Game Design

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What is a game? The dynamics of game design are complex, the phrase itself has many definitions and not one can purposely define the overall meaning of game design. Upon reading "What is a game anyway?" by Ian Schreiber, I came across some interesting statements regarding the elements of game design, it was an eye opening read that gave insight into the idea of a game and what it is. By any means, many reading these articles are people who may not know the ins and outs of game design, especially digital gaming, so learning in depth is eye opening. In-turn I myself, was able to apply what I learnt to games I had common knowledge of, such as Animal Crossing and Zelda. Understanding more about the elements of each game and its core purpose for its user audience. One definition that I believe encompasses the overall dynamic of game design is "a play activity that has ends and means, an objective, outcome, and a set of rules to get there". This definition van be applied to most games, specifically those digitally or physically. 

In terms of creating a game, one must have the following questions in mind at all times; what is the goal?, how do you move/play?, what are the players representing?, what is the objective?. If one can efficiently  implement answers to these questions, any game can be developed. 

Approaching the development of a game, it is important to note that generating game design ideas does not come by accident, rather they are carefully developed from the first thought, applying important knowledge through the production process. On reading "The Organic Nature of Game Ideation, Game Ideas Arise from Solitude and Mature by Bouncing" by Annakaisa Kultima, I was brought to the attention of many different factors in game ideation and production. Touching on the issue of versatility in the game industry, specifically within developer teams, one can note the lack of versatility, and therefore the repetition of game ideas. This can be seen within the gamin industry where multiple sequels etc are being made to original games, meaning companies are profiting off of existing intellectual property. For example we can see this with Super Mario and Nintendo, there has been multiple if not many games made based off of the original game. There is a clear hunger for new original game ideas without the need for repetition within the industry. 

On the topic of game ideation, I became aware of what inspires game designers to come up with game ideas. Many of these were as simple as playing other games and seeking inspiration from them, or watching tv shows, films, reading books, anything creatively stimulating for the designer. It is important to create a certain attitude in life where you are aware something may inspire you at any second, so keep your eyes open and yourself inspired, no matter in what form they may originate. Certain rituals such as long showers, walks by yourself, being in outside in the open environment and even listening to music can help start the creative flow and get into the mindset of ideation. Understanding and honouring the writers block that may occur will help designers, simply carrying on with other tasks and letting your thoughts mature is a great way of undoing that. 

Although most ideas originate in solitude, the idea of bouncing ideas to different colleagues can help start the development of the idea. Whether it be in small groups or with a room full of people. Using handy tools like sticky notes, mind mapping, idea trees can aid in the ideation process. Prototyping is another way of fleshing out ideas, seeing what works and what doesn't work. It is important to remember "good designers are judged on the value of their creative thoughts, not on their skills to use ideation techniques".

Concentration, Brainstorming, Scamper and Ramsey. Four critical techniques for generating game ideas I have analysed reading "Four Basic Methods for Generating Ideas" by Vasiliev Ilya. This article is a very helpful tool to read if one isn't sure where or how to start the ideation process for game creation. "Thinking in a stationary atmosphere, a person will come to the same ideas, but being in a changing atmosphere, a person will generate different ideas". Simply thinking can upon the topic of creating games can foster some ideas, but changing your environment and doing things that would be thought provoking or creatively stimulating is much more helpful. Brainstorming ideas within groups can be beneficial, understanding the task, and what's required first and foremost, knowing what is available to the group can help to know what kind of game can be made. Generating ideas from each person and having a group evaluate said ideas will help flesh out which are positive. Scamper is a set of techniques used to harbour the most efficient idea. Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put, Eliminate, and finally, Reverse. Using these techniques will help trial and error an idea, and get to a place where a designer knows what they want and what they don't want. Finally, the Ramsey method looks at detailed information, dissects it, and finds new information that may help in the development of the project. Overall these methods are a more in-depth look at ideation in terms of game design. 

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