How to generate great game ideas

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 ๐ŸŒŸ
Tap into common childhood dreams. Nostalgia works here as well. Leverage Nostalgia ๐ŸŽž๏ธ

2. Combine Successful Games ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ
Mix up key aspects from similar or different games for a fresh experience. Make it feel new.

3. Improve Existing Concepts โš™๏ธ
Polish and enhance popular, yet unpolished games. Give them a new coat of paint and refinement.

4. Evoke Emotions โค๏ธ
Design each element to evoke specific emotions. Create a pull towards the game from the player.

5. Simplify for Broader Appeal ๐ŸŒ
Take a mid-core game and simplify it for a casual audience. Simplify the story.

6. Tabletop Games ๐ŸŽฒ
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 ๐Ÿ”ง
Deconstruct and rebuild successful games with new twists.

8. Break the Fourth Wall ๐Ÿงฉ
Engage players with meta-narratives. Have fun with the game, and break some rules.

9. Role Reversal ๐Ÿ”„
Provide unique perspectives by reversing roles.

10. Inspired by Fake Ads ๐Ÿ“บ
Create games based on viral, fake game ads.

11. Iconic Moments ๐ŸŽฅ
Transform famous scenes from media into gameplay.

12. Adapt Across Platforms ๐Ÿ”„
Transfer successful games from one platform to another.

13. New Technologies ๐Ÿš€
Leverage emerging tech for innovative experiences.

14. Real-Life Inspiration ๐ŸŒ
Base games on everyday life experiences.

15. Historical Themes ๐Ÿฐ
Incorporate rich cultural and historical elements.

16. Mix Gameplay Elements Inversion ๐Ÿ”„
Invert familiar concepts for fresh ideas. Blend elements from various games for a unique hybrid.

17. Embrace Absurdity ๐Ÿคช
Create memorable games by combining the unexpected.

18. Game Mods ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ
Turn popular mods into standalone games.

19. Game Jams โณ
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.


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