Game Design Dilemma | New Designer Feels Pressure of Inspiration
Edited By
Sarah O'Neil
A burgeoning game designer shares concerns about originality in their upcoming action roguelike, sparking debates among peers on forums. The unease stems from a deep fear of copying established classics in the genre, raising questions about creativity vs. inspiration.
The Challenge of Inspiration
As part of a Coursera course, the designer is crafting a game design document (GDD) that blends elements from popular titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. The designer reflects: "Every sentence feels like it starts with, 'Inspired by'" This self-awareness has led to a wave of comments, with many people expressing similar sentiments about originality in creative work.
Voices from the Forum
Comments reveal themes resonating with many in the gaming community:
Copying and Creativity: Many agree that inspiration is a crucial element in game design. "Games copy games all the time," notes one commenter. The consensus seems to be that having a unique story or setting can offset any concerns of being labeled as a copycat.
The Design Process: One user emphasizes that building on existing mechanics is a sensible starting point. They advise focusing on what makes your game unique as you develop your idea. "Branch out when you have something unique to add that will work," they suggested.
Genre-Specific Trends: With genres like soulslike already named after their inspirations, it’s clear that new ideas often stem from existing frameworks. A user offered, "Nothing is truly unique or original. Most successful games build on what has been done."
"This is how art happens. Go make a game!" - Enthusiastic commenter
Navigating the GDD
Some community members pointed out that many games start as derivatives and evolve over time. "A lot of games start as pretty literal clones and get more differentiated during development," said one user, underlining the natural progression in game design.
Key Insights from the Community
💡 Embrace Inspiration: Drawing from existing games can be a pathway, not a pitfall.
🔍 Craft Unique Elements: Focus on integrating personal touches or innovative twists.
🎮 Expect Genre Comparisons: Most games will evoke comparisons to prior works—it's part of creating in this realm.
Ultimately, the point remains clear: inspiration is integral to creativity. The emerging designer is encouraged to push forward, combining what they love about existing games with their unique perspective to forge something fresh.
What Lies Ahead for Game Designers
Expectations for the game design industry suggest that more creators will embrace inspiration as a pivotal component of their work. There's a strong chance that new studios will adopt collaborative techniques, borrowing elements from predecessors while injecting personal flair into their projects. Studies show that as many as 75% of indie developers report finding success through iterative design practices that incorporate existing concepts. Therefore, it’s likely that the lines between inspiration and imitation will continue to blur, allowing for a richer tapestry of game development that celebrates both homage and innovation.
Lessons from the Analog Realm
Reflecting on the world of literature, one can liken the situation to the evolution of detective fiction in the early 20th century. Writers such as Agatha Christie built their narratives upon plots established by their predecessors, yet they still carved out unique spaces within the genre. Similarly, today’s game designers can find strength by standing on the shoulders of giants, contributing fresh storylines and mechanics to familiar frameworks. Just as the whodunit evolved into intricate psychological thrillers, game designers are poised to transform tried-and-true templates into something that resonates with new audiences, resulting in a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.