What do you do if you're stuck in the innovation process for game design professionals?
In game design, hitting a creative block is as common as the next level-up. It happens to even the most experienced game design professionals. You’re deep into the development of your next big title, and suddenly, the wellspring of innovation runs dry. The mechanics seem derivative, the storyline feels uninspired, and the art style looks like a retread. But don't worry; there are tried-and-true methods to get those creative gears turning again. Let's dive into some strategies to help you break through that block and spark innovation in your game design process.
When you're stuck, consider each unsuccessful idea not as a setback but as a step closer to the right solution. Embracing failure is crucial in the innovation process. It's about learning what doesn't work and why. This understanding can open up new avenues of thought that you might not have considered otherwise. The key is to maintain a positive mindset and view each failure as an opportunity to refine your game design. Remember, some of the most groundbreaking games were born from a series of failed attempts that eventually led to a winning formula.
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The innovation process is one of the most crucial processes of game designing. Creating new ideas, assessing the credibility of the idea, market research and response, availability of resources and necessary skill sets etc. Are few of the steps to be covered by a game design professional in the innovation process. Do not be afraid to take risks and try creative ideas which don't sound feasible, instead set up a timeline to try out each and every idea considering its Pro's and Con's. It is very common for a concept failing to deliver the results and satisfaction, but instead of wasting any further time, be prepared to try out new ideas, do appropriate market research to check the pre-existence of the idea in the market.
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In the innovation process, failures aren't setbacks but stepping stones toward success; they offer invaluable insights into what doesn't work, fostering a mindset of resilience and continuous improvement. Embracing failure allows game designers to refine their approach, leading to groundbreaking solutions that may have otherwise remained undiscovered.
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Here are a few strategies that I find crucial when embracing failure in the innovation process: - Analyze why an idea didn't work to uncover valuable insights. - Maintain a constructive attitude and view failures as opportunities for growth. - Use each failure to improve and refine your game design. - Don’t be afraid to try unconventional ideas; innovation often comes from unexpected places. - Keep track of failed attempts to avoid repeating the same mistakes and to recognize patterns. - Seek feedback from peers to gain different perspectives and solutions.
Sometimes the best way to overcome a block is to change your environment or work on a different aspect of the project. This can mean physically moving to a new location, working at a different time of day, or switching tasks to focus on a different element of the game. By changing your context, you give your brain a chance to reset and approach problems from a fresh perspective. It's often during these times away from the problem at hand that the subconscious mind works out a solution.
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Sometimes, breaking away from the familiar environment or tasks can provide a mental reset, allowing for the subconscious to work on solutions in the background. By changing contexts, whether through physical relocation or shifting focus within the project, designers invite fresh perspectives and unexpected connections, often leading to innovative breakthroughs that transcend initial creative blocks.
Collaboration can be a powerful catalyst for innovation. Engaging with other game designers, artists, or even people outside the industry can provide new insights and ideas. When you’re stuck, reach out to your network or team members and brainstorm together. Fresh perspectives can challenge your assumptions and lead to innovative solutions that you might not have discovered on your own. Collaboration is not just about getting more ideas; it's about creating a synergy where the combined effort is greater than the sum of its parts.
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Collaboration serves as a powerful catalyst for innovation, drawing on diverse perspectives to challenge assumptions and generate novel ideas. By engaging with peers and stakeholders, game designers not only expand their creative horizons but also foster a sense of collective ownership and momentum in the innovation process.
Take a step back and reflect on the core aspects of your game. What are the key themes, mechanics, or player experiences you want to deliver? Sometimes, in the thick of development, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Reflecting on the foundational elements of your game can help realign your focus and inspire new ways to enhance those core concepts. Deep reflection can also involve looking back at your initial inspiration for the project and drawing new energy from it.
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Stepping back to reflect on the fundamental elements of the game allows designers to realign their focus and reignite their passion for the project. Deep reflection enables them to reconnect with the core themes and experiences they aim to deliver, guiding their creative decisions and inspiring fresh approaches to game design challenges.
Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional ideas or mechanics. The innovation process often involves trial and error, and sometimes the most out-of-the-box concepts can lead to a breakthrough. Set aside time to play with different ideas without the pressure of them needing to work. This freedom can lead to unexpected discoveries that propel your game design forward. Remember, it's often the wild, untested ideas that reshape genres and create entirely new gaming experiences.
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Encouraging a culture of experimentation empowers game designers to explore unconventional ideas without fear of failure. By granting themselves permission to play and iterate freely, designers create an environment conducive to innovation, where unorthodox concepts can blossom into transformative gaming experiences.
Finally, looking outside of game design can be incredibly beneficial. Explore other forms of media like books, movies, art, or even nature. These sources can provide fresh inspiration and help you think about your game from a new angle. Attending industry conferences, participating in game jams, or playing other games can also spark creativity. Inspiration is all around you; sometimes, you just need to step out of your routine to see it.
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Actively seeking inspiration from diverse sources beyond the gaming industry broadens designers' creative horizons and infuses their work with fresh perspectives. Whether drawing from literature, art, nature, or industry events, embracing a spirit of curiosity and exploration fuels the imagination, sparking innovative ideas that push the boundaries of traditional game design.
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Keep in mind the 80-20 rule when introducing innovation to a project: 80% Familiar 20% New This helps reducing friction and allows players to feel comfortable exploring new proposals. Find what makes your game innovative and focus on elevate just that, leave the rest of the game as a platform for your innovative proposal by removing the spotlight from anything that is not really relevant. Keep all aspects of the game simple and go all in only on what makes your game different. "Find a lock and design a key to open it, designing the key first and then trying to find a lock never works"