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Tribow 9 Mar, 2021 @ 8:34pm
Editor Challenge Event!: Prompt of the Month
I've been wanting to host an event of sorts with the community for a while and well, this is what I have come up with. The purpose of this thread is to discuss how this event is handled and to keep who aren't a part of the discord updated with what's going on.

What is Prompt of the Month?
This monthly event is an editor competition of sorts. At the beginning of the month there will be prompt containing three words. The first word is an adjective and the other two words will be nouns. Participants are tasked with creating a level based on any of the three words and uploading it before the end of the month.
At the end of the month, I will host a server where each level gets played at least once and I will be tallying up the scores for the levels in a stream. Anyone can participate in giving the levels scores by filling out a form that will be linked at the beginning of the month.

How does the scoring system work?
There are 4 different categories:
1. Level Design
2. Decoration
3. Fun-Factor
4. Bonus
The first 3 categories can get a maximum possible score of 10 (number subject to change). However the bonus category has a maximum of 4. The Bonus category depends on how many words from the prompt are used for the creation of the level. 2 points for each extra word used. If you didn't use any words from the prompt the level is disqualified. (Thanks Backgrounds')

Where does the prompt get posted?
The prompt will either be posted in this thread and/or the Distance discord (which is linked in the main menu of Distance if you don't know about it). The prompt will be posted within the first 3 days of the month.

When would this server/stream happen?
On the last day of the month at 4:00pm (16:00) EST. The time may get post-poned if something happens, but I will make sure to communicate this if it happens. The stream will be saved on my twitch and may also be posted to youtube if that is what people prefer.
I'm planning on beginning this event in April and doing it for each month EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER. December is for the Distance Advent Calendar.

Are there any restrictions for modes?
No....unless you want that

What's the reward for the winner?
...Nothing currently. I don't have money to spend. It is possible for minor rewards to be given out. However, the winner will be able to choose one of the next words to be included in the prompt for the next month.

What's the point of the event? Why would you do this?
The purpose of this is mainly to help bring the community together while also creating more activity for the game. This can also help with people who want to make levels, but can't decide what to make or even where to start. Newer creators can use the event to learn the editor more and get used to using the editor. I see a lot of people look at the editor and think it's super complicated like they have to learn a coding language, but the editor is not that bad. I'd compare it to the difficulty of learning Photoshop.
This will also give an opportunity for level creators to flex their creativity, maybe tackle an idea you haven't thought of. Overall, the event would create more engagement between level creators.

If you have any questions please ask them here or on the discord and I can answer them!

Keep skuttlin'

FAQ
-Do I have to make a level that uses all three words?

No. I don't even recommend going for that since the words can have almost no relation to each other. 1 word from the prompt will suffice.

-How do I start building a level for the prompt?

Personally, I would start with one of the words in mind. Draw out a sketch, or maybe even just write something down before you start. Really this is how you could start building any level, prompt or not. If you need help, the editor channel on the Distance discord can be very quick to assist if needed.

-How do you know if a level is actually based off one of the words in the prompt?

There aren't any strict guidelines a level creator needs to follow to make a level for the prompt. However, the level needs to be able to convince the judges that the level is actually based on the prompt. A substantial amount of the level should reflect one of the words in the prompt. It could be a part of the background, or be a main part of a section in a level. However you do it, it should be obvious that the level used a word in the prompt or at least convincing enough me and any other judges that the level works with the prompt.

-Can you elaborate more on the scoring categories?

Sure!
Level Design is focused on how well the gameplay flows for the player. If the player is getting lost, or confused on what they should be doing in a level, the design is bad. Every death should be a fault of the player and not the design of the level. It also shouldn't be boring either. Good level design will keep a player engaged throughout the whole level.
Decoration is focused solely on how good it looks visually. You wouldn't want a level to look completely barren. The environment should be fun to look at and race through. Good decoration has interesting use of colors, structures, and readability. By readability I mean that the decoration doesn't do something like blind the player or blend in so much you can barely tell where the walls are.
Fun-Factor is the most subjective category. This is just how much you personally had fun with the level. Would you find yourself coming back to it again and again? Was it super interesting for you to play? Maybe it was just really funny and you found enjoyment that way. Ultimately, what a level is trying to do is provide you some fun, so how much fun did it give you?

-How do I score a menu?

The main difference will be level design and fun-factor. Think of the level design as the functionality of the menu. Are the menu options readable? Does the garage have usable lighting? Is the menu too distracting? Are the cameras obnoxious? Base your scoring off of that.
Fun-factor should just be based off of how much you personally enjoy that menu.
Last edited by Tribow; 2 Mar, 2022 @ 11:35am
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Showing 1-15 of 63 comments
-Ω- 9 Mar, 2021 @ 8:48pm 
>Stream begins in April

Hmmmm ...
Hotride 10 Mar, 2021 @ 5:12am 
"However, the winner will be able to choose one of the next words included in the prompt for the next month."

This tickles me.

Yeah, I'm interested. Giving specific contexts to the direction of the level seems good. A month is also a good interval.
-Ω- 10 Mar, 2021 @ 11:32am 
Yeah in all seriousness it would be fun to have ongoing themes and challenges. Maybe down the line someone could even make special rewards ...
Tribow 14 Mar, 2021 @ 8:18pm 
Alright so I'm going to confirm that I will put in the work to make the event successful. There was enough people who interest both here and in the Distance discord. On April 1st I will announce the prompt here and in the discord! I hope everyone is looking forward to it!
-Ω- 15 Mar, 2021 @ 4:05pm 
>April 1st

HMMMMMMM
levinv270 1 Apr, 2021 @ 9:10am 
hmmmm, interesting!!
Tribow 1 Apr, 2021 @ 9:26am 
The prompt for April has been announced!

Decussate, Torch, Discharge

For levels that are created for the prompt of the month, please mention prompt of the month in the steam description of your level so I know
Last edited by Tribow; 1 Apr, 2021 @ 9:32am
-Ω- 2 Apr, 2021 @ 6:10am 
Decussate - verb
(of two or more things) cross or intersect each other to form an X.
"the fibers decussate in the collar"
Originally posted by -Ω-:
Decussate - verb
(of two or more things) cross or intersect each other to form an X.
"the fibers decussate in the collar"
Ah, thank you.
Tribow 2 May, 2021 @ 2:46pm 
Sorry for this late update. Congratulations to PinesofChaos for winning the first Prompt of the Month!
Tribow 2 May, 2021 @ 2:47pm 
The new Prompt for May has been announced now!

Unfathomable, Million, Wave

For levels released for prompt of the month, be sure to mention the event in the description as well as which words in the prompt you used.
-Ω- 2 May, 2021 @ 9:36pm 
Inb4 ocean realm
Tribow 2 Jun, 2021 @ 12:01pm 
Late update again. The winner(s) of the second Prompt of the Month are PinesofChaos and Pinapl! They tied for first and thusly, both win!
-Ω- 2 Jun, 2021 @ 12:25pm 
*party streamers*
Tribow 2 Jun, 2021 @ 12:46pm 
The new Prompt for June is announced! (Happy Pride btw)
The words?

Quick, Corn, Cuboid

For levels release for PotM remember to mention the event in the description of you level and which words you used for the event! Have fun!
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