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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 :)
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 :)
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:
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
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?
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
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.
Looking forward to see your crazy suggestions out there in the stores - Happy gaming! :)
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?
Looking forward to see your crazy suggestions out there in the stores - Happy gaming! :)
:)
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.
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
hope that helps!!
. Thank you!
It is about ladybugs trying to get to a better habitat.
(yes i know it sounds childish)
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
Best of luck with your endeavors.
Regards Emil
thanks
cordially
us
Regards,
-A
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
Can you please help!
Thanks!
Remember your goal :)
Best regards Emil
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
Best regards Emil