As we have seen, tools enabling users to create their own content have become more vital as gaming has progressed. The question we must now ask is, where is user created content going?

Many games are built on concepts that would easily allow for players to create their own content for the game. It would be nice to see the more games include a mode for players to do so. Whether it is for a single player or a experience, any tools offered would be welcomed.

Platformers seem to be the most sorely lacking of level editor modes. Level editors in games like Super Mario Galaxy and New Super Mario Bros. would likely be amazing. Though the experiences found in both games are unique, and have high replay value, they only offer a pre-defined experience. If these games had included content creation tools players looking for a greater challenge or a unique experience not found within the game could create it themselves.

These concepts were realized years ago in the homebrew scene. Independent coders and die-hard fans have created editors for classic games such as Super Mario World and have been available and used widely to create some of the most interesting, challenging and replayable levels ever.

We would also like to see more than just level editor modes. Character and enemy creation modes would be another step in the right direction. More games willing to follow the example set by THQ's Drawn to Life, where players literally draw the game's art as they play it, would be fantastic.

As Nintendo further builds out its Internet services, it would also be nice to see them lift the size restrictions on levels and allow for a more robust system for sharing content between users. By creating a system that encourages users to create and share content, we will see communities rally around these features providing everyone with a better, longer lasting gameplay experience.

If we look at the system put in place by Super Smash Bros. Brawl, it becomes obvious as to what Nintendo needs to do to further encourage user created content. Featuring a daily level download is nice, but it would be better if each user had a profile on their server and could upload all of their stages, or have their stages synced with their offline profile. Users would be able to browse various profiles and download as many stages as they wanted. Opening up free use of the SD card or providing a hard drive solution would also help encourage the widespread distribution of user created content on the Wii.

User created content may have started ages ago, but it is still a strong part of gaming today and is only getting stronger. With the availability of the Internet, and the easy input methods featured on the Wii and DS, tools for users to create their own content have the potential to become as frequently included in games as multiplayer modes are. Opening up these tools to players worldwide will keep games fresh and interesting longer and will give players a reason to keep the games that they may have otherwise eagerly traded in.

What do you see as the future of user-created game content? Join the discussion with your fellow Nintendo fans in our forums Talkback thread for this feature.