how many of you agree we need a easy world creater thats in the game like on sims 2

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 09/02/10 07:44

Toppenzap,

Actually just getting rid of the few glitches would make it much easier to use and you wouldn't have to get rid of any of the features in order to do that. Or are you not experiencing any of the problems that I'm having with lagging and getting it to save properly?

As nice as it would be to have something easier, that may make it uncompatable to the game like a lot of the third party content is. Most of the problems induced by troubling third party content is because the creations are being made on meshes from ea used with the professional Maya program and their own brand of private tools, and then creators take an alter these meshes with their own brand of tools and programs like the TSR workshop or the free version of Maya which is like Maya in it's infancy - so it creates a conflict. EA purposely gave us a version of the tool they use so we will not have a similar problem with using our world in the game. Easier in this case may not be better, as it serves no one to have a world that can't be used.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 09/02/10 09:00

I like that no one (at the moment) can edit packaged worlds. i know we dont own anything we make for the sims. But i think having worlds editable might put people off from spending so much time working on them. I would be so mad if someone ripped off a world i spent months working on and that would happen to people.

I have never used the sim city world thing. i find the CAW terrain to be identical to how to do terrain inside a lot, actually i think it is easier now i got the hang of it. there is up and down and soften plus more options like mountains and cliffs.
The roads are way cool to make them bendy and stuff. it just takes practise imo. Ive been working on a world since CAW was released and its changed a lot as ive gotten more practise. the next one will hopefully be a lot better.
the only thing that annoys me is the road and lot tears that is REALLY agravating.

As long as no features are dropped from CAW to make it "easier" for people that want it that way then I couldn't possibly have any objections.

However, "easier" usually means that they would need to dumb down some features and or remove features, otherwise known as simplifying features which means taking the power of the tools out of the users hands and perhaps making them into wizards. If that is the case, I say to all that would want to see such a thing, please read the documentation and experiment in CAW and LEARN to use CAW so that you have the full power of the tool and not some overly simplified (easy) tool that takes the power of the tool away from you and I (Please), because it's really not that hard of a tool at all once you start using it.

It is like any program, you must use it to understand it. You couldn't expect to open up PhotoShop and know how to do everything as soon as you open it, you'd need to experiment and use it to make what is already there "easier" to you.

I know not everybody is computer oriented and some people really struggle when somebody tells them to press "any key" on their keyboard and they go looking for the key on the keyboard marked as "any key", but if you really want to create your own worlds, then I'd strongly suggest that you take the time to learn CAW so that you can have the power and freedom to really create the worlds that you can dream up.

This message was edited 11 times. Last update was at 09/02/10 14:45

I quite agree with the OP. I feel it was a mistaken to release this tool on the community, and that nothing of valve or quality would come from it. Not to be too negative but the towns people are making are of not of interest to me and not very good either.

There are talentive people in community but not on this level. CAW is just too advance for anybody to use. Yes, I hope they will give us something easier and more funnier to use in the future.

I agree. I do realize that we have more options for customization in TS3 CAW but I personally don't need all that. I liked the one in TS2 better.

BGateGWayB wrote:If you're looking for pre-made worlds then there is a Sunset Valley and Riverview with only roads and the land on it. You'll have to place the spawners and lots etc. This is the easiest way I know how to make an easy custom world.

Thanks for this suggestion, because I agree with the OP. I might try this, because all I really need is a neighborhood where I can make different "districts" for my sims.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 09/02/10 15:49

Renyc7 wrote:I quite agree with the OP. I feel it was a mistaken to release this tool on the community, and that nothing of valve or quality would come from it. Not to be too negative but the towns people are making are of not of interest to me and not very good either.

There are talentive people in community but not on this level. CAW is just too advance for anybody to use. Yes, I hope they will give us something easier and more funnier to use in the future.

I'm not sure if this is a translation situation or what, but to say that CAW is just too advanced for anybody to use is not even remotely true.

All one needs to do is look at the some of the popular worlds listed in the forums to see that there are plenty of people that have taken the time to learn how to use the tool to the best of their and it's abilities and have created some worlds that are definitely quality worlds. It's unfortunate that the exchange is barfing back up the larger worlds otherwise the exchange might actually have some of the high quality worlds that are too large to be uploaded to the exchange.

Much like the exchange is filled with a huge amount of really basic or junk houses, thousands of them in fact, the exchange will also hold a large amount of junk worlds simply because those people took all of 10 minutes to try CAW and created some basic flat world with 2 lots, no rabbit holes and a few trees scattered about. But there are quality worlds on there too (the smaller one that could get uploaded), but mostly the quality worlds appear on the forums instead since they couldn't get uploaded to the exchange due to the bug in the servers not allowing larger files that end up timing out.

Try taking a good look in this forum for those threads of the more popular worlds, and if you still don't think that there is "anybody" that can use CAW to produce quality worlds then let me know because I can send you my optometrists phone number.

It really can't get too much easier without taking a lot of the options out of the world creators hands, and it would be a shame to do so because there are some people that don't want to bother spending the time to learn how to use the tool that they've given us.

Now, I'm all for them producing a second tool that works in the game and is easier and maybe uses wizards for those that want that, however, realistically I know that's just not going to happen. Much like people have that thread asking that the everything in the store be given away for free or for pennies instead of a dollar an item, having the developers turn about face now and produce a tool that is used in the game at this point would be about as realistic as expecting them to make everything in the store for free. The chances are slim and none in my opinion. The amount of programming time to scrap that which they've already given us and start over is cost prohibitive and will not happen (IMO), REMEMBER, we are dealing with EA here.

Hi,

I don't think it's as hard as some make it. It's not that far beyond The Sims 2 Neighborhoods either. It's a small little place, much the same as TS2 neighborhoods. It's not mind boggling nor hard.

I don't make new items because I don't want to take the time to learn how to use it. It's the same here. If you want to use it you will learn, it's not as hard as you think.

It's only as hard as we make it. Most are the perfectionists. We work about a week just on painting the large maps.

Take most of the advice here:
1. Read the Help pdfs.
2. Start off with the smallest maps
3. Take you time and don't be afraid to mess up.
The more you mess up the more you learn.

I don't think it's as hard as some make it.

That's my feeling too but then people tell me something along the lines of, "Well, you just find it easier to use than some people do." ROFLOL Yeah, right! One of the things I want to do for TS3 is to learn to make new mesh objects. I opened MilkShape and took one look at it and ran away screaming. I will work up the courage to learn what I need to eventually because there are some objects I want to make but for now I'm side-tracked with C-A-W which is just fine by me.

The first time I opened C-A-W I was confused, had no idea what to do (other than to start my map). I started reading the manual. No, it doesn't tell you everything, but it DOES tell you the steps to follow and that's where I started. Shoot, I didn't do anything in C-A-W the first two weeks other than experiment a lot and try different things. Only after I felt somewhat comfortable with the tools did I start my map in earnest.

However, "easier" usually means that they would need to dumb down some features and or remove features, otherwise known as simplifying features which means taking the power of the tools out of the users hands and perhaps making them into wizards. If that is the case, I say to all that would want to see such a thing, please read the documentation and experiment in CAW and LEARN to use CAW so that you have the full power of the tool and not some overly simplified (easy) tool that takes the power of the tool away from you and I (Please), because it's really not that hard of a tool at all once you start using it.

It is like any program, you must use it to understand it. You couldn't expect to open up PhotoShop and know how to do everything as soon as you open it, you'd need to experiment and use it to make what is already there "easier" to you.

Hear, hear! I couldn't have said it better. I've been using Paint Shop Pro for the past seven years and I am still learning things! C-A-W doesn't have nearly the learning curve of a graphics program.

I quite agree with the OP. I feel it was a mistaken to release this tool on the community, and that nothing of valve or quality would come from it. Not to be too negative but the towns people are making are of not of interest to me and not very good either.

You have just presented this community with one of the biggest dares that ever could have come along. You just give us time and we WILL prove that statement wrong. It was not a mistake turning us loose with C-A-W. Yes, there are some worlds out there that aren't very good--I've looked at quite a few of them in my game. But there are other worlds out there that are fantastic. You won't find them on the Exchange, though, because that blasted piece of garbage programming times out before anyone with a decent world can get theirs uploaded. Since creating an awesome world takes time, most of those are still in development.

mmmcheezy225 wrote: I don't agree. Making CAW easier would include getting rid of certain tools and features that are on the more complicated side, thus limiting the amount of creativity the tool can help you put out. Maybe those at EA who make these tools could make an alternative tool that is easier and more Sim-City 4 like for those who don't need the extra bells and whistles for their creative vision to come through, but I'd rather have the more extensive CAW tool I have now. I'm actually having a lot of fun with it, and I'm certainly no rocket scientist. Create-a-World can be grasped, you just have to be willing to try to devote time and energy into grasping it.

How exactly does making the CAW tool easier limit it's creativity? It's pretty easy to use the tool for creating a house or terrain in a lot. I certainly can create more impressive stuff using the simpler tool than I can using CAW. So far we've only seen maybe 4 good worlds and only 2 of them are excellent, and one of those whose world was excellent admits that he has an art degree.

I admit when it comes to houses and worlds, I'm a bit of free loader. I like making sims and stories. But, I can't find a world that suits my needs because all of the worlds out there have too many roads, not enough lots, or are tropical Island paradises. None of this will work for someone who wants to create an authentic medieval kingdom. France would work, but we CAN'T use France. Why? I find it mind boggling. EA does not get this game at all. Will Wright, come back.

AthenaOnyx wrote:

mmmcheezy225 wrote: I don't agree. Making CAW easier would include getting rid of certain tools and features that are on the more complicated side, thus limiting the amount of creativity the tool can help you put out. Maybe those at EA who make these tools could make an alternative tool that is easier and more Sim-City 4 like for those who don't need the extra bells and whistles for their creative vision to come through, but I'd rather have the more extensive CAW tool I have now. I'm actually having a lot of fun with it, and I'm certainly no rocket scientist. Create-a-World can be grasped, you just have to be willing to try to devote time and energy into grasping it.

How exactly does making the CAW tool easier limit it's creativity? It's pretty easy to use the tool for creating a house or terrain in a lot. I certainly can create more impressive stuff using the simpler tool than I can using CAW. So far we've only seen maybe 4 good worlds and only 2 of them are excellent, and one of those whose world was excellent admits that he has an art degree.

I admit when it comes to houses and worlds, I'm a bit of free loader. I like making sims and stories. But, I can't find a world that suits my needs because all of the worlds out there have too many roads, not enough lots, or are tropical Island paradises. None of this will work for someone who wants to create an authentic medieval kingdom. France would work, but we CAN'T use France. Why? I find it mind boggling. EA does not get this game at all. Will Wright, come back.

AthenaOnyx, why can`t CAW users just stop making their own silly little worlds and make worlds for freeloaders like you? Is that what you are saying? If you can`t find a world that fits your needs then you`re going to have to make it yourself. If you are a mac user I apologise and you have my sympathy. If not, well, you know what you have to do. You won`t be the only one and I`m sure you`ll get all the help you need in the creation of that authentic medieval kingdom you so desperately desire.

But, I can't find a world that suits my needs because all of the worlds out there have too many roads, not enough lots, or are tropical Island paradises. None of this will work for someone who wants to create an authentic medieval kingdom.

When I first heard a world building tool would be released way back in June I started conceptualizing the world I wanted to build. When it was announced it would be out in December I started rounding up reference photos. When the tool came out I didn't have time to even look at it, but as soon as I did I downloaded it and started learning. Now nearly a month-and-a-half later, I am working on the world I envisioned clear back in June and am still weeks away from finishing it. In the meantime I have looked for other people's worlds but so far have only found one that I actually like well enough to play that I can also play with only the base game, and it is far from my "dream" world. I sure don't expect anyone else to build what I had in mind. I'd probably be waiting for pigs to fly if that was the case.

How exactly does making the CAW tool easier limit it's creativity? It's pretty easy to use the tool for creating a house or terrain in a lot. I certainly can create more impressive stuff using the simpler tool than I can using CAW.

Practice, practice, practice! The sculpting tool in C-A-W is actually way easier than the in-game sculpting tool. The terrain painting, not so much, but the control you have over those tools (once you figure out how to use it) is absolutely fabulous! You have to think of it like an air brush. You don't just grab your brush and start painting. You experiment around with the various settings for the different textures (not all of them apply the same at the same opacity) but when you get it all figured out it's like one of those "Duh!" moments where I was thinking, "Why didn't I think of it like that before?" Sometimes you'll want a solid layer of something. Other times you want to use several layers at a very low opacity.

And for goodness sakes, I just don't understand why you seem so upset that people who have so far created worlds have been following their dreams for their worlds. Isn't that what you would be doing?

There is no way to make an Authentic Medieval World in TS3- Toilets/stoves/cell phones.

And I won't apologize for my world- It's mine and I like Fantasy worlds. If it's not up to anyone's standards then Please, by all means, don't download it.

What makes me not like it here is how people put down people. So, learn it and don't, just don't put down anyone's world.

I would never complement anyone's world by saying all the others are terrible/crap. It does rather hurt when I read that, I will be honest here.

Regardless of what anyone says here to persuade some people to take up arms and actually use CAW, it may be the case that those same people have no intention of ever using CAW and like AthenaOynx will just go on freeloading and insulting people`s endeavours until they get what they want.
Maybe by this time next year everybody will see CAW as they once saw SimCity 4 for world creating and think Sims 2 neighbourhoods were actually pretty rubbish in comparison to what we have now. Until then we may have to put up with crap from rude, self proclaimed freeloaders and lazy myopic pleaders.