All developers have their own methods of implementing game ideas. For example, the Funcell team shared an interesting article about game designers and developers’ methods to bring their ideas to life.

Try to find something new in an old genre

When you limit yourself to something, it forces you to think outside the box. With this method, you can choose a game genre, such as puzzle games, and develop new ideas that you can use for that genre.

For example, a unique, new puzzle game mechanic or a new art style hasn’t been implemented yet.

The real world as inspiration

Most players use games to:

  • Escape from reality
  • To experience unreal things in the real world

To get game ideas for the first option, look for things people can’t do in real life but would like to do in the virtual world. For example, fight a fire-breathing dragon or fifteen warriors at once.

When looking for ideas for the second option, look for the ordinary in the real world. What you can make exciting in the virtual world, like parking a car or working on a farm.

Brainstorm for ideas

Brainstorming is a standard method used for developing ideas for games and thoughts in general. Gathering game ideas can be done in two ways: individually or in groups.

To think individually, take a pen and paper and write down the different ideas that come to mind. Don’t worry about whether the ideas are good or bad; it doesn’t matter. Just take note.

When brainstorming in groups, everyone comes up with their own ideas for the game. So put everything together, and you can get one or more great game ideas.

Combine elements from two completely different games

With this method, you combine two completely different game ideas into one. For example, combine Pokémon-based gameplay with the shooting mechanics from DOOM. When you combine such different ideas, a new idea comes to mind.

Play games from different genres and critically analyse them. Imagine what the gameplay would look like if you added elements from another entirely different game.

Don’t try to come up with new ideas

This may seem counterintuitive. Many people get the best ideas when not doing anything, like taking a shower or going for a walk in the fresh air.

So, do something relaxing.

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