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The Sims Spark'd - Challenges - Challenge #3: CREATURE CREATION

EA_LeelooEA_Leeloo Posts: 2,019 EA Staff (retired)
edited November 2020 in The Sims Spark'd
Sul sul Simmers!

I know there is a lot to cover about Spark'd challenges which is why I thought I'd gather all the info in one place to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for and potentially add details as they become available! (I also thought you deserve something a little shinier than the initial FAQ post, so I got to work. )

And this is it: your one-stop-shop for everything regarding the Spark'd Challenges. :)


What are Spark'd Challenges?
Spark'd Challenges are a great way to show off your creativity and become a Top Spark’d Creator.
Each Spark'd Challenge introduces a unique theme, with three ways to participate. Share your Creations with the community, and if you are chosen as a Top Spark'd Creator, you may be featured on this site—or even get a chance to be considered for future seasons of The Sims™ Spark’d competition show!

Find out about the lastest challenges here on the forum, on our Sims website, or in the Gallery (select the Spark'd Challenges tab)!

For more info check out the links below! :)



HOLIDAY MAGIC

Submission Window: 10am PST November 23 – 10am PST December 11, 2020 | Voting Window: 10am PST November 30 – 10am PST December 14, 2020

Create four Sims living in your snow globe. Are they mystical creatures, mischevious sprites, an adventure seeking family? Style and showcase their life inside.



Index
Post edited by EA_Leeloo on

Comments

  • EA_LeelooEA_Leeloo Posts: 2,019 EA Staff (retired)
    edited July 2020
    The Sims Spark'd Community Challenge - Official Rules

    No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or claim prize. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

    1. CHALLENGE OVERVIEW. The objective of The Sims Spark’d Community Challenge series (each a “Challenge”) is to offer the game’s fan base new ways to play the game and to showcase their creativity. The theme of each Challenge will be communicated on the applicable Challenge event page (the “Theme”). To win a Challenge, you must meet the eligibility criteria set forth in Section 3 of these Official Rules and your creation must reflect the Theme as well as best exemplify the judging criteria set forth in these Official Rules. There are three variations of creations you can submit for each Challenge:
    • Stylist. Channel your inner fashion guru! Design a creation that showcases the clothing, accessories, and styling capabilities of the game.
    • Builder. Utilize the Build/Buy mode and lot construction to design a creation that showcases the architectural capabilities of the game.
    • Storyteller. Implement Live Mode to bring the game to life. Design a compelling story of no more than 3 minutes that includes a beginning, middle, and end.

    2. TIMING. Each Challenge has a start and end date (the “Challenge Period”). For each Challenge, the Challenge Period is set forth on the event page. Days shall be calculated on the basis of U.S. pacific time (“PT”). Creations that are submitted before or after the Challenge Period will not be judged.


    3. ELIGIBILITY. To win a Challenge, you must be at least 18 years of age (or at least the minimum age of majority in your place of residence, whichever is greater) as of the start of the Challenge Period. Residents of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the Sudan, Syria, Burma/Myanmar, or other countries that are restricted for businesses based in the United States are not eligible to participate in the Challenge. Employees and agents of Sponsor and its affiliates, agencies, and members of such employees’ and agents’ immediate families and individuals living in the same household with such employees, are not eligible to enter or win a Challenge. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law.


    4. TO SUBMIT A CREATION. During each applicable Challenge Period, as set forth on the Challenge event page, assess the Theme and decide whether you would like to design a creation as a stylist, a builder, and/or as a storyteller. Then, complete and submit your creation as follows:
    • Stylist. Upload your creation to the “Challenge Gallery.”
    • Builder. Upload your creation to the “Challenge Gallery.”
    • Storyteller. Upload your creation to YouTube as “public” or “unlisted.” Then, visit www.thesims.com/challenge and complete and submit the form.
    All creations must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. PT on the last day of the Challenge Period. Each creation must be separately submitted. If one creation is to be judged for two different variations, submit the creation multiple times as required above for each variation. There is no limit to the number of creations or variations you can submit. However, do not submit the same creation multiple times per variation. Submitting the same creation multiple times for a single variation will not increase your chances of winning and only the first of any duplicate submissions will be judged.


    5. CREATION GUIDELINES. Each creation must comply with the following guidelines (“Guidelines”). Creations that do not fully comply with these Guidelines shall be disqualified from the applicable Challenge:
    • All creations must either be in English or contain English subtitles, as applicable.
    • The creation may not contain material that violates or infringes another’s rights, including but not limited to privacy, publicity or intellectual property rights, or that constitutes copyright or trademark infringement.
    • The creation must not in any way disparage Sponsor, any of its products or services, the Challenge, or any person or party affiliated with the Challenge, or alternatively appear to promote any direct competitor of Sponsor;
    • The creation may not contain text or imagery that is inappropriate, indecent, obscene, hateful, tortious, defamatory, slanderous or libelous;
    • The creation must not include threats (expressed or implied) to any person, place, business, or group;
    • The creation must not invade privacy rights or any other rights of any person, business, or group, and the creation must not name or depict any third party without his/her permission;
    • The creation must not contain text or imagery that promotes bigotry, racism, hatred or harm against any group or individual or promotes discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age; and
    • The creation must not contain material that is unlawful, in violation of or contrary to the laws or regulations in any jurisdiction where the creation is created.
    Sponsor will determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether a creation complies with these Guidelines. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any participant if Sponsor determines, in its sole discretion, that participant’s participation in any Challenge or receipt of prize would violate local law or cause damage to the reputation of Sponsor and/or any other party. Participant may be required to submit proof of his/her compliance with these Guidelines.


    6. JUDGING. Creations submitted by participants who are eligible to win under the stylist and builder variations will first be judged by the Sims community. The Sims players will have the opportunity to visit the Challenge Gallery and vote on their favorite creation by “hearting” the submission at the same time the submission period begins and then closes one weeks later. The 100 stylist and 100 builder creations submitted by participants who are eligible to win a Challenge with the most votes from The Sims players will advance to the next round of judging. In the event of a tie, the creation that achieved the applicable number of votes first will advance. These creations, along with all creations submitted under the storyteller variation, will be judged by a panel comprised of EA employees as follows:
    • Creativity (40%): Use of challenge relevant materials; uniqueness of submission (e.g. how original and innovative); expression of ideas (how easy your theme is to grasp); “wow” factor (how much of a wow factor the submission has at first glance).
    • Ambition (30%): Attention to detail; technical ability (submission displays advanced techniques); submission goes above and beyond requirements.
    • Aesthetics (20%): All aspects of the submission seem thoughtful and deliberate; the components of the submission feel overall harmonious.
    • Overall Impression (10%)

    The participants who are eligible to win and submitted the 30 highest scoring creations in each variation will be deemed the potential “Top Spark’d Creators.” In the event of a tie, the creation that scored the highest in the Overall Impression category will be deemed a Top Spark’d Creator. The odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received and relative skill of participants.


    7. PRIZE. Each Top Spark’d Creator will:
    • Be deemed a named Top Spark’d Creator of the applicable Challenge and will be featured on www.thesims.com/challenge; and
    • Receive the opportunity to be considered to be a contestant for an upcoming season of The Sims Spark’d series (the “Series”). This opportunity is contingent upon the existence of an upcoming Series. In the event, for whatever reason, the applicable season of the Series is cancelled or postponed, or the format is modified, Sponsor will not provide any compensation or substitution for that portion of the prize. Being considered for the Series does not guarantee a Challenge Top Spark’d Creator an appearance in the Series and participant acknowledges and agrees that all such decisions relating to the Series will be in the Series producer’s sole and absolute discretion. If a Challenge Top Spark’d Creator is selected to appear in the Series, such appearance may be subject to additional terms and conditions.

    [...]

    For the rest of the rules, please visit ea.com.
    Post edited by EA_Leeloo on
  • EA_LeelooEA_Leeloo Posts: 2,019 EA Staff (retired)
    edited October 2020
    Stylist Challenges

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    Stylist challenges center around CAS mode and Sims creation, fashion, and styling. Channel your inner fashion guru! Emphasis is on the way you bring the challenge theme to life through the styling and character design of your Sims. Remember, you can submit as many unique Creations as you like and can even submit Builder and Storyteller Creations.

    Challenge Guidelines

    Creature Creation

    Unleash a whole new world full of mystery, mischief, and maybe a little mayhem. Let's make some magic.
    Create a one-of-a-kind creature that has never been seen before in The Sims™ 4 game.
    • Style your new life state using the Everyday outfit category.
    • The Sim’s last name will be where you identify the creature type.
    • The base of the Sim can be any of the current life states that can be found in the game, but make it your own!
    • DLC not required.
    Additionally:
    • Sims' ages must be teen and up
    • Do not use the CAS Stories feature
    • No Simoleon (§) limit
    • Full edit cheat (cas.fulleditmode) and Unlockable CAS Content allowed
    • Custom Content (CC), custom thumbnails, poses, and mods are not allowed (Stylist, Builder)

    Creation Criteria
    • CREATIVITY (40%): How creative is the submission? Is that creativity coherently expressed? Were relevant aspects of The Sims™ 4 used creatively?
    • CRAFTSMANSHIP (30%): Does the creation demonstrate attention to detail? Are there any advanced techniques used? Is the creation ambitious, memorable, or especially thoughtful?
    • ORIGINALITY (20%): Is the creation innovative and does it bring a unique point of view to the challenge?
    • AESTHETICS (10%): Is there an immediate “wow” factor? Is the creation thoughtful and deliberate in its execution?

    How to submit

    After finishing your Stylist Creation, upload it to the new in-game Challenge Gallery. Be sure to check out and favorite other Creations from around the community. That’s it. You’re done!

    Post edited by EA_Leeloo on
  • EA_LeelooEA_Leeloo Posts: 2,019 EA Staff (retired)
    edited October 2020
    Builder Challenges

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    Builder challenges center around Build mode and lot creation. Share how you think inside and outside the box. Emphasis is on the interior and exterior of the build itself, landscaping, and creative use of challenge-related materials. Remember, you can submit as many unique creations as you like and can even submit Stylist and Storyteller creations.

    Challenge Guidelines

    Creature Creation

    Unleash a whole new world full of mystery, mischief, and maybe a little mayhem. Let's make some magic.
    Imagine a magical world where mystical creatures live and create a place they would call home.
    • Can be on a mountaintop or on a completely different planet—this is where your creature should feel most at home.
    • Be original and surprise us!
    Additionally:
    • Any lot size and type, in any world
    • DLC not required
    • No Simoleon (§) limit
    • All build cheats and hidden object allowed
    • Custom Content (CC), custom thumbnails, poses, and mods are not allowed (Stylist, Builder)
    • Use of mods for building (TOOL, Red Shelf) is not permitted

    Creation Criteria
    • CREATIVITY (40%): How creative is the submission? Is that creativity coherently expressed? Were relevant aspects of The Sims™ 4 used creatively?
    • CRAFTSMANSHIP (30%): Does the creation demonstrate attention to detail? Are there any advanced techniques used? Is the creation ambitious, memorable, or especially thoughtful?
    • ORIGINALITY (20%): Is the creation innovative and does it bring a unique point of view to the challenge?
    • AESTHETICS (10%): Is there an immediate “wow” factor? Is the creation thoughtful and deliberate in its execution?

    How to submit

    After finishing your Builder Creation, upload it to the new in-game Challenge Gallery. Be sure to check out and favorite other Creations from around the community. That’s it. You’re done!

    Post edited by EA_Leeloo on
  • EA_LeelooEA_Leeloo Posts: 2,019 EA Staff (retired)
    edited October 2020
    Storyteller Challenges

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    Storyteller challenges center around Live mode and bringing stories to life through The Sims™ 4. Emphasis is on creating a narrative, using Sims and a build to weave together a compelling story that includes a beginning, middle, and end. How you tell the story is totally up to you! Don’t stress about the production values, though. We care more about the quality of your story than your video editing skills. Remember, you can submit as many unique Creations as you like and can even submit Stylist and Builder Creations.

    Challenge Guidelines

    Creature Creation

    Unleash a whole new world full of mystery, mischief, and maybe a little mayhem. Let's make some magic.
    Tell a tale of mystery and magic with one-of-a-kind creatures living in your imagination. Share your Creature Creation story!
    • Feel free to base your story on an existing mythical creature, an occult life state explored by past Sims games, or something dreamed up by you! Keep in mind that the creature should feel new and unique.
    • Story ideas to get you started: origin story, where they live, what they do, or anything else that showcases what makes this creature unique!
    Additionally:
    • Must be in English or contain English subtitles
    • Must be original content created by the uploader
    • Video length cannot exceed three minutes
    • Story must feature your creature Creation
    • Any genre of storytelling (horror, sci-fi, romance, comedy, etc.)
    • DLC not required
    • No Simoleon (§) limit
    • Use of Custom Content (CC)/Mods for video creation is allowed only for the Storyteller Challenge (not permitted for Stylist/Builder)
    • Learn how to submit your story here

    Creation Criteria
    • CREATIVITY (40%): How creative is the submission? Is that creativity coherently expressed? Were relevant aspects of The Sims™ 4 used creatively?
    • CRAFTSMANSHIP (30%): Does the creation demonstrate attention to detail? Are there any advanced techniques used? Is the creation ambitious, memorable, or especially thoughtful?
    • ORIGINALITY (20%): Is the creation innovative and does it bring a unique point of view to the challenge?
    • AESTHETICS (10%): Is there an immediate “wow” factor? Is the creation thoughtful and deliberate in its execution?

    How to submit

    Capture your story in video format (three minutes or less) and upload it to YouTube (public or unlisted). After finishing your Storyteller Creation, use the form below to submit it during the submission window.

    Post edited by EA_Leeloo on
  • EA_LeelooEA_Leeloo Posts: 2,019 EA Staff (retired)
    edited September 2020
    FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

    GENERAL

    Can I submit more than one creation?
    Yes, you can submit more than one creation.

    Can I submit a Creation for each way to play (Stylist, Builder, Storyteller)?
    Yes!

    Why are the challenges broken down into Stylist, Builder, and Storyteller?
    The Sims™ 4 can be played in a plethora of ways, so to allow Simmers to jump right into each challenge theme with a clear objective, we've broken things down into these three main ways to play.

    I completed two (or all three) of the challenges for this theme. They work together. How can I submit them together?
    While you can add a #hashtag that links multiple creations, at this time, there is no benefit to submitting linked items, as each submission will be individually evaluated. You should submit your creations for each challenge you would like to enter.

    How long do I have to upload my creation?
    The submission period for each challenge will typically be around two weeks. You can find the specific start and end dates on each challenge page.

    What if I want to withdraw my submission?
    All of your creations can be found in the MyLibrary tab of The Gallery. You can withdraw any of your submissions by opening up their detail panel and choosing the “unsubmit” button located in the bottom left.

    If I submit a creation, could I appear as a contestant on the Spark’d show?
    Yes! If you are chosen as a Spark'd Challenges Top Spark'd Creator, you may be spotlighted on this site, and in addition, you’ll be added to a pool of potential contestants to interview for a future season of Spark’d.

    If I am a Top Spark'd Creator and I am selected for the Spark’d show, am I obligated to be on the Spark’d show?
    Nope! There’s no pressure for you to be a contestant on the show.

    How do I explain my creation to the judges if I feel it needs context for someone to fully understand it?
    As a Builder or Stylist, the description field is available for you to write down anything you wish to convey in English. We recommend that your submission speaks for itself, though. As a Storyteller, that’s the challenge.

    Do I win anything? / What do I win? / Are there winners?
    Those selected as a Top Spark'd Creator will be spotlighted on www.thesims.com/challenge after each challenge has concluded in its entirety. (For Destination Wedding, that will be August 31, 2020.) In addition, you’ll be added to a pool of potential contestants to interview for a future season of The Sims™ Spark’d. These challenges are also meant to be a fun new way for players to focus their efforts while playing.

    How do I vote? How does voting work?
    To let your voice be heard, simply head in game, navigate to the Gallery, and then tab over to the Challenge Gallery and start favoriting creations by pressing the heart icon. You can favorite as many creations as you like. After the voting period ends, the top 100 Creations with the highest number of hearts will then be judged by EA judges who regularly play The Sims™ 4, using a judging rubric set forth here to determine the Top Spark’d Creators.

    Someone is using my submission as their creation. What should I do?
    Report their content via the Plagiarism report flag and provide information about the item being plagiarized.

    I noticed some people use custom thumbnails for their content. Are we allowed to do so?
    To ensure a level playing field across PC and Console Creations, the use of custom thumbnails, poses, custom content and mods are not permitted.

    Am I allowed to use mods to help me build (such as TOOL or the Red Shelf mod)?
    To ensure a level playing field across PC and Console Creations, the use of custom thumbnails, poses, custom content and mods are not permitted.

    Can I use real-life inspiration for my Creations?
    Originality is always ideal. Allusions and parodies are welcome, but we won’t be able to consider those with copyright violations. We have more rules around third party IPs in Official Rules.

    Can I use cheat codes?
    The following cheat codes are acceptable to use when stated in the challenge rules:

    • Money
    You must be currently playing a household in order to apply money cheats to that household.

    money # = (# represents the amount of money you would like reflected in your household)

    Motherlode = adds 50,000 Simoleons

    rosebud = adds 1,000 Simoleons

    freerealestate on = houses are free

    • Build Mode

    bb.moveobjects on = You can merge objects together and place them wherever you wish

    [ and ] = The left bracket enlarges an item and the right one shrinks it

    9 and 0 = You can raise and lower objects using the 9 or 0 keys

    bb.showhiddenobjects = More items visible

    Bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement = Unlock Build items that are locked by default

    bb.showliveeditobjects = Liberated environment objects

    • CAS Mode

    cas.fulleditmode = Fully edit a Sim after creating

    bb.moveobjects on = You can merge objects together and place them wherever you wish

    How do I use them?
    • Step 1: Open up the game.
    • Step 2: To open the text field at the top of your screen, type CTRL + SHIFT + C on PC. Hold down all four triggers at the same time on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.
    • Step 3: In the text field, type testingcheats true and hit enter.
    • If you’re having trouble, type cheats while the game is in Live mode with an active household.
    __________________________________

    CHALLENGE-SPECIFIC FAQs

    STYLIST

    Are we expected to modify all outfits for our submissions?
    No, and in fact, you should probably only modify the everyday outfit, as that is the way the content is viewed within the Gallery. If a challenge requires multiple outfits on a Sim, we'll be sure to say so in the challenge guidelines.

    Can I use any Expansion, Game, or Stuff Packs when creating my household?
    Typically, yes. But be sure to read the Challenge Guidelines for each individual challenge for any specific requirements.


    BUILDER

    Can I submit a room?
    No.

    Can I use any Expansion, Game, or Stuff Packs when creating my lot?

    Typically yes. But be sure to read the Challenge Guidelines for each individual challenge for any specific requirements.


    STORYTELLER

    Where do I submit my video creation?
    Here. At the moment, it’s not possible to upload videos within the game.

    Will other players be able to see my video Creation?
    Yes. We’ll also be spotlighting some videos on social media, and we highly encourage you to add applicable challenge hashtags (for example, #DestinationWedding) at the end of your video title.

    Can I add music to my video Creation?
    Yes. However, it must be originally created music or copyright free/creative commons available music.

    What language does my video Creation need to be in?
    English or your native language with English subtitles.

    TIPS
    • Video should be 3 minutes or shorter in length.
    • Hook us in the first 30 seconds of your video!
    • Speak loudly and clearly.
    • Don’t stress the production values! We care more about the quality of your story than your ability to make polished, highly produced videos.
    Post edited by EA_Leeloo on
  • EA_LeelooEA_Leeloo Posts: 2,019 EA Staff (retired)
    edited September 2020
    Handy Links
    • You might want to check out @Holliebb. On her Twitter channel, Hollie has been sharing/retweeting cool and creative content to get you inspired for the Spark'd challenges and answered some questions surrounding the challenges that you might have had yourself. :)
    • Needless to say, @TheSims is equally great for keeping you up to date and brings all the latest info to you super fast!
    • Just in case you missed it when you read the few lines above: Buzzfeed Multiplayer is where you can rewatch the Spark'd episodes and the Spark'd Reunion!
    • EA Help is a great resource where you can enter keywords to filter guides and information. Try searching for 'Spark'd'!
    • And for any issues that you might need help with or any bugs you might encounter, head over to Sims 4 on Answers HQ!
    Post edited by EA_Leeloo on
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