We all think we can make a smash hit game ourselves after playing a dud game. But if it was that simple then everyone would be doing it and we would be spoilt for choice of good games to play.
The truth is that creating a game is hard, creating a good story for a game is hard, and creating a good game with a great story and solid gameplay is really hard.
How I approach this problem when working with my team to build games that don’t suck.
We chunk it down to simple concepts, we analyse what has worked well already, we find two game samples that have addictive gameplay. Then we can layer over the story once we decide on the type of game we will be creating.
Before we do any conception we narrow down on what devices we will be releasing the game for, which gives us lanes that we can play in and keeps us thinking about the platform.
– Console PS5, Xbox, Epic store, Steam
– Mobile gaming iOS, Android
So that said here is the “Great Game” criteria we use to develop new game concepts:
1. Fulfill Childhood Fantasies ๐
Tap into common childhood dreams. Nostalgia works here as well. Leverage Nostalgia ๐๏ธ
2. Combine Successful Games ๐น๏ธ
Mix up key aspects from similar or different games for a fresh experience. Make it feel new.
3. Improve Existing Concepts โ๏ธ
Polish and enhance popular, yet unpolished games. Give them a new coat of paint and refinement.
4. Evoke Emotions โค๏ธ
Design each element to evoke specific emotions. Create a pull towards the game from the player.
5. Simplify for Broader Appeal ๐
Take a mid-core game and simplify it for a casual audience. Simplify the story.
6. Tabletop Games ๐ฒ
Adapt board games into video games. The concepts have worked they just need to be digital.
*Im working on a couple of adaptations of these right now especially an old favourite Battleships. Im having fun with the beta but need a few more refinements.
7. Reverse Engineering ๐ง
Deconstruct and rebuild successful games with new twists.
8. Break the Fourth Wall ๐งฉ
Engage players with meta-narratives. Have fun with the game, and break some rules.
9. Role Reversal ๐
Provide unique perspectives by reversing roles.
10. Inspired by Fake Ads ๐บ
Create games based on viral, fake game ads.
11. Iconic Moments ๐ฅ
Transform famous scenes from media into gameplay.
12. Adapt Across Platforms ๐
Transfer successful games from one platform to another.
13. New Technologies ๐
Leverage emerging tech for innovative experiences.
14. Real-Life Inspiration ๐
Base games on everyday life experiences.
15. Historical Themes ๐ฐ
Incorporate rich cultural and historical elements.
16. Mix Gameplay Elements Inversion ๐
Invert familiar concepts for fresh ideas. Blend elements from various games for a unique hybrid.
17. Embrace Absurdity ๐คช
Create memorable games by combining the unexpected.
18. Game Mods ๐ ๏ธ
Turn popular mods into standalone games.
19. Game Jams โณ
Participate in game jams for rapid prototyping. Get direct user feedback that saves you $$$ and time.
If you really brainstorm the above and have generated a long list of game ideas, the next step is shortlisting them to something you feel you can develop and deliver.
This is an artform, there is a lot to consider especially if you are bootstrapping this yourself.
Let’s break it down:
- Market analysis of what has been released lately and what is coming out soon
- Game art style shows and reflects the style of your game
- Game characters and character development
- Game assets
- Game storyline and the arc
- Game distribution and marketing
As top of the iceberg of things that you need to do before you can launch. These items will help you get your house in order.
There really is a lot more but for the starting point this is a great checklist to prepare for launch.
I have a bunch of gaming articles and especially game development, check them out.