A video game is more than the sum of its pieces; a game has a synergy that, after the game is complete, makes it something unique. Creating this synergy takes a lot of technical know-how, as well as a sense of design and art. Basically, you need to be a Leonardo da Vinci and an Albert Einstein all in one.
The basic sequence of game design is as follows:
* Come up with an idea for a game.
* Create storyboards and rough sketches of your game world, the main characters, and the action.
* List the details of your game and take into consideration everything about the game "universe."
* Finally, put these concepts all together into a design document, something like a movie script that contains everything about your game.
Developing an idea
Before you write a game, you need an idea — a story, something to start with. Brainstorm and come up with an idea for a game; the idea should be loosely based on something that has at least a fleeting resemblance to a story. Then you need to come up with the goals of the game. Ask yourself questions such as "What will the player do?" and "How will the player do it?"
Maybe you're wondering, "Where do I get ideas for games?" Well, you can't tap into any magical formulas, but you can look in a few places:
* Other games: Don't copy another game, of course, but improving and taking a new perspective within the game is fine.
* Movies and videos: Watch as many sci-fi movies as possible and see if you can come up with a game based on some of their ideas and content. Of course, you need to get permission from the filmmaker if you use any characters or story lines from those movies.
* Real-life games: You can take a game such as hockey and make a computer version of it, or make a futuristic version of it.
* Dreams and nightmares: This technique is a gold mine; in your mind, you can try anything out. Go to sleep thinking about games, demons, monsters, or whatever, and hopefully, you will have a killer dream that gives you an idea for a game.
