At MakerWorld, we’ve always believed in rewarding creators. Our points system is a way to show respect and real appreciation for the work you put into your designs.
But let’s be honest: the current system has some serious flaws.
- Points farming is hurting the ecosystem. We’ve seen download manipulation, group print-trading, and fake engagement. This not only wastes our resources, it hurts creators who play fair and work hard.
- High-quality, original models aren’t being rewarded fairly. Creators who invest hours of skill and imagination deserve better than seeing their work valued the same as a quick tweak.
- Relying only on download and print counts skews rewards. When points hinge on just those two numbers, fast-print trinkets surface while painstaking, complex builds get left behind.
So we’re fixing it.
What’s changing now
In the coming weeks, we’ll roll out a new model-based reward system behind the scenes. We’re hiding the exact formula, not to be secretive, but to let us train and refine it without it being reverse-engineered. Downloads and prints will still count, but they won’t be the only yardsticks. The model will continuously learn from community needs, shifting content trends, and your feedback so we can keep recalibrating rewards to match what Makers value most.
During this phase:
- You’ll still earn points, but the way they’re calculated will start to shift.
- Some creators may notice changes in how points are distributed, especially for models that are either extremely simple or extremely well-crafted.
It is not about cutting rewards or hiding the rules. MakerWorld will keep creator rewards at the same generous level. It is about making them fairer. MakerWorld will provide regular, plain-language updates on what it values and will keep listening to community feedback.
What’s coming soon
Points will focus more on quality, not just quantity
From now on, we’ll be gradually shifting how points are calculated. Downloads and prints will still matter, but they won’t be the only thing that matters. New factors will include:
- Originality: New ideas and underrepresented categories will be rewarded more. The system will favor creators who push creative boundaries, not just more boxes and coasters.
- Complexity: If your model is technically impressive or structurally intricate, you’ll get more points, even if it takes longer to print or share.
- Presentation: Good photos, verified print profiles, clear assembly instructions, and thoughtful engagement all contribute to how your work is valued.
- Platform Recognition: If your model is Featured or wins a contest, that means something. You’ll get bonus points for outstanding contributions.
Importantly: We still believe small, simple models are valuable—if they are creative, well-made, and meet a real user need. Not every great idea is complicated. A clever solution, a fun toy, or a beautifully presented print-in-place design still counts. What we don’t want to reward is endless low-effort duplication.
We’re also getting tougher on cheating
If you’re manipulating downloads, trading boost votes, or abusing the system, we’ll detect it. You will lose points. We’re here to protect the integrity of the platform and its community.
We know any change like this takes some getting used to it. But this isn’t about making things complicated, it’s about making things fair.
We want to keep rewarding real creativity. We want to make sure skilled creators feel valued, and new creators have a fair shot. This update is a step in that direction.
And we’re not done, your feedback will shape how this system evolves. If you have thoughts, ideas, or concerns, tell us. We’re building this with you, not just for you.
Thanks for being part of MakerWorld. Let’s keep pushing what 3D printing can do.
The MakerWorld Team
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