Yes, its easy to say that this game will be fun and thats all that matters but somewhere down the line someones going to ask you "what genre is the game you're making". YOU are the Game Designer and YOU of all people are expected to be able to give the most accurate answers to such questions. We do have a very responsible job and if you can't keep a part of your mind removed from the project in order to answer these questions then there will be times that you'll look like a fool for not being able to give an answer. You've got to know what you're doing!

I love Game Design and it loves me back.

Our Goal is "Fun"!

Edited by - Paul Cunningham on September 22, 2000 2:21:36 AM

Think of it this way. Behind every concept is a Universe that the concept lives in. It may be a Universe spanning generations and lightyears of space, it may be a Universe spanning one day in the life of...what matters is the overall feeling of the Universe in whch the game exists. When designing I have a tendency to create far more background than necessary, both in my head and on paper (involving writing the occasional short story) to get my mind gelled into thinking about the feeling for the Universe. I then try to think of aspects of that Universe that could make a game. I don''t think in terms of genre, I don''t thinks in terms of contraining the game to fit with other peoples blinkered views of the 4 perspectives of ''computer game'' (FPS, RTS, RPG and...what else if you''re truly genrefying your concept). I wonder what could go on in this Universe and what aspect of what went on could be stripped out and moulded into an enjoyable gaming experience. If you had a stereotypical RTS and added a single RPG element, say XP for troops so they develop over time, it doesn''t become cross genre, it doesn''t become become a new genre, it becomes a game with a certain given functionality, a certain set of rules.
The whole concept of genre exists because the purpose of language is to simplify to aid understanding when communicating an idea. Pigeon-holing exists because you have to express a a concept to people who have never experienced the implementation.
What I''m trying to say is, make a game, make rules for a game, create a world with mechanics and constraints. But don''t care how other people pigeon hole it because that''s not your job, that''s not how you fit into the scheme of things.

Mike

I see your point Mike, and i do think you are correct. Maybe i was being a little paranoid in my last post. But yes, i do agree with you.... for now It has helped clear my thoughts (screw genres).

I love Game Design and it loves me back.

Our Goal is "Fun"!