As a game developer, creating a video game name is an essential part of your game’s overall branding. A catchy and memorable name can help make your game stand out from the competition, spark interest among potential players, and even become synonymous with your brand.
1. Brainstorming: The first step in coming up with a great game name is to brainstorm ideas. Start by jotting down as many options as you can think of, without worrying about whether they’re good or bad. Once you have a list of potential names, go through each one and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Consider factors such as memorability, uniqueness, and relevance to your game’s theme or genre.
2. Research: Before settling on a name for your game, it’s important to do some research to see what other games with similar themes or genres are named. This can help you avoid naming conflicts and ensure that your name stands out from the crowd. You can also look at popular names in other industries to see what works well in terms of branding and marketing.
3. Keep it simple: When it comes to game names, simplicity is often key. A name that’s too long or complicated can be difficult to remember and may turn off potential players. Stick to short, easy-to-pronounce names that are memorable and easy to spell. Avoid using acronyms or inside jokes that only your team will understand.
4. Be creative: While simplicity is important, don’t let it stifle your creativity. Consider using puns, wordplay, or other forms of clever wording to create a name that’s both memorable and unique. You can also incorporate elements from your game’s storyline, characters, or setting into the name to make it more meaningful and engaging.
5. Test it out: Once you have a few potential names in mind, test them out with your team and target audience. Ask for feedback on which name they prefer and why. You can also use social media polls or surveys to get a broader range of opinions and see which names are most popular.
6. Register the name: Finally, make sure you register your game name before launching it. This will prevent other companies from using the same name for their own products and help protect your brand’s identity. You can register your game name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or a similar organization in your country.
Examples of great video game names
To illustrate the principles outlined above, let’s take a look at some examples of great video game names from throughout history:
1. “Minecraft”: This name is simple, memorable, and easy to spell. It also reflects the game’s focus on mining and building, which makes it highly relevant to the gameplay experience.
2. “Portal”: This name is short, sweet, and easy to remember. It also incorporates a clever pun on the word “portal,” which refers to a gateway or entrance in physics.
3. “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time”: This name is long but still memorable thanks to its use of alliteration and descriptive language. It also reflects the game’s focus on adventure, exploration, and time travel.
4. “Pokémon Go”: This name is simple, catchy, and easy to remember. It also incorporates elements from the game’s popular franchise, which helps build brand recognition and excitement.
5. “Tetris”: This name is short, memorable, and easy to spell. It also reflects the game’s focus on puzzle-solving and strategic thinking, which makes it highly relevant to the gameplay experience.
Conclusion
Coming up with a great video game name can be a challenging but rewarding process.
