noticed ?. I get disheartened with creating, I enjoy it but don't see the point if I am the only person that plays the levels.

Do people only create levels with gaining recognition in mind? I can understand wanting 50 plays for the trophy, but it's not like I ever create with some end goal of being "famous." I think you'll enjoy creating more and feel less disheartened when you stop worrying about number of plays. Besides, it's not like you've got a quotient to fill off your levels, all that matters is whether you're enjoying yourself or not.		2012-01-30 21:17:00

Author:
Rainbro Dash
Posts: 121

Do people only create levels with gaining recognition in mind? I can understand wanting 50 plays for the trophy, but it's not like I ever create with some end goal of being "famous." I think you'll enjoy creating more and feel less disheartened when you stop worrying about number of plays. Besides, it's not like you've got a quotient to fill off your levels, all that matters is whether you're enjoying yourself or not.

I try telling people this all the time but I often feel like a parent talking down to a teenage kid who only cares about what other kids in the school yard think of him. Popularity.. such a juvenile concept, really. I wish I had been the kind of person who back in school myself would not have given a fudge about it. Then at least I might have enjoyed that time. It is forever lost.

Hey!! A grey hair!		2012-01-30 21:51:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

Haha I do admit that loads of people want plays only to have plays, and I hate the trophies because it makes you want to have plays for it. I want plays just because I work hard on the things I make, and I want to feel it was useful. Though I feel my logic is useful way more when I personally have to help someone with it. And at the same time, it helps me see what I should add to make it simpler.

PS : What if we play in French ? Can we still pray Stephen Fry ?		2012-01-30 23:34:00

Author:
Unknown User

I try telling people this all the time but I often feel like a parent talking down to a teenage kid who only cares about what other kids in the school yard think of him. Popularity.. such a juvenile concept, really. I wish I had been the kind of person who back in school myself would not have given a fudge about it. Then at least I might have enjoyed that time. It is forever lost.

Hey!! A grey hair!

Some people want their levels to get played because they think they poured alot of time into something that is special and entertaining and others would enjoy. Movie creators do not create movies to watch them themselves, they create them to share an experience with the world. Would James Cameron spend all that time and energy making AVATAR if only 30 people watched it? No.

It really hurts seeing some of the garbage that makes it onto the cool pages. Alot of amazing levels make it onto the cool pages but just as much if not more garbage. That is very frustrating.

My levels are far from anything special, but to see them get a dozen views while vastly inferior levels manage to somehow make it to the cool pages is very frustrating.		2012-01-31 00:34:00

Author:
bluearth
Posts: 100

Do people only create levels with gaining recognition in mind? I can understand wanting 50 plays for the trophy, but it's not like I ever create with some end goal of being "famous." I think you'll enjoy creating more and feel less disheartened when you stop worrying about number of plays. Besides, it's not like you've got a quotient to fill off your levels, all that matters is whether you're enjoying yourself or not.

Most people who create for fame end up getting frustrated and quit without ever reaching their full potential. That is why I only continue to create levels if im having fun while doing so, if I'm not having fun building it, chance are that the player wont have fun playing with it either.


Some people want their levels to get played because they think they poured alot of time into something that is special and entertaining and others would enjoy. Movie creators do not create movies to watch them themselves, they create them to share an experience with the world. Would James Cameron spend all that time and energy making AVATAR if only 30 people watched it? No.

It really hurts seeing some of the garbage that makes it onto the cool pages. Alot of amazing levels make it onto the cool pages but just as much if not more garbage. That is very frustrating.

My levels are far from anything special, but to see them get a dozen views while vastly inferior levels manage to somehow make it to the cool pages is very frustrating.

That is because there is a majority of younger folk who enjoy endless crap and will play it over and over again because these patterns appeal to them. We all know its pretty hard to impress a 7 year old with logic or intense visuals when they think they could just go play a bomb survival. You need to remember that plays don't make your levels better, its the feedback that improves your creative skills.		2012-01-31 01:44:00

Author:
grayspence
Posts: 1990

What I'm worried about is new creators getting so few plays it discourages them from creating any further/enhancing their skills

For example I spent roughly 50 hours making my NASCAR level. Advanced levels take much longer I'm sure, but 50 hours is nothing to sneeze at. I created it, I published it, and its sitting at 24 plays, 12 smiles and 1 unhappy face after 3 weeks. Oddly enough the guy who gave it an unhappy face called it "epic", played the level 79 times and hearted it.

But what concerns me most? How many creators is this happening to? How many new creators are being discouraged by a lack of response to levels they've spent alot of time on and are superior to some levels on the cool page?

Has LBP2 become a popularity contest? Is first creating a bunch of bomb survivals based on pop culture to get a following the only way to get any substantial amount of plays these days?

I have alot of ideas that are extremely time consuming, but I no longer have the will to go forward with them due to the apathetic response my posted levels have received. Why dump 100 hours into a detailed space shuttle level when it will likely end up with 20 plays after 3 weeks? I have alot of great levels on my moon, Formula 1, Space Shuttle, Superman vs Goku, Super Mario Bros. 4, Twisted Metal, etc etc, but I'm worried it may not be worth the time to make them.

IMO plays do matter. If I spent 30 minutes on my level and got 15 plays, then I'm satisfied. But spending 50+ hours and getting 15 plays? That just beats you down to the point where you want to give up. Maybe my tastes in levels just isn't for the LBP2 audience. I dont know. Judging by how youtube users made the people behind garbage like "Angry Orange" millionaires and how the LBP2 audience reflects the youtube audience maybe it isn't for me.		2012-01-31 02:57:00

Author:
bluearth
Posts: 100

IMO plays do matter. If I spent 30 minutes on my level and got 15 plays, then I'm satisfied. But spending 50+ hours and getting 15 plays? That just beats you down to the point where you want to give up. Maybe my tastes in levels just isn't for the LBP2 audience. I dont know. Judging by how youtube users made the people behind garbage like "Angry Orange" millionaires and how the LBP2 audience reflects the youtube audience maybe it isn't for me.

Once again (gosh how many times will I have to repeat this in this thread?), to take advantage of this site to its full potential is to use the tools available to you as a member. Have you tried the F4F function on your levels and be proactive? What that means is subscribe to F4F on a particular level thread of yours, then go out and play TONS of other F4F levels and leave detailed and helpful feedback. After leaving the feedback, then state which level of yours to have them honor their F4F commitment. Do that till your thumbs fall off from playing so many levels.

What that does is besides getting some great feedback, you also get to know other creators that appreciate your work. You can build a network of great friends that are creators that help each other by playing and giving great advice to help you better your creations. If you depend on just publishing and hoping folks will play your level and making a level thread and hoping folks show up... then you risk not getting that much of a response.

From looking, you do have level threads, but do not list your psn, nor utilize the LBP.me ability for others to quickly get to your page to queue up a level. Though to your credit you do have that done in your level thread. ..but why not on your signature and show it above your avatar? If you are proud of your creations, show them off! Give folks several ways of realizing you have levels that might interest them. I for one am very interested in your creations, but I haven't been on PSN for quite some time as I have been really busy with other projects.

Good luck! 		2012-01-31 03:31:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I agree with Jdubs. You've got to work it. Get to know the community members, join some groups, network. It took me awhile but I have a great group of friends with whom I can bounce ideas off of, get feedback or just ask for help. I still stink at creating, but I'm getting better. I also reiterate what Jdubs said about having a signature and updating you profile to include the LBP.me info below your username. I am in shock that this junky level in my sig has that many plays. Not once have a made a thread to promote it. I put it in my sig as a joke level. Plus it helps that I'm addicted to the forums and this is the sig at all the LBP forums I belong to. Work it man, and be patient. I for one want think you have great skills at details. Those cars looked great! I want to see this Space Shuttle you speak of.2012-01-31 04:02:00

Author:
biorogue
Posts: 8424

LBP is harder than you tube to get recognised. I have created levels on lbp 1 & 2, Most plays any of them have had is about 38. I am not that fantastic at creating levels but I have made some that are a lot better than some I have played. Do you have to be American to get noticed ?. I get disheartened with creating, I enjoy it but don't see the point if I am the only person that plays the levels.

Why would people only notice American creators? There are great creators from all over the world. Heck, the game itself is british. You just have to speak a decent english (which doesn't seem to be a problem with you) and people shouldn't care about where you live.

You have to advertise your level, but through the proper channels. Telling no one that you've made a new level won't help you much. Recruit your friends, showcase the level here and in other sites, put the LBP.me link in your signature, take part in F4F, etc. If done right you have to be very unlucky not to get a good amount of plays.		2012-01-31 06:22:00

Author:
SnipySev
Posts: 2452

Posting you level in the showcase thread and moving on doesn't help. I know Bio mentioned it, but I'll add to it. Posting good feedback on other people's levels is really powerful.

I can say that almost all of the plays on my levels come from my feedback. Ive helped on a few Mm picks and competition winners levels and even when they credit me it does not generate traffic anywhere near as much as my feedback efforts.

The way I see it; You spend hours/days/weeks on building levels, so a few hours of playing other people's stages and leaving feedback is a worthwhile investment. Hopefully all the work put into feedback will pay off with the next thing I publish... I'm pretty sure I could muster up ten people to play it in the first few hours to give it a fighting chance.

Not only that but all of the feedback I have given makes my future stages better I now have a far deeper understanding of what is fun and what is annoying.

Hmmm my reasons for giving feedback seem almost like an evil master plan.		2012-01-31 07:08:00

Author:
Mr_Fusion
Posts: 1799

Posting you level in the showcase thread and moving on doesn't help. I know Bio mentioned it, but I'll add to it. Posting good feedback on other people's levels is really powerful.

I can say that almost all of the plays on my levels come from my feedback. Ive helped on a few Mm picks and competition winners levels and even when they credit me it does not generate traffic anywhere near as much as my feedback efforts.

The way I see it; You spend hours/days/weeks on building levels, so a few hours of playing other people's stages and leaving feedback is a worthwhile investment. Hopefully all the work put into feedback will pay off with the next thing I publish... I'm pretty sure I could muster up ten people to play it in the first few hours to give it a fighting chance.

Not only that but all of the feedback I have given makes my future stages better I now have a far deeper understanding of what is fun and what is annoying.

Hmmm my reasons for giving feedback seem almost like an evil master plan.

Fusion is correct i have not been struggling as bad with plays as the first five months i had LBP2 where i only ever got to 50 plays on a level. But most plays i get now are only due to the fact i am helping with others projects and getting my name out there. In the last 3 months i have had a massive drop in overall plays mainly because i had stopped giving feedback on others levels and stopped really playing many levels altogether.

I have a good 200 levels queued that i havent played yet because i spend all my time creating for myself and others and i'm sure almost 60% of them are F4F levels on this site. If i was to play and leave feedback on them all i bet i would get a good 100% extra plays throughout my levels.

I know its frowned upon here but i have noticed quite a few people in LBP that advertise their levels to hundreds of random people and most of the time they get a good couple thousand plays. Sure they get a lot of complaints about advertising especially when they don't actually play any of your levels but still advertise but it does work.

Here is an example of a guy that sent requests to hundreds of people
* WILSON_2099
* 0 0 Hi there can u plz check out my newest lvl dance dance revolution

He has 20,888 plays in 1 month because of this and yet he didn't play any of the levels on half of the people he sent requests to me included.
If someone did this but actually left me feedback on my levels i would happily play his level. If advertised but also helped others in the long run then i wouldn't mind this as it works.		2012-01-31 10:13:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761

Hmmm I actually did this in a sort of roundabout way. I'm making a BTTF level that I really want to be as screen accurate as possible in terms of props and set pieces. I looked at all the BTTF stuff on LBP I could find and left comments AFTER playing and leaving feedback on everyone's levels saying that as a fellow BTTF fan they may enjoy my efforts also, and they did.

I guess it was a bit of direct marketing, but also a way of building a reputation amount creators of similar taste, again if I were to message them and let them know I had something new they'd play it. If they told me about their new stuff I'd play it.		2012-01-31 10:51:00

Author:
Mr_Fusion
Posts: 1799

As many people said before, you need tho advertise your levels in order to get plays. I've advertised my level in everywhere I can think of (LBPC, LBWorkshop, LBP2Blog) and not to mention in my sig. In the LBP2Blog, I posted my level in there promotion zone, and next thing you know, I have a blog entry deticated to my level with it's own trailer! Check it out, it's pretty cool click here (http://lbp2blog.com/page/index.html/_/littlebigplanet/lbp2/base-of-operations-start-up-by-cobaltor-252-r38). All you need to do is advertise your levels, and don't limit yourself to just LBPC, there are tons of fansites that have a section of their forums deticated to level promotion. It works trust me, you just have to work at it.2012-01-31 17:04:00

Author:
Cobaltor
Posts: 222


LBPCentral Archive Statistics
Posts: 1077139    Threads: 69970    Members: 9661    Archive-Date: 2019-01-19

Datenschutz
Aus dem Archiv wurden alle persönlichen Daten wie Name, Anschrift, Email etc. - aber auch sämtliche Inhalte wie z.B. persönliche Nachrichten - entfernt.
Die Nutzung dieser Webseite erfolgt ohne Speicherung personenbezogener Daten. Es werden keinerlei Cookies, Logs, 3rd-Party-Plugins etc. verwendet.