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Naming your board game

17/11/2010

46 Comments

 
Sun Tzu Games - Board Game
Hello again world :)

My day started out with a lot of writing.. writing about my newest game "Startups". While I was writing it suddenly hit me - "Is this really the best name for my game?"

To be honest I wasn't quite sure - though I've been going over this brainstorm so many times. In the end I came to the conclusion (again)... that Startups is a good name because it relates to the theme and mechanics of the game - but it's not without drawbacks.

So with this in mind I started this post - enjoy :)
 

Sun Tzu Games - Picture
A project's name
Every project has to start out with a name... a working title so to speak.
But you have to keep in mind - that it's a bit too easy to let your project's name convert into the name of your board game. This may happen if you run out of time and haven't really paid any attention to the fact that you're missing a name.

The importance of a name
Then.. as your project starts coming towards a conclusion the concerns about the "real" name comes back - "What am I going to call this board game?"

I think this is important - far too important to be concluded over a single brainstorm or the initial idea that triggered the game creation itself.
You have to find the right name for several reasons:
  • You probably need a website with that specific name
  • It will have to stick once it goes into production... no turning back there.
  • Is it easy to pronounce?
  • Does it work in text?
  • Will it explain the game?
An example is my own game - Startups... it's easy to pronounce and you don't have to translate it... but as you can check for yourself the domain names are already taken. This wasn't a big problem for me because I wasn't going to sell the board game myself (see previous article about webshops).

But I ran into a different problem with my board game's name Startups - Which was the English grammar rules...
I don't pretend to know much about grammar I just hope that I spell correctly from time to time ;) But even I could see the problem with writing "Startups is" instead of "Startups are"... it sounds and looks wrong and will be a thorn in my eye until I launch my new game :D
 

Sun Tzu Games - Picture
Brainstorming - Name inspiration
When it comes to finding inspiration... going to www.boardgamegeek.com is always a lot of help - also when looking for names :)
Try looking for computer games with the same theme / game play as your board game. Just to get you started.

I usually start a good name brainstorm with dissecting my game... going through the mechanics, player situations and game pieces to see if I can find a good phrase or name.
  • What would the players call themselves in my game? (ex. Conquers, Saviors or Bezzerwizzer)
  • Does the game allow players to be trapped - provoking feelings? (ex. Prisoners, Escaping)
  • Is there a strong theme or is the game set in a specific time period? (ex. Ancient China, Space Travel)
  • Is the game about strategy, action, knowledge or money?
From here on - it's up to you.... what's catchy, what can you wrap around your tongue?

Looking forward to see your crazy suggestions out there in the stores - Happy gaming! :)


46 Comments
amy
8/1/2011 22:14:16

hi i had to do a safety game all about safety for a home ec class

what should i name it????
anyone got any ideas.....

Reply
SunTzuGames link
9/1/2011 19:28:40

Hi Amy,

Thank you for your post. I hope you've liked my blog so far :)

Interesting task you have had.. did the game mechanics and theme turn out alrighht? Would love to see some pictures of it!

MY first thought is something like "Safety Roll" if it contains dice.. or "Safety Draw" if it contains a deck of cards..

But it could be soooo many things.. it also depends on your target group.
If you describe your game a bit more in detail - I would be happy to give you some ideas to work with :)

Have a great day Amy!

Best regards Emil

Reply
Selina
3/9/2013 19:15:59

hi I have a game that is due next week and I would REALLYYYY! like to get a response ASAP!! what I am trying to ask is that What kind of name for a board game would be suitable for a game based on the silk road... its based in the 8th century BC and is meant to be about trading and selling

Reply
nixel
30/7/2014 18:14:39

Suntzugames can you help me get a name like the amazing world of gumball board game "dodge or dare" im working on my own board game
:)

Reply
RaeRae
23/5/2015 00:47:42

Try something related to Dodge or Dare like "If you Dare" Or "Dodge it, or keep it"

Bella
4/1/2014 13:05:19

I have a geography assignment worth 10% of my mark!! I have made the game itself but can't think of a name to give it!

Reply
john
8/10/2014 13:14:27

geoworld

Reply
Rica Mae
6/2/2014 11:57:14

I'm doing my own board game about knowledge about water for my class project. I'm having trouble finding the name. got any ideas?

Reply
Summer
16/5/2014 00:01:13

I need a name for my project. And I'm making a board game and its about art, but I just can't think of a name for it??? What do u think??????

Reply
Isobel link
25/8/2014 19:18:46

Hi i need to make a name for a board game i created it has to do with sport. any ideas???? thanks

Reply
Maxi
10/9/2014 16:41:35

I have made a game about new Zealand but I need a name for it. Please help!

Reply
john
8/10/2014 13:12:45

I am making a game that is a territorial game. I am thinking of naming it old ways. Do you think that is good

Reply
bob
27/1/2022 10:43:37

n n o

Reply
Alex
3/4/2015 17:10:04

Hi guys!
Tips to make your board game name sound awesome :
1. Name your board game with two uncommon words that
means something complicated.
2. Make it seem hard to pronounce but not too hard.
Ex. [ Baleful Malignant ]
3. Don't make the name something no one can read or
in the language even you can't read.
4. If your game is a little complicated name it
something that explains the rules a little.
5. Make sure the name has a connection to the actual
game.

Reply
Follay
5/5/2015 23:05:53

What game is at the top of this post. It sort of looks like monopoly to me but I can't seem to find a board that looks like that one.

Reply
Emil Larsen link
6/5/2015 05:48:07

Hi Follay,
Thanks for noticing ;) ... It's actually my first game ever, not one I really published by just made some copies of.

It's called Startups, and was a more tactical approach to Monopoly. Areas were related to each other and you had more opportunities to buy and sell affecting both players and areas around them.
You can actually see it here: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/85035/startups

Hehe, it's not a thing I'm particularly proud of, but it did give me an idea of how to make games, and Burning Suns was the next step. Note to self and others: NEVER go from small production on to a game that rivals Twilight Imperium in component ;)

Best regards Emil

Reply
Yahoo
21/5/2015 06:51:06

I need help on naming my board game. Please help me! My board game is about math and math vocabulary.

Reply
Google
9/4/2022 16:51:06

mathinator
hope that helps!!

Reply
RaeRae
23/5/2015 00:44:05

Hi, I'm doing a project and I need a board Game name, my game is kinda like Monopoly, but minus the houses. I need help now!
. Thank you!

Reply
Kayden
27/5/2015 10:20:18

Hi, I have a project in ELA where I need to create a game with something to do about the metamorphosis by franz kafka

Reply
Hayden
9/4/2022 16:53:09

bug man :)

Reply
Nicole
31/5/2015 11:18:14

I need a name for a project about geometry it's where you get three answers right you keep going but if you get three wrong you go to jail...... To get out you have to get tree more right..... Almost like monopoly without the houses and buying

Reply
Nicholas
9/4/2022 16:54:08

geodasher...it sounds familiar but its catchy, so use it. good luck nicole!

Reply
Andrea
21/6/2015 07:42:26

I am making a game for my little sister and brother. But I am struggling with the name. They are 10 and 7 years old son I want to make sure that they like the game and the name of it. The only thing is that I am not sure what to call it. It is an adventure game so I would like something adventurous. Thanks for reading.

Reply
Jenny link
12/9/2015 14:07:48

hi i am working on a board game.
It is about ladybugs trying to get to a better habitat.
(yes i know it sounds childish)

Reply
Emil Larsen link
13/9/2015 01:57:02

Hi Jenny,
That's a cute narrative. Have you looked at other games with similar themes?
There are plenty of games out there for children, so don't worry about that. For children you might want to make a play on words or something that reflex the lightheartedness of the game.
Best regards Emil

Reply
Sara Malita link
1/12/2015 08:55:10

I <3 your website it is sooooo COOL!

Reply
Emil Larsen link
2/12/2015 00:37:04

Thank you for your kind words Sara :) I hope you can use some of it as inspiration or learn from some of my experiences.
Best of luck with your endeavors.
Regards Emil

Reply
blanca galdos
2/12/2015 08:28:12

I have a math game board and I don't know what to call it ! help !

Reply
name for board game
14/12/2015 00:54:43

We'd like ideas for a name for our board game.It is a board game about board games actually. We have absolutly no idea how to name it.
thanks

Reply
name for board game
18/12/2015 00:18:08

please reply as quickly as possible

cordially
us

Reply
Avery
1/3/2016 16:48:58

Board game the board game

Reply
olivia
14/3/2016 19:55:26

I am making a game about the oregon trail. its due tomorrow! please help

Reply
abdo2015 link
19/3/2016 11:50:56

Best name With me Is Thunder & CraZzy_Staff and Name For CHN BlackTeam & R3D

Reply
Amilah
9/11/2016 16:55:13

i have a game to make based on the family cycle. but... i ran out of names. pls help me!!!!

Reply
Alyssa
12/11/2016 00:53:45

Hi, I have an English assignment due really soon and I'm finding it hard to come up with a snappy and relevant name for my board game. It's on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the book). If you could help that would be great. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
-A

Reply
Emil Larsen link
12/11/2016 09:47:58

Well, if it's a non-commercial thing, just for your assignment - you could use some Harry Potter relevant name that fits the deal. Of course that wouldn't go on any commercial product.
What is it about? I think you'd find it easier to name, if you can explain what it's about.
Best of luck with your assignment.
Regards Emil

Reply
Mashia
15/11/2016 01:55:56

Hi! I have an assignment which is due next week and I'm having trouble thinking of a name for my board game. It's about parliament and you basically need to answer questions to earn tokens which will let you win the game.
Can you please help!
Thanks!

Reply
Emil Larsen link
15/11/2016 13:52:11

The name itself isn't really that important for something like an assignment. I'd say anything goes as long as you can explain why. You have to keep in mind what your assignment is about. Branding a game is much more than the name, however being able to explain why and how you'd use this name, would prove you understand some of the rules being branding.
Remember your goal :)
Best regards Emil

Reply
precious link
16/2/2018 04:28:49

what name can you come up with with a adventure island board game.

Reply
mya
12/1/2018 11:12:40

I have a game due next week and my partner (who is conveniently my sister) and I need a name. It is a board game about the Bill of Rights and the goal is to reach to the top of a tower. Please help! Much appreciated!

Reply
Emil Larsen link
12/1/2018 13:32:49

That sounds like an assignment to me. You shouldn't really worry to much about it. It's not like the game will stand or fall on it's name for such an audience.
For a production and release, you should of course be certain about what you end up calling your game, but that process is also much longer and more detailed.

You could look at movies that touches on the same topic, or find a "saying" about rights, or some constitution something something..?
Best wishes,
Emil

Reply
maya
8/2/2018 14:33:08

what would be a good title for an Islamic board game for my social study's project?

Reply
Where in the World is Karla link
6/12/2020 19:29:17

Great reaad thanks

Reply
Emil Larsen link
7/12/2020 05:03:26

Thanks a lot :) glad to hear it.
Best regards Emil

Reply
kaitlyn
15/2/2022 14:34:15

i have a board game that is about the goverment "local,State ect." HELP

Reply



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