Challenge
by Matt Fairfax · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 04/03/2001 (11:15 am) · 177 replies
I have heard more and more people complaining about the stagnating state of games, yet I see very few people trying to do anything about it. GG is making a good start =) but 3 people can't change the industry. However, there are several thousand GG members, all of whom are creative people. Therefore I put forth this challenge:
What if everyone who visits GG would post just one original game idea? You would have several thousand original game ideas! So, just make something up! Look around the room! Look around as you drive/ride around! Think about what you like to do, what you like to read, what tv shows and movies you like to watch. Think back to when you were a young kid and try to remember those games you used to make up. Think about your fondest memories and dreams. Go crazy, go wild, be silly!
Here are some things to think about while you think up your ideas:
-You don't have to even post a description. A simple title can help to spark other's imgainations far more than an already laid out game. For example: what images does the title "Nose Picker 3D" bring to mind? I'm sure that they are radically different from most other people reading this post =)
-Try to avoid mentioning the name of already existing games. If you liken your game to another you are begining to stray back onto the beaten path.
-Try to avoid games that are described by something like, "It is a cross between StarCraft and Deer Hunter 3D". If you can't describe your game without mentioning a blend of existing games then spell out exactly how this mixture will work.
-Try to avoid describing your game with genres. There is a big difference between saying your game has a first person view and your game is a first person shooter.
-Don't worry about whether or not existing technology will support you game idea. We are talking about ideas not implementation.
-If you want a challenge, try to come up with a hardcore game that doesn't involve violence in any form (not even laser tag or nerf).
-Don't worry about marketability. Who cares if it would sell well. These are just ideas.
-Ask friends and family what game they would want to play. It may not be your idea originally but you can expand on it greatly.
These are just suggestions. Please don't let them hold you back in any way!
Well, have at it! I look forward to seeing what this fine community can come up with!
What if everyone who visits GG would post just one original game idea? You would have several thousand original game ideas! So, just make something up! Look around the room! Look around as you drive/ride around! Think about what you like to do, what you like to read, what tv shows and movies you like to watch. Think back to when you were a young kid and try to remember those games you used to make up. Think about your fondest memories and dreams. Go crazy, go wild, be silly!
Here are some things to think about while you think up your ideas:
-You don't have to even post a description. A simple title can help to spark other's imgainations far more than an already laid out game. For example: what images does the title "Nose Picker 3D" bring to mind? I'm sure that they are radically different from most other people reading this post =)
-Try to avoid mentioning the name of already existing games. If you liken your game to another you are begining to stray back onto the beaten path.
-Try to avoid games that are described by something like, "It is a cross between StarCraft and Deer Hunter 3D". If you can't describe your game without mentioning a blend of existing games then spell out exactly how this mixture will work.
-Try to avoid describing your game with genres. There is a big difference between saying your game has a first person view and your game is a first person shooter.
-Don't worry about whether or not existing technology will support you game idea. We are talking about ideas not implementation.
-If you want a challenge, try to come up with a hardcore game that doesn't involve violence in any form (not even laser tag or nerf).
-Don't worry about marketability. Who cares if it would sell well. These are just ideas.
-Ask friends and family what game they would want to play. It may not be your idea originally but you can expand on it greatly.
These are just suggestions. Please don't let them hold you back in any way!
Well, have at it! I look forward to seeing what this fine community can come up with!
About the author
By day, I am a senior programmer at The Playforge, makers of the popular iPhone game Zombie Farm. By night, I work on my own games as Night Heron Games. I am an ex-GarageGames employee who helped ship TGE, TGEA, Torque 3D, and Constructor.
#122
You should be able to use people's hair clippings to cast some sort of dark magic.
Looking over some of the previous posts here, you might be able to find some other ideas to tie into to the same game. But if you use too many ideas, the game might not be any good.
10/08/2003 (7:14 am)
You could combine those 2 into one game: Angry Hairdresser from Hell.You should be able to use people's hair clippings to cast some sort of dark magic.
Looking over some of the previous posts here, you might be able to find some other ideas to tie into to the same game. But if you use too many ideas, the game might not be any good.
#123
10/08/2003 (8:41 am)
Quote:Angry Neighbour from hell: You play a houseowner who makes his neighbours angry. You can turn on the stereo, thrown things at windows etc. You win the level by making a set number of neighbours really angry without getting caught by the police. If the neighbours come around you can either run away, or go into fistycuffs with them. The more levels you complete, the more toys / actions you get to make your neighbours angry with. Some neighbours are more chilled out than others, so you need to work extra hard to make them angry.Check out the November 2003 PCGamer, page 126. :)
#124
www.pcgamer.com/inthisissue/inthisissue.html
and
www.neighbours-from-hell.com/
I nearly fell off my chair when I found these! LOL. Who says I have rubbish idea's now! Top spot Jak!
Come on guys, if I can think of an idea in 30 seconds that can be turned into a game, you should be able to churn out loads of original ideas.
Sorry Nauris, I looked for a bad hair day game, but there werent any ;)
10/08/2003 (1:09 pm)
OMG! Jak, I am absolutely astounded!www.pcgamer.com/inthisissue/inthisissue.html
and
www.neighbours-from-hell.com/
I nearly fell off my chair when I found these! LOL. Who says I have rubbish idea's now! Top spot Jak!
Come on guys, if I can think of an idea in 30 seconds that can be turned into a game, you should be able to churn out loads of original ideas.
Sorry Nauris, I looked for a bad hair day game, but there werent any ;)
#125
10/08/2003 (1:31 pm)
OK, I was so astounded I posted twice. 
#126
For example - a game which helps player to get rid of nasty habits such as smoking. Player is given access to further areas of game only after he has achieved personal goal (like minimizing number of smoked cigarettes, visited lung cancer victim or something else).
There could even be multiplayer - various people hook up to fight their habbit and get further in game, they not only share their gaming environment, they also can help each other with tips how to kick smoking.
and yeah, i'm a smoker myself.
10/08/2003 (10:03 pm)
I have always thought that it would be great game which could actually influence your Real Life (tm) actions.For example - a game which helps player to get rid of nasty habits such as smoking. Player is given access to further areas of game only after he has achieved personal goal (like minimizing number of smoked cigarettes, visited lung cancer victim or something else).
There could even be multiplayer - various people hook up to fight their habbit and get further in game, they not only share their gaming environment, they also can help each other with tips how to kick smoking.
and yeah, i'm a smoker myself.
#127
if developer strucks that nerve and also execution doesnt suck, its possible to hit bullseye and come up with cult thing.
10/08/2003 (11:35 pm)
And about Neighbours from Hell - it just means that there are some universal formulas/archetypes which dwell in every persons minds :)if developer strucks that nerve and also execution doesnt suck, its possible to hit bullseye and come up with cult thing.
#128
Here's a game inspired by Space Channel 5, Starcraft, Jet Set Radio, and... Robert Moses?
NYC MC
Player assumes the role of a DJ in New York. The primary objective is to defend your neighborhood from the encroaching forces of expressways and highrise projects and bring life back to the streets with the power of music.
- Everything must be done in the beat of the game.
- Turntable in the streets to get people dancing, and to get other DJ's working for you.
- Organize block parties to block expressway and project construction, and send your turntabling crews out on the subways to get other parts of the city grooving to your beat.
- Once a neighborhood is entirely yours, even the buildings will bump and grind to your tunes ;)
- The more neighborhoods and DJ's you have under your control, the more multilayered and filled-out the sound becomes.
- The more city you control, the more the government tries to stop you -- sending out construction crews to raze your buildings and police to break up parties and instigate dancekilling curfews.
- Gain control of the transmitter atop the Empire State Building and scratch out one last performance to get the entire city out in the streets dancing to your beat.
Definite possiblities of collaboration with the underground hip-hop scene here. Get partial tracks that can mixed on the fly, and maybe even get the game included on an enhanced CD. That sort of thing.
05/10/2004 (2:57 pm)
(back from the dead!)Here's a game inspired by Space Channel 5, Starcraft, Jet Set Radio, and... Robert Moses?
NYC MC
Player assumes the role of a DJ in New York. The primary objective is to defend your neighborhood from the encroaching forces of expressways and highrise projects and bring life back to the streets with the power of music.
- Everything must be done in the beat of the game.
- Turntable in the streets to get people dancing, and to get other DJ's working for you.
- Organize block parties to block expressway and project construction, and send your turntabling crews out on the subways to get other parts of the city grooving to your beat.
- Once a neighborhood is entirely yours, even the buildings will bump and grind to your tunes ;)
- The more neighborhoods and DJ's you have under your control, the more multilayered and filled-out the sound becomes.
- The more city you control, the more the government tries to stop you -- sending out construction crews to raze your buildings and police to break up parties and instigate dancekilling curfews.
- Gain control of the transmitter atop the Empire State Building and scratch out one last performance to get the entire city out in the streets dancing to your beat.
Definite possiblities of collaboration with the underground hip-hop scene here. Get partial tracks that can mixed on the fly, and maybe even get the game included on an enhanced CD. That sort of thing.
#129
www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=5665
05/10/2004 (4:01 pm)
Good to see this thread come back to life. I have a posting but I put it into my plan so if anyone is interested in checking out YAZG (yet another zombie game) you can view it here:www.garagegames.com/index.php?sec=mg&mod=resource&page=view&qid=5665
#130
CLUT WARS!!!:
You get new people into your cult and keep them there, you fight other cults (maybe online) and get their follower's get their money ect. Send followers to hurt the other cluts leaders, mess with there power ect., you can get them to make money and food, other stuff too. You have to watch out for the pesky freedom fighters that sneak people out! Its kind of like a gang game, in the apect of fighting other clut's. But you can slowly RULE THE WORLD! MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Hehe. ;)
You are a mad doc, and you have made a smart rabit. It can speak to you but then it breed's.... They keep breeding, You cant stop them and they revolt. You have to defeat a army of smart rabit's.... You can take it form there. ;)
05/16/2004 (12:10 am)
God so many ideas i havnt read them all!! here are 2 games i just thought up tonight...CLUT WARS!!!:
You get new people into your cult and keep them there, you fight other cults (maybe online) and get their follower's get their money ect. Send followers to hurt the other cluts leaders, mess with there power ect., you can get them to make money and food, other stuff too. You have to watch out for the pesky freedom fighters that sneak people out! Its kind of like a gang game, in the apect of fighting other clut's. But you can slowly RULE THE WORLD! MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Hehe. ;)
You are a mad doc, and you have made a smart rabit. It can speak to you but then it breed's.... They keep breeding, You cant stop them and they revolt. You have to defeat a army of smart rabit's.... You can take it form there. ;)
#132
Joseph, that is a wonderful idea, you could get squrted with water too! Can you take down dogs with your claws? Hehehehe that'd be nice...
05/16/2004 (1:32 am)
@Saurav (I know the post was a long while ago...) The 'TAG UR IT' game was very good, maybe it should be like a 3D and you are a flying ball, and each time you get taged, you get a new ball that follows you. Kinda' like good ole snake! Insted of a ball, you could be a animal trainer/catcher going up against other people. You get bird's and its all in a forest or something. Maybe not birds since your not flying anymore..... But you get the idea, it could be really great!Joseph, that is a wonderful idea, you could get squrted with water too! Can you take down dogs with your claws? Hehehehe that'd be nice...
#134
You and a team of scientists and explorers are going where no man has gone before - not into space but to the core of the planet! Your job is to find out what has been causing the escilating seismic activity all over the world and bring it to a state of control.
Each of your party members are experts in their own areas and provide onboard tools for the ship, enhancements for the explorers to traverse outside the ship safely, weapons and other forms of defence in case of attack, take samples and mark areas for excavation, and of course to provide the intellect to discern the cause of the activities and to stop them.
A completely alien environment provides plenty to quest and question!
05/28/2004 (9:36 am)
Seismic ThrustYou and a team of scientists and explorers are going where no man has gone before - not into space but to the core of the planet! Your job is to find out what has been causing the escilating seismic activity all over the world and bring it to a state of control.
Each of your party members are experts in their own areas and provide onboard tools for the ship, enhancements for the explorers to traverse outside the ship safely, weapons and other forms of defence in case of attack, take samples and mark areas for excavation, and of course to provide the intellect to discern the cause of the activities and to stop them.
A completely alien environment provides plenty to quest and question!
#135
On 24th Of December 2002, at 10:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, a group of 30 trucks, in each state, exploded. Releasing Biological Chemicals, at 8 times the force of Hiroshima , they leveled cities, killing thousands. After the blast, a fog developed, and started moving up and down the East Coast, leveling anything that came within its bath, buildings, card, fences, tree's, sky-scraper, and worst of all Human Life. Some Survived, some were not as fortunate, all of Congress was wiped out, The President Of The United States (George W. Bush), was on a plane enroute to England when this happened, he was going to spend his time with his family and his wife, in London.
Christmas Day, All of the Terrorist nations, formed an alliance, and agreed that they needed to invade the East Coast. The Nations made Saddam Hessian they're leader. Meanwhile, on the East Coast. Television Helicopters Circled about, trying to record what they could through the Fog. The People back west, realized what had happened, and Chaos broke out, street gangs raided shops, people ran out into the streets crying, falling to the ground screaming, people committed suicide. The President declared Martial Law, this day became known as "White Wednesday".
New Year's Day, after the shock of the previous day, the fog started to lift. The riots and chaos settled, then the un-believable happened. Thousands of ships, planes, men, landed on the East Coast shore. The television helicopters were shot down, anyone found was taken hostage, and the United States was trying to reach their way East from the West. The Terrorists starts their way in towards the West. All of the President's help requests where denied, no help arrived.
Today (January 5th 2003), As of today, the Terrorists have reached the Western Border of the Debris, and have started attacking the United States Military, with suicide tactics. John J. Burt, you have been hand selected along with 5 others, to on go training at a secret island off the coast of Costa Rica, your mission, to infiltrate the East Coast with these 5 others, and to help illiminate the Terrorist Threat.
05/28/2004 (10:18 am)
This is my game design (it is considered original because i made it before this freedom fighters came out, and it really ticked me off). I'm aware it has SP errors, and needs work, it was a fast type up, I dun have time to correct them atm. . . On 24th Of December 2002, at 10:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, a group of 30 trucks, in each state, exploded. Releasing Biological Chemicals, at 8 times the force of Hiroshima , they leveled cities, killing thousands. After the blast, a fog developed, and started moving up and down the East Coast, leveling anything that came within its bath, buildings, card, fences, tree's, sky-scraper, and worst of all Human Life. Some Survived, some were not as fortunate, all of Congress was wiped out, The President Of The United States (George W. Bush), was on a plane enroute to England when this happened, he was going to spend his time with his family and his wife, in London.
Christmas Day, All of the Terrorist nations, formed an alliance, and agreed that they needed to invade the East Coast. The Nations made Saddam Hessian they're leader. Meanwhile, on the East Coast. Television Helicopters Circled about, trying to record what they could through the Fog. The People back west, realized what had happened, and Chaos broke out, street gangs raided shops, people ran out into the streets crying, falling to the ground screaming, people committed suicide. The President declared Martial Law, this day became known as "White Wednesday".
New Year's Day, after the shock of the previous day, the fog started to lift. The riots and chaos settled, then the un-believable happened. Thousands of ships, planes, men, landed on the East Coast shore. The television helicopters were shot down, anyone found was taken hostage, and the United States was trying to reach their way East from the West. The Terrorists starts their way in towards the West. All of the President's help requests where denied, no help arrived.
Today (January 5th 2003), As of today, the Terrorists have reached the Western Border of the Debris, and have started attacking the United States Military, with suicide tactics. John J. Burt, you have been hand selected along with 5 others, to on go training at a secret island off the coast of Costa Rica, your mission, to infiltrate the East Coast with these 5 others, and to help illiminate the Terrorist Threat.
#136
Addams Family Railroad.
You have to build your miniture railroad and then arrange the trains to run around on the tracks. The goal...
Get them to collide on the main bridge just as you blow it up of course!
Do it right and you get to see one of those old black and white videos of a train collision just like they used to use in the TV show.
Lots of add on possibilities. Different trains, different track layouts, tunnels different bridges
And of course different ways to blow things up.
05/31/2004 (6:08 pm)
How about a game for a small team to develop. Would require a license though - sorry about that.Addams Family Railroad.
You have to build your miniture railroad and then arrange the trains to run around on the tracks. The goal...
Get them to collide on the main bridge just as you blow it up of course!
Do it right and you get to see one of those old black and white videos of a train collision just like they used to use in the TV show.
Lots of add on possibilities. Different trains, different track layouts, tunnels different bridges
And of course different ways to blow things up.
#137
You are control protocol CP472. Your task is to protect your hardware from external attacks from external ports. These let in attack software (probably in the form of angry looking metalic spiders) which you must either destroy, or attempt to interface with and integrate.
Attempted integration involves you trying to connect to more power sources than the computer in a limited time. Failure to integrate is instant game over, successful integration allows you to take over all components from the new software, and generates more power.
Power allows you to create automated defences, better defence weaponry, backup systems, repairs etc etc.
The main circuit board is in the center of the screen, and if the attack software reaches it, it will eat away at the components one by one, until it is destroyed.
05/31/2004 (11:43 pm)
OK, not posted for ages, so here is an idea i'm making up as Im going along.You are control protocol CP472. Your task is to protect your hardware from external attacks from external ports. These let in attack software (probably in the form of angry looking metalic spiders) which you must either destroy, or attempt to interface with and integrate.
Attempted integration involves you trying to connect to more power sources than the computer in a limited time. Failure to integrate is instant game over, successful integration allows you to take over all components from the new software, and generates more power.
Power allows you to create automated defences, better defence weaponry, backup systems, repairs etc etc.
The main circuit board is in the center of the screen, and if the attack software reaches it, it will eat away at the components one by one, until it is destroyed.
#139
www.freewebs.com/atomsoftware
Just follow the link and find the link on my site to the forum. Simple.
You have to become a member to see the ideas though.
So far, all of the members are employees of Atom Software :(
Join! Join! Join!
I'm most excited about Hotel Tycoon, to which I lost the 20 page concept doc. on one of my comps, and Hi-Umi, an epic rpg.
Also, I was wondering what game engine could be used to create Roller Coaster Tycoon grfx and Mall Tycoon gameplay?
Oh, also, Atom Software now has 6 members!!! (2 times the size of GG) (Only 5 are posted on the GG website)
06/01/2004 (7:54 pm)
Check out my website. It has a link to a forum that you can join to check out my ideas for games. 1 or 2 pop up every month.www.freewebs.com/atomsoftware
Just follow the link and find the link on my site to the forum. Simple.
You have to become a member to see the ideas though.
So far, all of the members are employees of Atom Software :(
Join! Join! Join!
I'm most excited about Hotel Tycoon, to which I lost the 20 page concept doc. on one of my comps, and Hi-Umi, an epic rpg.
Also, I was wondering what game engine could be used to create Roller Coaster Tycoon grfx and Mall Tycoon gameplay?
Oh, also, Atom Software now has 6 members!!! (2 times the size of GG) (Only 5 are posted on the GG website)
#140
06/01/2004 (10:55 pm)
2 times the size of GG?
Torque Owner Nauris Krauze
make the goal more focused - if player is a neighbour from Hell, then he needs to convert souls, right? so when neghbour get REAL angry and starts swearing, you obtain his "powers". like, if you get mailman, you can now show nasty tricks to dogs etc.
Final boss - local priest:P