A methodical approach to iterative game design innovation
Core Idea: New game ideas can be effectively generated by using existing games as a foundation and iterating on them through changes in perspective, theme, medium, or context.
Key Elements
Key Methods
- Change in Perspective
- Shifts player immersion and interaction with the game world
- Example: Satisfactory reimagined Factorio from a top-down view to a first-person perspective
- Creates new design opportunities through altered spatial relationships
- Shift in Theme or Context
- Introduces new environmental challenges and narrative possibilities
- Example: Subnautica adapted Minecraft's survival mechanics to an underwater setting
- Allows familiar mechanics to feel fresh through new thematic framing
- Change in Medium
- Leverages digital tools for accessibility and scalability
- Example: Among Us translated real-world social deduction games like Werewolf into a digital format
- Opens opportunities for automation, online play, and visual feedback
- Revival or Improvement of a Concept
- Modernizes and refines mechanics while adding personal creative touches
- Example: Stardew Valley was created as a response to the perceived decline in quality of the Harvest Moon series
- Addresses gaps or unfulfilled potential in beloved game formulas
Critical Insight
While these games start with existing ideas, they are not mere clones. They evolve into unique experiences by:
- Exploring the design space opened by the initial change (perspective, theme, etc.)
- Filtering the concept through the designer's unique perspective and creative vision
Example: Hotline Miami was inspired by Ikiki's Hakaiman, but Dennis Wedin's artistic and musical influences transformed it into a distinct, genre-defining game.
Philosophical Foundation
All creative work is iterative and builds on what came before. As Terry Cavanagh (Dicey Dungeons) notes:
"Everything anyone ever makes is inspired by what's in their head – what they've played, read, encountered, or thought a lot about. Creation doesn't happen in a vacuum – everything is a remix! You start with the ideas you love and obsess about, and go from there to make something that's uniquely your own."
Implications for Game Designers
- Embrace Influence: Draw inspiration confidently from games you love
- Iterate Creatively: Use existing ideas as starting points for exploration
- Infuse Personal Vision: Your unique perspective transforms inspiration into innovation
Notable Examples of Iterative Success
- Minecraft → Inspired by Infiniminer
- Vampire Survivors → Inspired by Magic Survival
- Fortnite → Built on the PUBG battle royale formula
Connections
- Related Concepts: Iterative Design (refining ideas through multiple cycles), Creative Remix (recombination of existing elements)
- Broader Context: Game Design Methodology (approaches to creating games)
- Applications: Game Jam Techniques (rapid ideation approaches), Game Concept Development (structured approaches to idea generation)
- Components: Design Space Exploration (investigating possibilities opened by changes)
References
- Game designer interviews and postmortems
- Design evolution case studies
#gamedesign #creativity #inspiration #iterativedesign
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