Difference between revisions of "MTS2:Creator Guidelines/Lots and Houses"

From SimsWiki
Jump to: navigation, search
 
(154 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
=Lots and Houses=
+
=Sims 2 Lot Upload Guidelines=
 +
 
 +
When uploading a lot for The Sims 2 to Mod The Sims, we have some basic requirements to ensure that your upload is good, shown well, and has the correct info and files needed for people to use it in their games. This allows both moderators to check your uploads for quality, and for downloaders to see if your item is something they want to add to their games.
  
−
==Introduction==
 
  
−
So you want to share your lot that you've slaved over decorating and building for all to bask in your greatness? It's easy to do as long as you comply with all the necessary requirements. The less guesswork, the better! Please take the time to read through these guidelines as some key items have changed and may affect your upload. Pay close attention to what is required, and your upload will spend less time in the moderation queue and the more likely it is to get approved. Thanks!
 
  
 
==Quality==
 
==Quality==
  
−
===Uniqueness/Effort===
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
−
 
+
|-
−
Is your lot special, unique, and different?  Is it something that anyone could build?
+
|
−
 
+
* '''Realism:''' Lots based on an actual building type or specific building should look like what it supposed to resemble (for example a castle should not just be a huge building with stone walls, but should look like an actual castle).  Lots not intended to be realistic can be more fanciful, but should still have some logic to them, and be aesthetically pleasing.
−
This is probably the hardest one to quantify, but it's something that is obvious whenever upload moderators look at an upload: have you really expended some serious time and effort on your lot? You can't just crank out a bunch of stuff in a short amount of time and expect it to be good. Nor can you spend a while just fiddling with something but not really trying and expect a good result either.
+
* '''Architecture:''' The way the lot is built should be unique, interesting, and more than just a basic box with four walls and a roof.
−
 
+
* '''Playability:''' The layout of the lot should make sense and allow sims to get around easily, with access to all the items they would want to interact with.
−
Most good creators spend hours upon hours on even simple creations. We understand that not everything has to be that difficult, but we do expect you to not just slap together something in 15 minutes and upload it and expect it to get accepted. Really try to put some serious effort into what you create, and it will show through in the quality.
+
* '''Roofing:''' The roof pieces should connect each other nicely, and not leave gaps or connect at odd angles.  The roof should fit the structure, look nice, and not just be an auto-roof (or resemble one).
−
 
+
* '''Furnishing/decoration:''' While we strongly encourage you to give lots at least basic furnishings (bed, toilet, shower, sink, fridge, lighting, etc.), it is not absolutely required to upload to MTS.  Your lot can be an empty "shell" but should have a fully built structure, wall and floor coverings, and landscaping. You may include both a furnished and an unfurnished version of your lot separately in your upload.
−
 
+
* '''Apartments:''' When uploading apartments for The Sims 2, they should all be at least lightly furnished - that is, all the furniture required for a Sim to live (bed, toilet, fridge etc.) without the downloader having to use cheats to keep their Sim alive.
−
===Aesthetics===
+
* '''Landscaping:''' Your lot should have some landscaping - but not just randomly placed trees or plants, some thought needs to go into it.
−
 
+
* '''Flat lot:''' Please make sure to start your building on a flat, level lot. You can still sculpt the terrain to your liking to make hills and valleys or whatever you wish, but the edges of the lot need to be level. If, for some reason, the design of the lot that you want to build absolutely requires an unlevel lot, you must make it VERY clear in the text of your post that it is an unlevel lot and thus should not be placed adjacent to any other lots, and that it can cause your neighborhood map to become unusable or have holes where it is placed.
−
Does your lot look nice?  Does it have a good flow to it? Is the way it's laid out attractive, interesting, and enjoyable to look at?  
+
* '''Other content:''' If you have made content for your lot, you must also provide additional pictures and/or information for your custom content (like polygon counts if you've made a mesh).  Make sure you see check the appropriate category from the [[MTS2:Creator_Guidelines|Creator Guidelines]] to see what we require. Tip: Consider uploading content you have made separately first, to the appropriate section (buy mode, walls and floors, etc.) so people looking for that type of content can more easily find it, and so you can show it off better with its own separate pics and info.  Then you can just link it as credit to yourself when uploading your lot.  
−
 
+
|}
−
 
+
{| class="nicetable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"
−
===Realism===
+
|-
−
 
+
! style="text-align:left" | Quality-Related Tips
−
[[Image:Castles.jpg|right|300x300px]]Does your lot look like what it's supposed to look like?  Not all lots have to be realistic, and fanciful ones certainly shouldn't look like your everyday house, but if your lot is based on a real building or real type of building, it should look like what it's supposed to look like.
+
|-
−
 
+
|
−
For example, a castle should not just be a huge building with stone walls, but should look like an actual castle, and supermarket should look like an actual supermarket.  You can look up pictures of the type of lot you're trying to build on Google Image Search for some good ideas.
+
* If you're not sure whether your lot is ready for uploading, use the [http://modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=611 Creator Feedback Forum] for guidance.
 +
* You can always explore our [http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Tutorials:Building_Tutorials Tutorials section] for ideas and learning techniques for creating your lot.
 +
* If you are struggling with or have questions about technical aspects of building, you can post in [http://modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=21 Building forum].
 +
* It's often a good idea to rename your "The Sims 2 [Ultimate Collection]" folder in Documents when building lots. This will allow you to build in a completely empty neighbourhood in a clean environment. This avoids corruption caused by mods, makes it easier to keep track of what CC you've used in building, and prevents recolours you didn't use from unexpectedly packaging with your lot.
 +
|}
 
<br style="clear:both" />
 
<br style="clear:both" />
  
−
===Playability===
+
==Files==
  
−
Is your lot going to be good to play with?  Does it have a good layout that won't have sims stomping and complaining every few seconds?  Strive to make lots that are not only nice to look at, but actually good to play with.
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Packaging your lot
 +
|-
 +
|Once you have finished building your lot in the game you will need to save it, and then exit the lot to return to the neighborhood view to package it to a file.  
  
−
Exceptions to this rule are lots that are not meant to be played with - mazes, lots designed primarily as decoration for neighborhoods, and movie or picture sets.
+
1) To package the lot, simply click on the lot from Neighborhood view, and click the '''*''' button as indicated in the screen shot below. This is also the perfect time to make note of the lot size and price
  
 +
2) Then select "Package lot to a file" and click the check mark
  
−
===Roofing===
+
3) You'll get a confirmation screen telling you the name of the file, and where it has been saved.<br style="clear:both" />
  
−
[[Image:Roofs.jpg|right|300x300px]]Though roofing is usually one of the more difficult parts of building, your roof should look right for the lot, and pleasing to the eye.  Sometimes you may have to redesign part of a lot, or choose a different type of roof to make a roof that looks right.  Don't just use the autoroof tool all the time - actually work on designing your own roofs using the different roof tools.  And if you have later expansions, you can use [[Game Help:Cheats|cheats]] to change the angle of your roof so it's not so steep.<br style="clear:both" />
 
  
 +
[[Image:3steps.jpg|center|800px]]
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Custom content in the sims2pack
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
[[Image:Savecleansims2pack.gif|right]]Before uploading your lot, you MUST scan it with Clean Installer. Many people do not realize that by having custom content in your Downloads folder, it can attach itself to your lot files -- even if you didn't USE that content in the lot itself!
  
−
===Landscaping===
+
'''Sims: Only upload lots which have never had sims on them. Lots which have had sims on them at any time before the lot was packaged (even if you have moved the family out) should not be shared, since downloading such lots may cause save corruption. If you want to play-test your lot before uploading, create a copy of the lot and play-test on the copy.'''
  
−
With the exception of starter lots, all lots should have some type of landscaping.  A few trees, flowers, or bushes plus a bit of work with the terrain paints can make all the difference.  This doesn't mean just throwing down a tree or two randomly to just have some landscaping, but taking care and making it work with the lot. Look at some real landscaping websites for ideas.
+
The image is demonstrating using a sim in a sims2pack but the same works for lots - uncheck the unwanted content (in our example two unwanted meshes are being removed) and then click Save As and save a new sims2pack file with a new name.
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
==Screenshots==
+
−
 
+
−
People want to see what they're downloading!  Your screenshots sell your upload - if people don't like the look of your screenshots, they're not going to download - and if your screenshots are too bad, you won't get your upload approved.
+
−
 
+
−
'''All of the screenshot images below can be clicked for larger versions.''' You wouldn't want to upload them with as small of pics as are displaying here anyway - we're just using smaller pics so this thread loads quickly and is easy to read.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
===Screenshot Basics===
+
−
 
+
−
For instructions on:
+
−
 
+
−
* Taking large, clear pictures (bigger than the game will allow)
+
−
* Changing your in-game settings for best graphics quality
+
−
* Camera controls
+
−
 
+
−
See: [[MTS2:Creator Guidelines/Screenshot Basics|Screenshot Basics]]
+
−
 
+
−
You need to make sure you have nice big, clear pictures that show off what you've made.  They can't be too blurry or pixellated, and you need to know how to use the game's camera controls properly, so make sure you review the information on that link thoroughly before continuing.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
===Big Enough===
+
−
 
+
−
Your pics should be large enough to see the detail of what you've made.  Remember, MTS2 allows images up to 1280x1024 pixels and 195 kilobytes so you should be able to upload nice big pictures.  See the information above under "Screenshot Basics" for info on taking larger pics than the game will normally allow.
+
−
 
+
−
And please don't take smaller pics and just make them larger in your graphics program - this just gives you a blurry pic that's bigger in dimensions with no additional detail.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
===Required Screenshots===
+
−
 
+
−
We require certain screenshots for lot uploads - if you do not include these screenshots, your lot will not be approved!
+
−
 
+
−
====Exterior Shot====
+
−
 
+
−
Show the entire lot from the outside.  Make sure you show it with all levels visible, and the roof on.  Please show the lot from a level where we can actually see it - a sim's eye view from the street is good... a player's view from high above where you can mostly only see the roof is not.
+
−
 
+
−
====Interior Floor Plans====
+
−
 
+
−
Show a basic layout or floor plan of the lot.  This is best done with an overhead shot.  You may label each room so it is obvious that a particular room is meant as the master bedroom, another as a bathroom, etc.
+
−
 
+
−
Make sure you show the floor plan for each level if your lot has more than one floor.
+
−
 
+
−
====Comparison Picture====
+
−
 
+
−
If your lot is based on a real building (for example, a particular castle, a particular chain of supermarket, a house from a movie), then please include a comparison picture of the real building.
+
−
 
+
−
===Screenshots as Packaged===
+
−
 
+
−
Please make sure your screenshots show your lot as you have packaged it.  Downloaders want to see what they're actually getting.  You may show an additional shot or two of the lot fully furnished if you have uploaded it unfurnished, but make sure you mention that those are not how the lot is packaged, and include a list of the items you show in your furnished pictures so people may get those items if they like.  Make sure not to include pay content in any of your screenshots or in your packaged lot.
+
−
 
+
−
===Enough Light===
+
−
 
+
−
Daytime shots preferred for your screenshots, as it is much easier to see what your lot looks like during the day.  We will only accept nighttime screenshots if they are sufficiently light enough to see your lot clearly - make sure to place lights on the lot if you try a nighttime shot, and don't be surprised if you get a Changes Required message asking you for brighter shots.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
===Close Enough===
+
−
 
+
−
Please do not take your screenshots from neighborhood view, or zoomed out extremely far.  We want to be able to actually see what the lot looks like.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
==Packaging Your Lot==
+
−
 
+
−
Once you have finished building your lot in the game, you will need to save it, and then exit the lot to return to the neighborhood view to package it to a file.
+
−
 
+
−
To package the lot, simply click on the lot from Neighborhood view, and click the * button as indicated in the screen shot below:
+
−
[[Image:Packaginglot.jpg|center]]
+
−
 
+
−
Then select "Package lot to a file" and click the check mark:
+
−
[[Image:Packagingtofile.jpg|center]]
+
−
 
+
−
You'll get a confirmation screen telling you the name of the file, and that the file has been saved to your: My Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\PackagedLots directory.
+
−
 
+
−
[[Image:Packagingconfirmation.jpg|center]]<br>
+
−
Congratulations! You have packaged your lot into a Sims2Pack file.
+
−
 
+
−
==Credits and Links for Included or Pictured Content==
+
−
 
+
−
===Check/Remove Content with Clean Installer===
+
−
 
+
−
Before uploading your lot, you MUST scan it with [http://sims2pack.modthesims2.com Clean Installer]. Many people do not realize that by having custom content in your Downloads folder, it can attach itself to your lot files -- even if you didn't USE that content in the lot itself! Clean Installer can scan your file, list the contents of it, and allow you to remove those contents.
+
−
 
+
−
[[Image:Savecleansims2pack.gif|center]]
+
−
 
+
−
The image above is demonstrating using a sim in a sims2pack but the same works for lots - uncheck the unwanted content (in our example two unwanted meshes are being removed) and then click Save As and save a new sims2pack file with a new name.
+
  
 
'''Never save over your original sims2pack file - there's a bug in Clean Installer with that and you'll just end up with a corrupt file.
 
'''Never save over your original sims2pack file - there's a bug in Clean Installer with that and you'll just end up with a corrupt file.
  
−
For more information on using Clean Installer, please see the guide on the Clean Installer site, [http://sims2pack.modthesims2.com/index.php?page=4#4 here]. If you are having trouble using Clean Installer, including errors or issues with empty packages, please see MTS2's [http://www.modthesims2.com/forumdisplay.php?f=441 Clean Installer Support Forums] for help.
+
*For more information on using Clean Installer, please see the guide on the Clean Installer site, [http://sims2pack.modthesims2.com/index.php?page=4#4 here].
 +
*If you are having trouble using Clean Installer, including errors or issues with empty packages, please see MTS2's [http://www.modthesims2.com/forumdisplay.php?f=441 Clean Installer Support Forums] for help.
  
−
* '''If you cannot use Clean Installer:'''  Using a Mac? On Vista and it won't run? Your options are, unfortunately, pretty limited.  You can ask a friend who can use Clean Installer to clean the lot for you (and hope they do it right) or take out your Downloads folder when building lots and make them with no custom content so you don't have to worry about things being included (see the below info under "Clean Lot" for more info on why this actually may be a good thing.  We're very sorry if you're stuck in this situation and would like to use custom content in your lots, but we cannot allow users to freely upload lots with whatever content happens to have been included.
+
'''Using a Mac? On Vista and it won't run? Your options are, unfortunately, pretty limited:
  
−
===Content that CANNOT be Included===
+
*You can ask a friend who can use Clean Installer to clean the lot for you (and hope they do it right).
 +
*You can take out your Downloads folder when building lots and make them with no custom content.
 +
*Another option is to have two or more different Downloads folders that you swap in and out as needed -- for example, one with everything you need to play your game, another one with just a few wallpapers for building simple lots, another one with medieval items for building castles, and so on
  
−
'''Please use Clean Installer to remove all items of the below types from your sims2pack file before uploading.'''
+
If you are in this situation, we're sorry, but we cannot risk people's games just to allow people to freely upload randomly-CC-filled lots.
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Crediting your custom content
 +
|-
 +
|style="color:#000"|
  
 +
'''You may include items of the following types with your upload:
  
−
* '''Hacks:''' Lots containing [[Game Help:What are Hacks?|hacks]] are not accepted. Most Sims 2 players do not realize that lots can contain hacks. Usually they are meant for just one game version and can cause problems if users have later expansions that the hack(s) are incompatible with. Users also usually do not want hacks they did not mean to download as they can change major elements of gameplay in undesired ways.
+
*'''Free, Redistributable Content:''' You must check the creator's policy to see if they allow redistribution. If the creator's policy doesn't say anything about including content in lots, or if the original site is permanently offline, you can assume that the creator is happy for their content to be redistributed. For a quick list of policies for a lot of major sites, see: [http://simswiki.info/Creator_Policies Creator Policies]
 +
*'''Content You Have Made Yourself:''' If you have made content yourself that you have used, you certainly may include that item as well. If it is a new mesh you need to include all of the regular information in the text of your post (poly counts, where it shows in the catalog, etc.) you would expect for a new mesh.
 +
*'''Terrain Paints:''' Do NOT remove any terrain paints from your sims2pack. This is the one exception to the non-redistributable policies/pay/must provide credit rules. If you remove terrain paints from a lot it can cause it to crash for downloaders. Due to this, all terrain paint creators should expect their content to be included no matter what. Please provide a link and credit for these items whenever possible, but if a terrain paint is not clearly marked with a creator's name/website, you may still include it and it will not be grounds for rejection.
 +
*'''TS2 Store Content:''' Since the TS2 store is no longer available, TS2 store content that is required for your lot may be included with the lot upload. This does not apply to preorder content which came on discs.
  
 +
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
|'''Credit where credit is due'''
 +
*If your upload contains custom content, you MUST include a LINK and CREDIT for EACH and EVERY custom content file included in the upload.
  
−
* '''Careers''': Lots containing careers are not accepted. They can cause similar problems to hacks due to incompatibility, and users generally want to download only the careers they want - not ones you happened to pack along with your house.
+
*When uploading to MTS, the custom content wizard will require that you indicate the creator of each item, enter a description, and provide a link to the original post, thread, or page where each item came from.  
  
 +
*If you cannot find a way to directly link to the item, please link to the creator's site if they have a site of their own, or if the creator posts at a forum site, link to the original upload thread or the creator's profile. You may NOT link to "ModtheSims" for items uploaded at MTS - you need to provide a more direct link to the item.
  
−
* '''Pay Items''': As per the news item July 2007, do not use pay items in your lots. A pay item is an item that if you went to the original creator's website, you would have to donate money for access to the item (it doesn't matter if you can get it for free through a file sharing site - it's still a pay item).  Do not use pay items in your photos of the lots, even if they are not included. Links for "optional" or "recommended" content may be included as long as they are free sites only. See this news item for more details: [http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=240944  Site News - New Creator Rules re: Paysite recolours, General Rules and Others]
+
*Please note - if your lots contains CC that the original creator doesn't want shared, your lot will be removed at their request. Feel free to re-upload a version without that content.
−
** '''This includes ALL items from TSR - whether they are currently free or not''' - due to the regular changes of what is free or pay on TSR. Featured Artists are under paid subscription, and Select Artists or Non-Select Artists have their own terms of distribution, most of which are not clearly posted.  Select Artists or Non-Select Artists can become Featured Artists at anytime, therefore preventing their items from being downloaded freely in the future. This includes all FA's free items. If a TSR artist has uploaded the same/similar item here or elsewhere, and they have allowed redistribution, please credit the appropriate thread and not the profile. This is subject to change in the future.
+
|}
  
 +
'''Items You Cannot Credit/Link: All items included with your upload must be properly credited. If you don't know where something came from, use something else.
  
−
* '''Non-Redistributable Content:''' Even if an item is free, certain creators do not wish their content included in lot/house uploads.  This may be due to the content being experimental, problematic, or requiring additional instruction, or they may simply not wish to have their content distributed that way.  It is your responsibility to check the policies of each and every creator whose content you are including to see if it may be included.  Items where their policy is not clear/does not exist are not allowed - if you get specific permission from the creator for such items you need to state it in the text of your post. If you cannot include an item due to policies, lack of permission, or ambiguity in the policies, you need to remove it, even if it's free. Free, non-redistributable items MAY be linked to in the post in a section you can put in bold called "Required but Not Included" - if you remove these items from the sims2pack file and then link downloaders to where they can be found, if they download and install the required items, they will show up properly on your lot.  For a quick list of policies for a lot of major sites, see: [http://www.sims2wiki.info/Creator_Policies Creator Policies]
+
*If you cannot remember where you got an item, consider asking at our Where Can I Find? Forum to see if anyone knows where it is from.  
 +
*If you still cannot find where it was from, you need to remove it from your upload. However, please try to make sure that it is not an item that is fundamental to the look of your lot.
 +
*Try replacing the missing item with something else - but remember to re-take your screenshots.
 +
*Please see the note under "Content that CAN be Included" under "Terrain Paints" for the exception to this rule!
  
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Items that cannot be included
 +
|-
 +
|style="color:#000"|
  
−
* '''Sims''': Lots containing sims are not accepted. If your lot has a family in it, please remove it with Clean Installer. Most people don't want to download a lot that is infested with someone else's sims, and there's actually a lot of problems that can come along with downloading other peoples' sims if they have not had their memories cleaned properly before packaging. If people want to download sims, they can download them separately.
+
'''Hacks:''' A lot with a hack or multiple hacks in the Sims2pack file will not be accepted.  
  
 +
'''CEP Files:''' A lot with CEP files included in the Sims3pack file will not be accepted.
  
−
* '''Redundant Recolours:''' If you scan your lot with Clean Installer and find that it has 50 recolors for the same item, remove the recolors that are not used in the lot. When you use other people's custom content, remember that you are literally borrowing it from them. Don't borrow 50 recolors when you're only actually using one.  There's also no need to give someone tons more files than they need to fill up their Downloads folders - they can do that just fine on their own.
+
'''Careers:''' A lot with a career or multiple careers in the Sims2pack file will not be accepted.  
  
 +
'''Sims:''' A lot that contains Sims in the file will not be accepted. You must move your sims out '''before''' packaging the lot.
  
−
* '''Items You Cannot Credit/Link:''' If you cannot remember where you got an item and cannot provide a link to it, you can try asking at our [http://forums.sims2community.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37 Where Can I Find? Forum] on Sims2Community (sister site of MTS2 - separate registration required) to see if anyone knows where the item is from - make sure to provide a picture and a description of the item so people can help you track it down.  If you still cannot find where it was from, you should remove it from the sims2pack.  After doing this, please verify that it is not an item that is required for your house to look right - temporarily cut and paste the contents of your Downloads folder elsewhere, double-click on the sims2pack file to install it, and see what it looks like in-game after you have removed the content. If the lot looks different without the content you removed, you should replace it with something else - either a Maxis item or something you can include, and re-take your screenshots.  Remember, what people see is what they need to get, or what they can get following your links!  If you don't know where it came from, use something else!
+
'''Redundant Recolours:''' If when you scan you lot with Clean Installer it contains unused recolours, please remove them from the Sims2pack file.  
−
** Please see the below note under "Content that CAN be Included" under "Terrain Paints" for the exception to this rule!
+
|}
  
−
===Content that CAN be Included===
+
{{Guidelines-InfoFiles-ZipRar7z}}
  
−
'''You may include items of the following types with your lot/house upload:'''
+
==Information==
  
 +
{{Template:Guidelines-InfoFiles-TitleDescription}}
  
−
* '''Free, Redistributable Content:''' If a creator says that you may include their items in lot/housing uploads, and the item is a free download, you are welcome to include that item in your sims2pack file for upload on MTS2 if you have used it on the lot.  For a quick list of policies for a lot of major sites, see: [http://www.sims2wiki.info/Creator_Policies Creator Policies]
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Required information
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
* '''Lot size:''' The lot's size, for example 2x3
 +
* '''Lot price:''' The price to purchase the lot
 +
* '''Included custom content:''' List custom content that has been included within the lot file or the archive, with links to the download page. Items that should be listed as included are:
 +
** Package files you have manually added to the archive alongside your sims2pack lot file (usually content you yourself have made)
 +
* '''Required, but not included custom content:''' List custom content you have used on the lot, but not included within the lot file or the archive, with links to the download page.  This is a "shopping list" for your downloaders and is just the Package format content that you have used on your lot.
  
 +
Every item used on your lot - included or not - must have a link and credit to the creator, and if the item is not included, your link must go directly to the place where the item can be downloaded (not just the main site or the creator's profile).  This should look something like: "Wood Pattern 3 by Armiel: <nowiki>http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=511126</nowiki>" - what the item is, the creator's name, and a direct link to where the item can be downloaded.
  
−
* '''Content You Have Made Yourself:'''  If you have made content yourself that you have used in the lot, you certainly may include that item in the lot as well.  If it is a new mesh you need to include all of the regular information in the text of your post (poly counts, where it shows in the catalog, etc.) you would expect for a new mesh.
+
If you haven't used any CC, then obviously there is no list to make - adding a note like "No CC" is not compulsory, but nice to have.
 +
|}
  
 +
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Required EPs/SPs
 +
|-
 +
|style="color:#000"|
  
−
* '''Terrain Paints:''' Do NOT remove any terrain paints from your sims2pack.  This is the one exception to the non-redistributable policies/pay/must provide credit rules.  If you remove terrain paints from a lot it can cause it to crash for downloaders. Due to this, all terrain paint creators should expect their content to be included no matter what.  Please provide a link and credit for these items whenever possible, if a terrain paint is not clearly marked with a creator's name/website, you may still include it and it will not be grounds for rejection.
+
When it comes to required Expansion Packs, all of the Packs that you have installed when building the lot will be required. For Stuff Packs, only the ones that are essential to the look of the lot (for example, you used a certain chair for a certain SP all over the house) are required. The only exceptions are that University Life is treated as a Stuff pack by the game, and Mansions and Gardens is treated as an Expansion Pack.
  
 +
|}
 +
<br style="clear:both" />
  
−
'''If your lot contains custom content, you MUST include a LINK and CREDIT for EACH and EVERY custom content file included in the upload.'''
+
==Screenshots==
 +
The only way people can see your lot before downloading and checking it out in game is from the screenshots you take for your upload. Taking clear, large screenshots (as a rough guide you should aim for at least 600 pixels on the smaller side) will encourage people to look at and download your lot.
  
 +
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | You'll need to include at least:
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
* '''Front view:''' A picture of the front of your lot with all levels showing, from a low enough angle that it shows the structure well.
 +
* '''Floorplans:''' An overhead picture of each floor.
  
−
When uploading to MTS2 the custom content wizard will require that you indicate the creator of each item, enter a description, and provide a link to the creator's site, profile, or original upload thread.  The beauty of this system is that once one person has entered the info for an item (or if it was uploaded to MTS2 originally) then nobody else has to enter that info again - it automatically gets added as credit if that item is included later.  You are, however, responsible for making sure the links and credits are correct, even if the custom content wizard fills in the wrong information (due to someone before you entering the wrong info).
+
If your lot is a '''makeover of a pre-built Maxis lot''', we also need comparison pictures from the original unmodified version:
 +
* '''Front view:''' A picture of the front of your lot with all levels showing, from a low enough angle that it shows the structure well.
 +
* '''Floorplans:''' An overhead picture of each floor.
  
 +
{{Guidelines-ScreenshotsBigClearEtc}}
  
−
As builders, we must all show the utmost respect for the people who create our furnishings for us. Providing a simple credit and link is the least we can do to show our appreciation for including someone else's hard work in our files. Nobody wants their work stolen, used without permission, or used without being credited.
+
Please remember, for your required pictures:
−
 
+
* '''No photoshopping:''' Do not apply filters like sharpen, contrast, etc. to the required pictures, as downloaders want to see what your lot will look like in their game, not your skills at using Photoshop.  
−
 
+
* '''As packaged:''' Your pictures should show your lot as you have packaged it, so that what downloaders see is what they'll actually get, or need to download, for the lot to look the same in their game.
−
Keep in mind that if your lot contains content that someone else made, and that artist does not approve due to their policies not allowing your usage, your lot will be removed at their request. You would be allowed to upload a new version of the lot that does not contain their content. For a quick list of policies for a lot of major sites (including an easy reference on ones that freely allow including their content), see: [http://www.sims2wiki.info/Creator_Policies Creator Policies]
+
|}
−
 
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
−
 
+
|-
−
===Clean Lots===
+
! style="text-align:left" | Nice to have, but not mandatory:
−
 
+
|-
−
It's sometimes easier if people choose to upload clean lots.  A clean lot, simply, is a lot with no custom content whatsoever - or a bare minimum of custom content. 
+
|
−
 
+
* '''No user interface on pictures:'''  Use cameraman mode to take pictures for upload.
−
'''Why upload a clean lot?'''
+
* '''Unobstructed views:'''  If your lot has dense foliage blocking the view of the house.
−
 
+
* '''Comparison pictures:''' If your lot is based on a real building.
−
* If you've only used a small amount of custom content but you couldn't include it, so a small shopping list will be easy for downloaders to follow
+
* '''Back picture:''' Showing the lot from the rear.
−
* If the content you have used is very popular content - stuff from Holy Simoly, or MaryLou's Independent Expressions expander set windows for example, and everyone already has it anyway, or will want to go get it, and the rest of the set.
+
* '''Other pictures:''' Showing the rooms, landscaping, etc. from a sim's eye view, to give an idea of the feel of the lot.
−
* If you are on a Mac or cannot use Clean Installer so you cannot be sure your lots are free of unshareable/unwanted custom content.
+
|}
−
* Many users prefer downloading clean lots as they like to download custom content separately, and tend to remodel/redecorate houses when they get them anyway.  They'd prefer a nice, well-built clean slate that they can customize without a bunch of random custom content that they aren't going to use anyway.
+
−
* The files are smaller so it's quicker for you to upload and quicker for people to download.
+
−
* It's a lot easier on you in uploading - you don't have to check a ton of policies and track down links for everything.
+
−
* It's a lot easier on the staff that moderate house uploads - it takes a lot of time to check all the content links and policies and stuff on included content, and houses with little to no custom content often get approved quicker as a result.
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
To create a clean lot, use Clean Installer to rid your lot of ALL custom content - '''except terrain paints''' (see above under "Content that CAN be Included" under "Terrain Paints"!).  OR you can simply remove your Downloads folder before building and use all Maxis items.  If you intend to create clean lots this second option is likely best in most circumstances.
+
−
 
+
−
If you remove content from the sims2pack, you still need to provide links and credits for all those items which are''' Required but Not Included''' for your lot when it was built. Basically, you'll need to make a shopping list for downloaders.  Otherwise, if you used custom wallpapers and floors they'll have bare walls and floors - and if you used custom objects they'll have Maxis defaults in place of those objects (random statues and plants and ugly Maxis furniture everywhere! eeww!).  Downloaders want to get what they came for - tell them what they'll need so the lot will look as you intended it!  If you've used a lot of custom content, you don't want to have a HUGE shopping list for downloaders so please don't pack your lot with tons of custom content, remove it with Clean Installer, and then make people download a whole bunch of stuff separately - they're likely to just skip past your lot to find something easier to download.
+
−
 
+
−
==Right Info and Right Files==
+
−
 
+
−
==Checklist==
+
−
 
+
−
 
+
−
==Screenshots==
+
  
 +
{{Guidelines-Screenshots-Tips}}
 +
<br style="clear:both" />
  
 +
==Other==
 +
{{Guidelines-NotAllowed}}
  
−
===Screenshot Don'ts===
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Tips:
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
* If your upload is rejected or marked as changes required and you're not sure why, ask in [http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=492 Creator Issues].
  
−
Don't make any of these mistakes when preparing and uploading your screenshots.
+
* If you're not sure whether your lots are ready for uploading, use the [http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=473 Creator Feedback Forum] to get feedback on it.
 +
|}
  
−
'''Neighborhood View:''' Please do not include screenshots taken from Neighborhood view. Screenshots taken from Neighborhood view are low detail and distorted, making it difficult for people to see what your lot actually looks like.
 
  
−
'''Thumbnails/Small Pics:''' If you are using the game's camera to take pictures, please upload "Screenshots", not "Thumbnails" from your Storytelling folders. Small thumbnails leave out the fine detail that larger screenshots can show, and they are not clickable for larger versions.
 
  
−
'''More than 8 Pics:''' There is a limit of 8 attached screenshots per thread.  Please plan your pics accordingly.  You can still include 4 additional pics hosted elsewhere inline (see below) and you may combine several screenshots into one image by making a collage.
 
  
−
'''More than 4 Inline Pics:''' If you want to include images via the IMG tags (inline pics), please limit it to 4 images. This is being courteous to members who are still on dial-up or slower broadband connections. You may include a link to your photobucket or imageshack account if you wish to show off more images. Remember, you can still attach up to 8 images via Manage Attachments but regardless of if you use the attached images or from elsewhere, the maximum allowed inline is 4 - for a total of 12 possible pics.
 
−
* The maximum size for inline pics is 800x600 pixels, so the page will display properly and not scroll horizontally for people with lower resolutions.
 
−
* You can always have those pics link to larger pics, if you so choose, which you can host at an image site hosting service.
 
  
−
'''HUD:''' Please no screenshots containing the game HUD (Heads Up Display, or the blue in-game menu).
+
[[Category:MTS2 Creator Guidelines]]
 +
[[Category:Sims 3]]

Latest revision as of 18:18, 8 December 2018

Contents

[edit] Sims 2 Lot Upload Guidelines

When uploading a lot for The Sims 2 to Mod The Sims, we have some basic requirements to ensure that your upload is good, shown well, and has the correct info and files needed for people to use it in their games. This allows both moderators to check your uploads for quality, and for downloaders to see if your item is something they want to add to their games.


[edit] Quality

  • Realism: Lots based on an actual building type or specific building should look like what it supposed to resemble (for example a castle should not just be a huge building with stone walls, but should look like an actual castle). Lots not intended to be realistic can be more fanciful, but should still have some logic to them, and be aesthetically pleasing.
  • Architecture: The way the lot is built should be unique, interesting, and more than just a basic box with four walls and a roof.
  • Playability: The layout of the lot should make sense and allow sims to get around easily, with access to all the items they would want to interact with.
  • Roofing: The roof pieces should connect each other nicely, and not leave gaps or connect at odd angles. The roof should fit the structure, look nice, and not just be an auto-roof (or resemble one).
  • Furnishing/decoration: While we strongly encourage you to give lots at least basic furnishings (bed, toilet, shower, sink, fridge, lighting, etc.), it is not absolutely required to upload to MTS. Your lot can be an empty "shell" but should have a fully built structure, wall and floor coverings, and landscaping. You may include both a furnished and an unfurnished version of your lot separately in your upload.
  • Apartments: When uploading apartments for The Sims 2, they should all be at least lightly furnished - that is, all the furniture required for a Sim to live (bed, toilet, fridge etc.) without the downloader having to use cheats to keep their Sim alive.
  • Landscaping: Your lot should have some landscaping - but not just randomly placed trees or plants, some thought needs to go into it.
  • Flat lot: Please make sure to start your building on a flat, level lot. You can still sculpt the terrain to your liking to make hills and valleys or whatever you wish, but the edges of the lot need to be level. If, for some reason, the design of the lot that you want to build absolutely requires an unlevel lot, you must make it VERY clear in the text of your post that it is an unlevel lot and thus should not be placed adjacent to any other lots, and that it can cause your neighborhood map to become unusable or have holes where it is placed.
  • Other content: If you have made content for your lot, you must also provide additional pictures and/or information for your custom content (like polygon counts if you've made a mesh). Make sure you see check the appropriate category from the Creator Guidelines to see what we require. Tip: Consider uploading content you have made separately first, to the appropriate section (buy mode, walls and floors, etc.) so people looking for that type of content can more easily find it, and so you can show it off better with its own separate pics and info. Then you can just link it as credit to yourself when uploading your lot.


[edit] Files

Packaging your lot
Once you have finished building your lot in the game you will need to save it, and then exit the lot to return to the neighborhood view to package it to a file.

1) To package the lot, simply click on the lot from Neighborhood view, and click the * button as indicated in the screen shot below. This is also the perfect time to make note of the lot size and price

2) Then select "Package lot to a file" and click the check mark

3) You'll get a confirmation screen telling you the name of the file, and where it has been saved.


3steps.jpg
Custom content in the sims2pack
Savecleansims2pack.gif
Before uploading your lot, you MUST scan it with Clean Installer. Many people do not realize that by having custom content in your Downloads folder, it can attach itself to your lot files -- even if you didn't USE that content in the lot itself!

Sims: Only upload lots which have never had sims on them. Lots which have had sims on them at any time before the lot was packaged (even if you have moved the family out) should not be shared, since downloading such lots may cause save corruption. If you want to play-test your lot before uploading, create a copy of the lot and play-test on the copy.

The image is demonstrating using a sim in a sims2pack but the same works for lots - uncheck the unwanted content (in our example two unwanted meshes are being removed) and then click Save As and save a new sims2pack file with a new name.

Never save over your original sims2pack file - there's a bug in Clean Installer with that and you'll just end up with a corrupt file.

  • For more information on using Clean Installer, please see the guide on the Clean Installer site, here.
  • If you are having trouble using Clean Installer, including errors or issues with empty packages, please see MTS2's Clean Installer Support Forums for help.

Using a Mac? On Vista and it won't run? Your options are, unfortunately, pretty limited:

  • You can ask a friend who can use Clean Installer to clean the lot for you (and hope they do it right).
  • You can take out your Downloads folder when building lots and make them with no custom content.
  • Another option is to have two or more different Downloads folders that you swap in and out as needed -- for example, one with everything you need to play your game, another one with just a few wallpapers for building simple lots, another one with medieval items for building castles, and so on

If you are in this situation, we're sorry, but we cannot risk people's games just to allow people to freely upload randomly-CC-filled lots.

Crediting your custom content

You may include items of the following types with your upload:

  • Free, Redistributable Content: You must check the creator's policy to see if they allow redistribution. If the creator's policy doesn't say anything about including content in lots, or if the original site is permanently offline, you can assume that the creator is happy for their content to be redistributed. For a quick list of policies for a lot of major sites, see: Creator Policies
  • Content You Have Made Yourself: If you have made content yourself that you have used, you certainly may include that item as well. If it is a new mesh you need to include all of the regular information in the text of your post (poly counts, where it shows in the catalog, etc.) you would expect for a new mesh.
  • Terrain Paints: Do NOT remove any terrain paints from your sims2pack. This is the one exception to the non-redistributable policies/pay/must provide credit rules. If you remove terrain paints from a lot it can cause it to crash for downloaders. Due to this, all terrain paint creators should expect their content to be included no matter what. Please provide a link and credit for these items whenever possible, but if a terrain paint is not clearly marked with a creator's name/website, you may still include it and it will not be grounds for rejection.
  • TS2 Store Content: Since the TS2 store is no longer available, TS2 store content that is required for your lot may be included with the lot upload. This does not apply to preorder content which came on discs.
Credit where credit is due
  • If your upload contains custom content, you MUST include a LINK and CREDIT for EACH and EVERY custom content file included in the upload.
  • When uploading to MTS, the custom content wizard will require that you indicate the creator of each item, enter a description, and provide a link to the original post, thread, or page where each item came from.
  • If you cannot find a way to directly link to the item, please link to the creator's site if they have a site of their own, or if the creator posts at a forum site, link to the original upload thread or the creator's profile. You may NOT link to "ModtheSims" for items uploaded at MTS - you need to provide a more direct link to the item.
  • Please note - if your lots contains CC that the original creator doesn't want shared, your lot will be removed at their request. Feel free to re-upload a version without that content.

Items You Cannot Credit/Link: All items included with your upload must be properly credited. If you don't know where something came from, use something else.

  • If you cannot remember where you got an item, consider asking at our Where Can I Find? Forum to see if anyone knows where it is from.
  • If you still cannot find where it was from, you need to remove it from your upload. However, please try to make sure that it is not an item that is fundamental to the look of your lot.
  • Try replacing the missing item with something else - but remember to re-take your screenshots.
  • Please see the note under "Content that CAN be Included" under "Terrain Paints" for the exception to this rule!
Items that cannot be included

Hacks: A lot with a hack or multiple hacks in the Sims2pack file will not be accepted.

CEP Files: A lot with CEP files included in the Sims3pack file will not be accepted.

Careers: A lot with a career or multiple careers in the Sims2pack file will not be accepted.

Sims: A lot that contains Sims in the file will not be accepted. You must move your sims out before packaging the lot.

Redundant Recolours: If when you scan you lot with Clean Installer it contains unused recolours, please remove them from the Sims2pack file.

Zip, Rar, or 7z
To upload your file(s) to MTS, you will need to compress them into an archive file, which makes them smaller and allows you to include many files in one download. The archive file formats we currently accept are .zip, .rar, and .7z.

For instructions on compressing your files into an archive, please see: Creator Guidelines: Creating Archive Files.

  • Do not include multiple archives with the same contents - that is, please don't put your files in both a .zip as well as a .rar because some people only want .zip files. Choose one format.
  • Do not double-compress your files... a .rar file inside another .rar file (or any other archive inside another) doesn't compress it anymore, and it makes it so we can't see the contents without downloading, and also just makes an extra step for the people downloading.
  • The file size limit on MTS is 50 mb. If you exceed this limit you will need to split your archives. This should probably never come up except for large worlds for The Sims 3, or huge sets of smaller items.

[edit] Information

Title & Description
Give your upload a descriptive title and write a text description for your upload, describing what you're uploading. Your title and description must be in English or provide an English translation. If you are not a native English speaker, using Google Translate is okay. You can also ask for help writing your description in the Creator Feedback Forum.
Required information
  • Lot size: The lot's size, for example 2x3
  • Lot price: The price to purchase the lot
  • Included custom content: List custom content that has been included within the lot file or the archive, with links to the download page. Items that should be listed as included are:
    • Package files you have manually added to the archive alongside your sims2pack lot file (usually content you yourself have made)
  • Required, but not included custom content: List custom content you have used on the lot, but not included within the lot file or the archive, with links to the download page. This is a "shopping list" for your downloaders and is just the Package format content that you have used on your lot.

Every item used on your lot - included or not - must have a link and credit to the creator, and if the item is not included, your link must go directly to the place where the item can be downloaded (not just the main site or the creator's profile). This should look something like: "Wood Pattern 3 by Armiel: http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=511126" - what the item is, the creator's name, and a direct link to where the item can be downloaded.

If you haven't used any CC, then obviously there is no list to make - adding a note like "No CC" is not compulsory, but nice to have.

Required EPs/SPs

When it comes to required Expansion Packs, all of the Packs that you have installed when building the lot will be required. For Stuff Packs, only the ones that are essential to the look of the lot (for example, you used a certain chair for a certain SP all over the house) are required. The only exceptions are that University Life is treated as a Stuff pack by the game, and Mansions and Gardens is treated as an Expansion Pack.


[edit] Screenshots

The only way people can see your lot before downloading and checking it out in game is from the screenshots you take for your upload. Taking clear, large screenshots (as a rough guide you should aim for at least 600 pixels on the smaller side) will encourage people to look at and download your lot.

You'll need to include at least:
  • Front view: A picture of the front of your lot with all levels showing, from a low enough angle that it shows the structure well.
  • Floorplans: An overhead picture of each floor.

If your lot is a makeover of a pre-built Maxis lot, we also need comparison pictures from the original unmodified version:

  • Front view: A picture of the front of your lot with all levels showing, from a low enough angle that it shows the structure well.
  • Floorplans: An overhead picture of each floor.

Keep the following in mind for your screenshots, especially the required ones:

  • Size: 800 pixels wide by 600 pixels tall is a good size for the smallest pic you would want to upload. Your images can be up to 2560x1440 pixels, and 800 kb, so you have lots of space to work with!
  • Lighting: For most things, it's best to take pictures in an interior room with good lighting. For lots, pictures should be taken during a nice sunny day, for floorplans, take the pictures with the lights ON.
  • Clarity: Neither blurry, nor pixellated/crunchy. Do not size up small pictures to make a large one as this will blur them, and make sure not to use too much compression/too low quality when saving your images.
  • Distance: Take your pictures so that your creation fills the screen without anything cut off at top or bottom - neither zoomed in too close, nor zoomed out too far.
  • Distortion: If you resize your images, retain the aspect ratio so they don't get stretched or squashed. Take care when zooming in and out with the camera that you do not create a fisheye effect on your pictures.
  • Photoshopping: Do not apply filters like sharpen, contrast, etc. to the required pictures, as downloaders want to see what your creation will look like in their game, not your skills at using Photoshop.
  • Attached: All required images must be attached directly to the MTS upload, not just inserted using the img tag, so that even if the pics get deleted from your Photobucket (or other host), the upload on MTS is still complete.
  • Show all items: For most areas, if you are uploading a set, you must take all the required pics for each item in the set. If there is an exception, it will be noted.
  • Picture limit: You may upload up to 100 pictures for a single upload thread, so feel free to add some additional pictures just to show off your work to its best. Of course, keep it reasonable - nobody needs 50 pics to show off one sim or hair.
  • Inline pictures: Inline pictures are those that use the [img] tag to show up in with the description text. So that it doesn't take too long to load, please keep this to no more than 4 pictures done inline, unless you put them inside an [infobutton] tag. To do this, see our guide on post formatting.

Please remember, for your required pictures:

  • No photoshopping: Do not apply filters like sharpen, contrast, etc. to the required pictures, as downloaders want to see what your lot will look like in their game, not your skills at using Photoshop.
  • As packaged: Your pictures should show your lot as you have packaged it, so that what downloaders see is what they'll actually get, or need to download, for the lot to look the same in their game.
Nice to have, but not mandatory:
  • No user interface on pictures: Use cameraman mode to take pictures for upload.
  • Unobstructed views: If your lot has dense foliage blocking the view of the house.
  • Comparison pictures: If your lot is based on a real building.
  • Back picture: Showing the lot from the rear.
  • Other pictures: Showing the rooms, landscaping, etc. from a sim's eye view, to give an idea of the feel of the lot.


[edit] Other

Uploads not allowed on MTS
These items are not allowed on MTS in any category.
Pay/Pirated Content

Everything required or recommended for an upload must be freely available, without having to pay.

  • No uploads requiring pay content: We do not host content (for example, recolours of a pay hair or object mesh) that absolutely require pay content to function in-game.
  • No optional pay, pirated, or stolen content: Even for optional or recommended content not absolutely required for the creation to work (for example, hair on a sim or a couch on a lot), this means:
    • No content you must pay for. This means you cannot use items that are pay, donation, subscriber only, "special gift", etc. type content, anything accessible only when you pay money or subscribe.
    • No content from sites that are repositories of unmodified content when it is still available from the original creator, whether these items are pay or free (no Booty or Simscave, torrents, sites full of stolen content or similar, but the Graveyard and sites that offer recolours or modifications with the mesh are okay).
    • No EA content simply converted to base game use with no other changes.
    • No pirated EA Store content. EA Store content, linked to the legitimate EA Store, is okay though. TS2 store content may be included, with proper credit, since the store is no longer available.
Other content not allowed
  • Items that belong on the adult site: No content posted on MTS can have visible nudity, sexual content, or adult content, and instead must be posted on our adult site, Sexy Sims. This means on MTS, you may not post:
    • Content that contains nudity, which we define as exposing the female nipples, or the butt crack/genitals of either gender, including semi-transparent stuff like a sheer bra. Items that are merely "sexy" like skimpy miniskirts or string bikinis are fine on MTS. Transsexual/transgender items are also not considered adult content unless they contain nudity.
    • Skintones containing genital details - female nipples are okay on MTS but see below regarding screenshots.
    • Images of skintones with uncensored female nipples. Please blur or cover the nipples, butt crack, and genital area when taking screenshots of your skintones.
    • Fine art uploads containing visible nudity.
    • Items with specifically sexual content (sex toys, sexual poses).
    • Items containing swear/curse words
    • Items relating to illegal drugs. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are okay on MTS though.
  • Sexualized children: We do not allow any sexy/sexualized content for baby, toddler, or child sims in any way - no breasts whatsoever on child sims, no "sexy" outfits, etc. If you want to make preteens, make a less developed body for teen sims. Sexualized child content is not allowed at our adult site either.
  • Offensive content: Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, bigoted, hateful or otherwise offensive content will not be allowed. Again, also not allowed at our adult site.
  • Gore/violence: We do not allow uploads which feature prominent, graphic violence and/or gore. Examples of things we do not allow would include items centred around mass shootings, images showing explicit violent imagery, cannibalism, and infanticide. Limited violence and gore may be featured if not the dominant focus of the upload, and not excessively graphic. Think a PG-13 movie. If uncertain whether your upload crosses this line, we suggest making a thread in the Creator Issues forum asking for feedback from a moderator before uploading.
  • EXE installers: Creators are not allowed to post exe (or other executable) files for any area of the site but Modding Tools. If your content needs to be installed to a certain directory, you can compress your files and leave the directory structure intact, so you can tell people to just install to Program Files, for instance, and the files will go where they need to. Executable installers can easily hold viruses, and are generally not needed for installing most content.
  • Preorder bonus content: Certain items were only available if you preordered certain expansions or stuff packs from certain retailers. It's unfortunate if someone missed out on getting them, but they can't be redistributed here as EA has made it clear that they do not allow it.
  • Unmodified EP/SP/Store content: While it is common practice to modify and use bits and pieces of game content to create custom content, extracting content from an expansion, stuff pack, or Store item and uploading it unmodified is not allowed on this site. You are welcome to upload significantly modified versions of expansion, stuff pack, or Store content, but you can't just be ripping it and changing one tiny thing (or nothing) just so people who didn't purchase it can still use it.
  • Stolen/reuploaded content: This should go without saying, but do not upload content made by others and claim it as your own, in whole or in part. Don't upload the work of someone else without their permission... if they wanted to share it at MTS, they can easily upload it here themselves.
  • Uncredited content/violating permissions: If any part of what you have uploaded (mesh, textures, alphas, bump maps, coding, etc.) comes from somebody else's work, you MUST provide a link and credit in the text of your post, for the original author. State what you've used of theirs, the author's name, and give a link back to them. You must check the author's policies to see if you can use their content in the way you want, and you may not violate any policies stated. If there are no policies or they don't disallow your type of usage, or the site is permanently offline, then you can assume it's okay. Please see here for more details: Updates and Remixes of Creations.
  • Redirects: If you want to move a creation to another site, please remove your upload from MTS, don't just edit the text to point to a different site.
Tips:
  • If your upload is rejected or marked as changes required and you're not sure why, ask in Creator Issues.
  • If you're not sure whether your lots are ready for uploading, use the Creator Feedback Forum to get feedback on it.
Retrieved from "http://simswiki.info/index.php?title=MTS2:Creator_Guidelines/Lots_and_Houses&oldid=70562"
Personal tools
Namespaces

Variants
Actions
Navigation
game select
Toolbox