Calus CoRPS' Site - Why you should share your game designs

Why you should share your game designs in Off Topic

ID:86153

Nov 23 2009, 6:55 am

http://lostgarden.com/2005/08/ why-you-should-share-your-game-designs.html

This is a nice small article on why you should share your game designs.

Moral #1: The final game is not going to look anything like your initial game design because ultimately it is the game director who makes the most important decisions, not the person who writes the game design document.

Moral #2: Most people like to copy successful ideas. Original ideas are far less likely to be cloned because they are seen as risky.

Moral #3: Most people are absolutely horrible game designers. Your game design could probably be dramatically improved by talking to other skilled designers. You have dramatically more to gain by sharing than by hording.

Moral #4: If your design ideas are similar to another title, there is a good chance you are both cribbing from the same cheat sheet. Relax. Your super clone isnt going to win or lose based off the game design anyway. Brand, polish and production values are more important.

If you do share your game design, I offer you this prediction:

No one will steal your game design.
By sharing your game design with other competant designers, you will receive in return invaluable feedback that improve your final game.
You will contribute to the game development community and help others learn about game design.

#1 Nov 23 2009, 7:09 am

IainPeregrine

Good advice, though the average BYOND user won't be able to connect with much of it:

Moral #1: The final game is not going to look anything like your initial game design because ultimately it is the game director who makes the most important decisions, not the person who writes the game design document.

This is advice everyone should keep in mind, though:

polish and production values are more important.

A game idea counts for squat. What matters is getting it finished, making it playable, and adding that last bit of polish.

#2 Nov 23 2009, 8:57 am

Zaole

i liked that article a lot. two things from it in particular:

"In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is impossible to steal a game design. The best you can do is create an interpretation."

and

"Suppose a publisher yells in a crowded room, 'Quick, think of a color between red and blue.' How can you curse the fellow next to you who also thought of purple? This is convergent innovation, not theft."

oh, and from the comments: "As for me, I prefer telling people about my ideas. So what if they get stolen. Then the idea gets made, and I didn't have to bust my ass making it.

All my ideas are games I would actually like to play, so why shouldn't I encourage others to make them."

#3 Nov 23 2009, 2:39 pm
Mecha Destroyer JD	Hmm, where have I heard this before....

#4 Nov 23 2009, 2:39 pm
IainPeregrine	Mecha Destroyer JD wrote: Hmm, where have I heard this before.... I've been wondering the same thing. I'm sure I've read this before.

#5 Nov 23 2009, 8:58 pm
SuperAntx	It's a good idea to incorporate feedback into your design, but I don't believe one needs to display their design documents for all to see in order to have a good game.