Apologies, forgot to change the forum. It has been correctly registered in the Suggestions.
Here's a really, really far-fetched idea. I understand I know nothing about the actual implementation and creation of this idea, and I have no doubt that it's a HUGE amount of work, but there are some very, very sharp benefits to be reaped.
What I'm suggesting is creating a SK Mapmaking pack. Again, "I understand I know nothing about the actual implementation and creation of this idea, and I have no doubt that it's a HUGE amount of work...". But one thing that SK has, that few other MMOs have: 1) Variations of levels with the SAME monsters and the SAME designs, but mismatched, and 2) several series of levels that can act as templates for new levels. The clockworks are "constantly rotating" so every depth is never the same from gate to gate, but in good time, they do mesh together into a blur of levels where familiar segments and spawns are encountered, and only the order is switched.
This is where the players come in. SK has a huuuuge fanbase, and within that fanbase comes immense creative power. Just take a look at the Treasure Vault: Spiralspy, Happyapathy, dime-a-dozen fanfic writers (no offense, but I don't read them), and artists, among others. A (relatively) simple mapmaker, which can allow players to lay down raw level designs, monster spawns, and create entire levels, elevator to elevator, would not just create a huuge amount of new, user-designed content, but also expand the playability of Spiral Knights, beyond just the bosses and Shadow Lairs. Long, fanfic-based clockwork treks. Challenge rooms, with eight trojans. Levels with three danger rooms and an intricate maze of traps, designed by players, and for players.
But how to effectively implement these in the game? Again, "I understand I know nothing about the actual implementation and creation of this idea, and I have no doubt that it's a HUGE amount of work...". But I propose a King-Krogmo-esq hub. User-submitted maps will be listed in the hub with length and difficulty ratings, and every map will be accessible by selection -- that is, the maps will be placed in a segment that is entirely separate from the gates themselves. Users may create teams in a team-PVP-esq fashion, and invite their friends to join (to a max of four) before adventuring. However, these maps will have a modest entry fee (perhaps, 200 crowns), and drop no heat, crowns, or other forms of loot (to prevent insane treasure-box-spamming), and energy revives will work as per usual. In this exchange, this can provide a small crown/energy sink into the economy while giving endgame players a vast expanse of new, user-created content to play. As an endgame player, I know it'd be a nice break from buying accessories or making hipster armor sets (though I am fond of my originality).
In this sense, users get content that is not as drastically P2P as Shadow Lairs, creative minds get to channel their SK creationism to the map editor and benefit the game, and more importantly, content, content, CONTENT. For the most part, everybody wins.
This model is not entirely new to gaming -- I cite TF2's user-created maps gone mainstream, and hats that have been actually implemented into the game. SK has what it takes: a respectable fanbase, a simple game in terms of general clockworks (map design would only be broken down into a few steps of map + monsters), and passionate, creative players that are willing to give back to the game. That's a resource that very few games have, and you as GMs would be wise to take advantage of it and direct it toward a manner that will benefit the game for everyone.
I know people will comment on it, so lastly, "I understand I know nothing about the actual implementation and creation of this idea, and I have no doubt that it's a HUGE amount of work...". But I think it's something the GMs should at least consider, if they haven't already. There's much to gain from this.
I open the floor to discussion and suggestion of the forums.
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Tsubasa-No-Me suggested adding popular maps to a whole new gate.
Blue-Phase suggested monthly contests as incentives.
Guyinshinyarmour noted that crap maps/troll maps are a definitely something that should be addressed.
Perhaps they can eventually take some of the levels that they like and put them into the game... kinda like making a particular kind of level (Gremlins obviously snuck in and copied the knights layouts) like a doppelganger stratum... pick 20 to 30 good player maps and put them in the gate creation for about a month... ;D
Endgame and everyone else benefits!