where do good Ideas come from?

gamestudentgamestudent Member Posts: 504

So; as my title might suggest, I am wondering where some of you pros get the really good ideas from? what do you guys do to get inspiration, and how do you maintain excitement throughout the development process?

Comments

  • quantumsheepquantumsheep Member Posts: 8,188

    Really good ideas/inspiration? From EVERYTHING :D

    I recommend watching this all the way through:

    QS =D

    Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
    Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io

  • gamestudentgamestudent Member Posts: 504

    thanks!

  • gamestudentgamestudent Member Posts: 504

    very informative

  • lycettebroslycettebros Member, PRO Posts: 1,598

    To answer the question about ideas is too difficult to answer in a forum (for me). But it is a combination of experience, talking, drawing, reading and observing…it's a process that never stops.
    Maintaining excitement - this can come and go in waves with some projects but if the original idea was 'right' you will find reservoirs of excitement. If it is not the idea that does it, it may be the money you get paid…

    • If the idea has no excitement at the beginning then move on and store it away for when it may become exciting.
  • gamestudentgamestudent Member Posts: 504

    okay... thanks for the advice, very generous ;)

  • willkeslingwillkesling Member, PRO Posts: 123

    In terms of games. Keep things simple. Map out a very simple game mechanic.

    It helps to get away from the computer and sketch. I have "x" space and I want to do something to win.

    What is this win mechanic. How do I fail? What are my obstacles. Study simple games and then add your own twist to them.

    The key is to take things in small chucks. Build small games from start to finish, publish them and then put that knowledge in your tool box. Before you know it, the next game,and following games will become easier to make.

  • RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
    edited March 2014

    Take all those great moments/memories from the games, books, movies, art, life, etc. etc. that you love and find a way to incorporate them into an original idea.

    Oh yeah, figure out a perspective to convey your idea, figure out the best engine to support the visual needs, map it to a controller. Is it good? Repeat until good.

  • CodeMonsterCodeMonster ACT, AustraliaMember Posts: 1,078

    I just sit in class lookin. Around the room being extremely bored. Then suddenly I come up with a strange wacky idea.
    I tell my friends they go sick! But......
    And add their own details
    And now I'm making this game atm

    I making the game. My friends drawing all the graphics
    And all of us voice acting.

  • jigglybeanjigglybean Member Posts: 1,584

    When I'm on the toilet

    Like Balls? Then click here! We've 100 coming soon

  • DigiChainDigiChain Member, PRO Posts: 1,288

    Flappy Bird.

  • Fal01Fal01 Member Posts: 460

    You can take an existing game and re-imagine it with the thought process of 'how can this game be improved?' Kinda like how they did with Angry Birds.

    It’s not a bug – it’s an undocumented feature

  • mataruamatarua Auckland, New ZealandMember Posts: 854

    The last section of this book might be helpful.

    http://99u.com/book/manage-your-day-to-day-2

  • HopscotchHopscotch Member, PRO Posts: 2,782
    edited March 2014

    If you have a creative block, or not particularly creative yourself, you could browse inspiration sites like

    Orteil's Game Idea Generator http://orteil.dashnet.org/gamegen

    or

    Three Hundred Mechanics http://www.squidi.net/three/

    Problem is, you may find something interesting, but because it did not come from within, you will probably lack the passion to see the project through.

    Best is to give it time, keep your eyes open, observe the world and keep the old maxim of game design in mind:

    Design by Subtraction (Fumito Ueda)

    Learn to break down everyday things/activities into its smalles parts and identify which are fun. Then turn that into a game.

  • gamestudentgamestudent Member Posts: 504
    edited March 2014

    @Hopscotch said:
    If you have a creative block, or not particularly creative yourself, you could browse inspiration sites like

    Orteil's Game Idea Generator http://orteil.dashnet.org/gamegen

    or

    Three Hundred Mechanics http://www.squidi.net/three/

    Problem is, you may find something interesting, but because it did not come from within, you will probably lack the passion to see the project through.

    Best is to give it time, keep your eyes open, observe the world and keep the old maxim of game design in mind:

    Design by Subtraction (Fumito Ueda)

    Learn to break down everyday things/activities into its smalles parts and identify which are fun. Then turn that into a game.

    you sound right about the lack of passion part, thanks for the great advice. I hope to be releasing cool stuff like you guys soon.

  • Shadow_DevelopmentShadow_Development Rocklin, CA. United StatesMember Posts: 85

    If you want a complex answer it would be probably be your memory. That's where all the imagination kicks in. Lets say you see a giant monster truck driving down the street, you remember it, then you may start to add changes to the vehicle such as wings. That's one way imagination works. If you still can't get any ideas try doing something that will give you an idea. Your brain is the source of your own dimension, if something special pops up then share it with the globe, whether it's a game idea or the next big invention that will change the world. Best of luck to you and your imagination. I hope something great comes to mind! :D

  • quantumsheepquantumsheep Member Posts: 8,188

    This might be of interest too :D

    QS =D

    Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
    Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io

  • The_Gamesalad_GuruThe_Gamesalad_Guru Member Posts: 9,922

    Creative people instinctively have ideas, that's kinda what is called natural talent. Everyone is naturally geared for a particular type of work. Some people are science logic minded other are creative inspired minds great for artistic type endeavors. Find your natural talents and focus on a skill that fits it. Being an independent developer requires a mind that posses both the above styles which is rare as most people are either one or the other.

  • gamestudentgamestudent Member Posts: 504

    thanks guys, QS the video was hilarious and full of information. I've been having good ideas all day now. thanks again

  • motorcycle boymotorcycle boy Member Posts: 429
    edited March 2014

    Actually I believe we all have the same potential to be creative and to think up any idea we want. Some people are more naturally equipped with the tools, but the tools can be learned and honed as well. Do yourselves a favor and by the book "Thinkertoys." Best book I've ever purchased. You have as much creative ability as any artist; the problem is most of us forget by the time we become adults thought years of conforming our thought processes so as to conform/fit in with groups. It has a lot to do with your perception of yourself as well. If you believe you are not very creative then you never will be. If you believe that you are then you will only become more so. Thought = creation in everything you do. We all create every day. You are very creative; the question is are you aware of the creative power within you. Once you have an awareness of your potential and a belief in your abilities, there's nothing else to stand in your way as long as you do not let other people's opinions/perceptions of what you are or what you can do affect you.

Sign In or Register to comment.