1613 replies to this topic

[Giggidy]

Erm, it sounds like you have absolutely no idea how humans actually work. The reason why so many quests never get past the planning stages is, for many, planning out the idea is the fun part. They don't really care whether anyone plays it or not, so they have no motivation to actually implement their ideas.

You can't change this, no matter how hard you try. Why would you even want to, anyway?

[Kite]

I don't think Screenshot of the Week is as deterring to quest development as some people may think. Here are some fun database statistics:

CODE

Year ---- Quests Added

2012 ---- 31 * (Year is not finished)
2011 ---- 31
2010 ---- 25
2009 ---- 30
2008 ---- 17
2007 ---- 33
2006 ---- 49
2005 ---- 22
2004 ---- 30
2003 ---- 24
2002 ---- 17

This year, we are actually above average on quests being added (not updated) to the quest database and the year isn't even over. Part of this can be contributed to the fact that PureZC did not support 2.50 quests for the longest time, so we can potentially wave off some of the lower numbers such as 2008. This means that there hasn't been a significant drop in quests being published in the past four years. 2006 is a bit of an interesting year since that was the period of time before Zelda Classic went into what I'd like to term "the almost endless alpha cycle" that was filled with tons of pessimism.

But I won't lie. I personally think Screenshot of the Week and related contests are a problematic prioritization, but it's not for the mockup reason that has been stated. I don't think quite as many people make mockup quests as one might think. While they do certainly exist and that annoyed me enough to parody it, I really don't think most of the SotW participants do this. I could be horribly wrong, but there really isn't a way to prove this either way... nor should it even matter since it would be a waste of time picking through everything or trying to restrict mockup quests.

Instead, I believe that the screenshot contests introduce a prioritization of individual screens over the whole work. Due to the way critique is done, people get very worked up on how their individual screens look and end up forgetting that the screens are part of an entire quest. I've been caught in this trap quite a few times and spent over an hour on a single screen multiple times, but I've come to realize I'd much rather focus on gameplay than on how pretty a screen turns out. If I simply must do touch up work, that's something to do later once I have a framework.

Of course, I'm not conceited enough to believe my way is the right way and everyone is doing it wrong. The statistics even go as far as to say that there hasn't been a huge impact on quest output, so I can't really say for certain that Screenshot of the Week is stifling quest makers. And ultimately, I've decided it's not my problem since people can do whatever the hell they want with their stuff (even if I find it a bit silly).

[Shane]

Actually making mock-ups is just an extreme case of making the first level of a quest and giving up. The creator gives up after the first screen.

Actually making quests is just an extreme case of making a few dungeons of a quest and giving up. The creator gives up after hyping his or her fans.
So tell me with honesty, which one would you prefer to get hyped and then disappointed over: the one where the creator states it's currently a "mock up" and then eventual states it's not going to happen due to no motivation or one where someone promises to finish it and never does because he or she lost interest?

EDIT: My point is, I don't see why people are getting upset over mock ups, shouldn't people get upset at actual quest attempts getting cancelled?

Also, I'm going to go ahead and try to enter something for the upcoming SotW.

Edited by Shane, 09 October 2012 - 11:22 PM.

[Neppy]

Well, I have enough shots to begin SotW tomorrow, but feel free to enter your own still.

(Just so this is out there, I am NOT ending SotW. We end up with slow times, which we are going through now, hence why I thought of a hiatus. 6 years ago, I was just going to let SotW die, from this exact thing, and most people were upset with me for even suggesting it. It's been part of PureZC for a long time now, and sorry, it's not going anywhere, anytime soon. You can put blame into whatever you want, for people not finishing quests. Well, people HAVE LIVES, whether online, offline, or a mix of the two. So blaming SotW for this... is utterly laughable.. sorry.)

[Jared]

Entered. I think you people will like it...

[Neppy]

I've got one shot for tomorrow. Just thought I would give you all a heads up. Thanks.

[Moon]

I may enter something, but I'm not 100% sure yet if I can.

[Moosh]

My entry for the next SotW DID go through, right? I always worry with these newfangled dropboxes...Don't trust 'em.

[Neppy]

Oh yes Moosh, yours is there.

[SpacemanDan]

I plopped something in there. It's from the quest I threw into the expo, though the shot itself isn't seen in the expo thread. Not the best, but eh. It'll be fun regardless.

[Shane]

Submitted a screen...

...with animation!. :O

[Neppy]

Oh how awesome! You guys have certainly made my weekend. Still a full day to be able to submit a screen though, so be sure to enter if you want to. ;D

[Neppy]

Still needing one shot in order to start this week. It'll be a few hours before I will be able to post it, so there is still plenty of time.

[Neppy]

I will get this posted tomorrow after I get off of work. I am needing to get to bed so I can get up in time for work tomorrow. Sorries. People can still enter shots until then for the upcoming SotW.

[Neppy]

I have 1 shot for SotW 389. 2 more needed in order to start it tomorrow. Thanks.