When I was 13 years old, I started learning C++ by building my very own Super Mario game using C++ and the SDL library. At first, I named my creation “Super Mario Clone” and copied sprites from the original games but as a small community began to form around my game, they decided to rename it to “Secret Maryo Chronicles” I was amazed by the enthusiastic response I received from the community, and they even designed original graphics for the game.
My main idea / innovation / solution to have others make the levels for me was to directly embed the level editor into the game. You can still switch between both by pressing F8 and so could quickly iterate on level design.