Ok, I know what happened to the First Thoughts sub-forum, so I guess what I'm really asking is: Why is it archived instead of open? Since you need "something concrete" as an off-site link to post in the game development forum, where are you supposed to talk about a concept for a game? General game mechanics discussions?

The general idea would be to write up your first draft and put it up somewhere else altogether, like your blog or a public file server or whatever happens to float your boat. It's a method of filtering speculative chatter and encouraging people to write their thoughts into a cogent form; after all, most of those first thoughts discussions tended towards idle speculation.

You should also make note of the Forge closure date at this point; I understand the place is going to be shut down in a month or so, so don't start up anything long-term and ambitious here. Still plenty of time for a first draft and some feedback, of course, if you have a good idea for a game.

Eero wrote: I understand the place is going to be shut down in a month or so

walruz wrote:

Eero wrote: I understand the place is going to be shut down in a month or so

What? Why?