Thread by @itshannahflynn

DON'T CALL YOUR INDIE GAME THAT

I've been doing some work on naming games lately and I wanted to share my toolkit, which is based on the naming workbook Don't Call It That by @elialtman. (I have used it so many times, thank u Eli.)

#indiegames #gamedev

Here is a place to buy the full workbook for your naming needs, btw: magma-shop.com/products/dont-…

First up, some general framing thoughts which I like to keep in mind:

When naming, it’s best to play off of connections that people already have in their heads. This way, when they hear your name, a picture will appear.

Naming becomes a lot easier when you have an objective—one thing you want the name to communicate.

Interesting names have a back story—they come from somewhere, they arouse curiosity.

Every name has weaknesses.

Think of yourself as an explorer on the lookout for cool words and phrases that you can relate to your game in an interesting way.

Now, a series of questions to ask yourself:

In one sentence, what is the idea behind your game?

How do you want people to feel when they play your game?

What are the main actions you’re trying to get players to do?

How would you explain your game to a five-year-old in a way that would keep them interested?

Is your game intentionally funny?

What inspirations have you taken from outside games?

(Go as wide as you can with this, eg broader culture, literature, history, science, places, flora and fauna, puzzle types, myths, languages)

Take your answers and start hunting for interesting, underused words that are related to the feelings and inspirations you've poured into your game.

Check the Steam store for your longlist.

Share your ideas with someone who knows nothing about your game, ideally mocked up in your idea of branding. What impressions do they get? How close are they to what you're making?

For Mask of the Rose, we had a balance of noir film vibes and Victoriana-romance, so we tried quite a few 'Something of the Somethings,' which recalled old detective melodrama/novels. Mask of the Rose was evocative and referred helpfully to the Feast of the Rose in Fallen London.

I hope this helps. Also, for fuck's sake, RESIST A NAME WITH A COLON IN IT. If you're an indie you have enough work on your plate trying to get them to remember one thing, let alone your post-colon wobbles. Have some conviction! <3

Here's the original author with another great question to ask yourself:

https://twitter.com/elialtman/status/1576941641595703296?t=J1tx9s4c1kb0HOrQs2WT6Q&s=19

Alright yes I will promote something

MASK OF THE ROSE is our next game, a romance murder mystery Victorian Gothic visual novel which is gay as anything!

and it's in the Steam Next Fest too: store.steampowered.com/app/1769980/Ma…