3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Also, you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time. Lots of games use a mechanics that are very well known but place the game in a different/unique location. Or add a storyline to a game genre that usually doesn't have a storyline.
Like the game INSIDE by Playdead. The mechanics are very simple and nothing new: players can jump, climb, interact with buttons/doors... and that is about it. But the story and atmosphere they put their game in makes it standout. They also chose not to have any spoken text or even text on the screen and leaned into the game to tell the story.
And I've seen a lot of game pitches start with "it's Halo but mixed with more role-playing mechanics like...." and it's not bad to have those set as your "inspirational goals".
Like the game INSIDE by Playdead. The mechanics are very simple and nothing new: players can jump, climb, interact with buttons/doors... and that is about it. But the story and atmosphere they put their game in makes it standout. They also chose not to have any spoken text or even text on the screen and leaned into the game to tell the story.
And I've seen a lot of game pitches start with "it's Halo but mixed with more role-playing mechanics like...." and it's not bad to have those set as your "inspirational goals".
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Rey,
Fantastic question Rey! When designing a video game, it’s great to strike a balance between inspiration and originality. Here’s some advice for your student:
1. Take inspiration from other games: It’s perfectly fine to draw from popular games that have influenced the industry. Study what makes those games successful—game mechanics, storylines, art styles, or user interfaces. Learning from proven designs can help avoid common mistakes and understand what works well.
2. Bring originality: While inspiration is useful, it’s important to bring something new to the table. This could be a fresh twist on an established genre, a unique art style, or an innovative game mechanic. Originality will help the game stand out in a competitive market.
3. Focus on the player experience: The best game designs focus on delivering an engaging and enjoyable experience for players. Whether the game is inspired or original, it should be intuitive, fun, and have a hook that keeps players coming back.
A good approach is to start by building something familiar, and slowly evolve it with unique ideas as your student grows in skill and creativity.
Best wishes!
Fantastic question Rey! When designing a video game, it’s great to strike a balance between inspiration and originality. Here’s some advice for your student:
1. Take inspiration from other games: It’s perfectly fine to draw from popular games that have influenced the industry. Study what makes those games successful—game mechanics, storylines, art styles, or user interfaces. Learning from proven designs can help avoid common mistakes and understand what works well.
2. Bring originality: While inspiration is useful, it’s important to bring something new to the table. This could be a fresh twist on an established genre, a unique art style, or an innovative game mechanic. Originality will help the game stand out in a competitive market.
3. Focus on the player experience: The best game designs focus on delivering an engaging and enjoyable experience for players. Whether the game is inspired or original, it should be intuitive, fun, and have a hook that keeps players coming back.
A good approach is to start by building something familiar, and slowly evolve it with unique ideas as your student grows in skill and creativity.
Best wishes!
Updated
Najee’s Answer
When making a Design for a video game, it is really up to know how you go about it. You can get inspiration from your favorite video games, from big name companies, or create something of your own! However, if you are just starting Game Design, a good practice is to take a game you are familiar with, and try to "re-create" it in some way. The reason I would suggest this is so you can understand the process on how Game Designers come to the conclusions for their Designs. In the industry, many game companies take already existing game genres or game mechanics and put a major twist on them to seem unique. In this day and age, there isn't much room for a "brand-new idea", however, there is nothing wrong with taking what already exist and putting your own little spin on it.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!