Game Ideation Methods

Game ideation methods are techniques used to generate new ideas for game design. Here
are some commonly used game ideation methods with examples:

Crazy 8s
- Crazy 8s is a game ideation technique that is commonly used in design thinking and other
creative processes to generate a large number of ideas in a short amount of time. Here's
how it works:

Gather a group of people together (ideally 8 people, but it can work with fewer or more).

Each person is given a piece of paper or a small notebook and a pen.

Set a timer for 8 minutes.

During the 8 minutes, each person sketches or writes down 8 ideas related to a specific
problem or challenge. The ideas can be wild and crazy, and should be generated quickly
without too much deliberation.

After the 8 minutes are up, each person shares their ideas with the group. The group can
discuss the ideas, build on them, or combine them to generate new ideas.

The Crazy 8s game is a fast-paced and energizing way to generate a large number of ideas
in a short amount of time. It encourages participants to think creatively and outside the box,
and can be a useful tool for overcoming creative blocks or generating fresh ideas.

Crazy 8s can be adapted to different types of challenges or problems, and can be used in a
variety of settings, from design studios to boardrooms to classrooms.

Reverse brainstorming: (also known as Worst Possible Ideas ideation process)

Reverse brainstorming is a technique that involves identifying potential problems or
obstacles related to a specific game design challenge and then brainstorming ways to create
those problems. Or “generating ideas that are intentionally bad or counterproductive to the
goal at hand. The idea behind this technique is that by focusing on the worst possible ideas,
you can free up your thinking and spark new and innovative solutions.” This can help to
identify potential issues before they become real problems and ensure that the game design
is well-rounded.

SCAMPER: SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify,
Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. This method involves taking an existing idea or
design and using one of these techniques to create something new. For example, a designer
might use SCAMPER to come up with new ideas for a platformer game by combining
elements of other game genres, adapting existing mechanics, or eliminating unnecessary
elements.

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“SCAMPER is a mnemonic acronym for a game ideation technique that stands for
Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. This
technique was developed by Bob Eberle and Sidney Parnes as part of the Creative Problem
Solving process and is often used in game design and other creative fields to generate new
ideas.

Here's a more detailed explanation of each of the SCAMPER techniques:

Substitute: This technique involves replacing one element of a game with something else.
For example, you could substitute the protagonist in a game with a different type of
character, such as a robot or animal.

Combine: This technique involves combining two or more elements of a game to create
something new. For example, you could combine elements of a puzzle game with elements
of a platformer game to create a new type of game.

Adapt: This technique involves taking an existing game mechanic or element and adapting it
for a different purpose. For example, you could adapt a mechanic from a fighting game and
use it in a puzzle game to create a new type of puzzle challenge.

Modify: This technique involves making changes to an existing game mechanic or element
to create something new. For example, you could modify the rules of a classic game like
chess to create a new and unique strategy game.

Put to another use: This technique involves taking an existing game element or mechanic
and using it for a different purpose. For example, you could take a game mechanic from a
racing game and use it in an educational game to teach math skills.

Eliminate: This technique involves removing elements or mechanics from a game to create a
simpler, more streamlined game experience. For example, you could eliminate complex
controls from a game to create a more accessible and user-friendly game.

Reverse: This technique involves reversing the rules or mechanics of a game to create
something new. For example, you could create a game where the objective is to lose points
instead of gain them, or where the player tries to lose instead of win.”

Forced connections: This ideation method involves combining two unrelated concepts or
objects to create something new. For example, you could combine the concept of a puzzle
with the object of a rubber band to create a new type of puzzle game. Forced connections
can be a great way to spark creativity and generate unexpected ideas.

Attribute listing: This ideation method involves breaking down a game or game concept
into its component parts and brainstorming different attributes or characteristics for each
component. This can be a useful way to identify potential areas for improvement or to
generate new ideas for game mechanics or features.

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Analogies and metaphors: Using analogies and metaphors can be a powerful way to
generate new ideas and approaches to game design. By comparing the game to something
else, such as a movie or a puzzle, designers can gain a new perspective on the game and
identify potential areas for improvement or innovation.

The Mashup game ideation process is a technique used in game design that involves
combining two or more existing game mechanics, themes, or concepts to create a new,
hybrid game idea. The idea behind this process is that by combining existing elements in
new and unexpected ways, game designers can create unique and engaging game
experiences.

Here are the steps involved in the Mashup game ideation process:

Identify the source material: Identify two or more existing games, game mechanics, or
themes that you want to mash up. These can be from any genre or platform, and can include
video games, board games, card games, or any other type of game.

Analyze the source material: Break down each of the source materials into their core
mechanics, themes, and gameplay elements. Look for commonalities and differences
between the source materials, and consider how they might fit together.

Brainstorm mashup ideas: Generate ideas for how the different source materials could be
combined in new and interesting ways. Be creative and open-minded, and consider how the
different elements could complement or enhance each other.

Refine the mashup ideas: Evaluate the different mashup ideas based on criteria such as fun
factor, marketability, and feasibility. Refine the ideas to create a clear and compelling game
concept.

Prototype and playtest: Create a prototype of the mashup game concept and playtest it to
see how it works in practice. Iterate on the design based on player feedback, and continue to
refine and improve the game until it is ready for release.