Video Game Name Generator
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kylie Hu. Kylie Hu is currently studying Radio/TV/Film and Philosophy at Northwestern University. She is an aspiring professional in the film and TV industry, and has directed a short film as part of her participation in student filmmaking on campus. Kylie is also an avid learner of philosophy, and has taken classes on epistemology, virtue ethics, philosophy of science, and more. One of Kylie's favorite parts about writing for wikiHow is getting to engage with all corners of pop culture and participating in the fun through her contributions to the website.
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Iconic names make iconic video games. Whether it’s the most popular video game in the world, Minecraft, or a silly indie hit like Untitled Goose Game, titles become synonymous with their gameplay in the minds of audiences. So whether you already have a proof-of-concept ready to pitch, or if you just had a flash of inspiration, our Video Game Name Generator will help you make your project a stand-out!
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Understanding Video Game Design
Video games are beloved as a form of interactive media, drawing players in and involving them in the action of the world in a way few other mediums can parallel. For game developers, what makes games so great can also be what makes them far more challenging to create. Game design must layer storytelling with compelling graphics, intriguing gameplay, and appealing character design, relying on the collaboration between technology and the arts, all the while anticipating the experiences of their target audience. Though it is no easy feat to make a video game, the process can be an extremely gratifying one, and everyone must start somewhere. If you are interested in the world of video game design, here are some key things to pay attention to.
- Story: All video games, even the most simple ones like Pac-Man or Asteroids, have some kind of basic premise to motivate the actions of the video game. The story is what will make your player become emotionally invested in the game that they play, and it gives them a reason to follow through on their actions. Some video games are all about the story, while others merely have it as a backdrop for the rest of the action. Video games notable for their storytelling include Detroit: Become Human, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Last of Us, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- Character: Characters are a huge part of video games because, at the end of the day, they are the emotional anchors through which the players identify with the game. Whether the players are playing as certain characters, or developing relations with others, having memorable characters can often contribute to a key part of a game’s success. Video games notable for their characters include Five Nights at Freddy’s, Super Mario, Pokémon, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
- Genre: Video games often have their essences determined by their genre. Whether the game is a first-person shooter game, a cozy platform game, or a dating simulator will have drastic implications for its gameplay, design, and target audience. Some key video game genres, outside the ones already mentioned, include visual novels, open-world adventure games, action role-playing games, and survival horror games. A key thing to note is that video games often don’t confine themselves to a single genre but combine multiple.
- Engine: A game engine is what allows the game to run; it is where everything comes together for what the game will actually look and play like. Though they all serve the same end goal, different game engines offer different advantages and disadvantages, so it is good to know your project and choose an engine most suited to your purposes. Some popular game engines are Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot Engine, and GameMaker Studio 2.
- Graphics: Video game graphics refer broadly to the look of a video game. Graphics have key parameters such as two- or three-dimensionality, art style, perspective, and more which alter the way a game looks and often feels for the player. Video games that have been lauded for their graphics include Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, Resident Evil 4, and Final Fantasy XVI.
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Mechanics: Video game mechanics refer to the main playstyle rules which govern how the user will confront obstacles and interact with the game. A video game’s mechanics are frequently, but not always, tied specifically to its genre. Some examples of popular video game mechanics include block-placing in Minecraft, performing an “ult” in Genshin Impact, or shooting in Call of Duty.
Though video games can be extremely complex creations that feature far more than the tip of the iceberg presented above, they are also extreme in their variety and the forms they can take on. Many indie developers end up making games more acclaimed than well-funded game studios, so you never know when it might be your turn to shine! Give yourself the boost you need with our Video Game Name Generator and see where your creativity will take you!
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