The Game Design Round Table BtC - Naming Games with Peter Hayward
Feb 25, 2025
Peter Hayward, an Australian game designer now in Los Angeles, shares his insights on the crucial art of naming games. He discusses how a strong title can influence the perception of a game from the start, affecting both pitching and publishing. The conversation covers the role of thematic elements, like those in his game Fiction, and the importance of collaboration in crafting names that resonate. Peter also navigates the challenges of trademark issues and the significance of uniqueness in a saturated market, revealing the intricacies of successful game design.
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Product Vision
- Publishers view games as products, prioritizing marketability.
- Designers should focus on presenting a complete product vision, including name, theme, and components.
Enhance Product Vision
- Include theme and unique components in your product vision.
- This helps publishers visualize the game's marketability and target audience.
Critter Kitchen Example
- Peter's game "Critter Kitchen" uses a name and theme that clearly targets a specific audience.
- This immediately communicates the game's lighthearted tone and genre.
