With the rapid advancement in technology and internet, digital games have evolved from merely being a source of entertainment with friends during leisure time to a profession that passionate individuals can learn to kickstart their careers. After the launch of the largest digital gaming expo worldwide in Saudi Arabia, this expansive field has turned into a valuable opportunity for tech companies and entities to focus their efforts on developing video games and empowering entrepreneurs and innovators to unleash their talents and creativity in producing digital content; thus, transforming the gaming industry from a "fun" activity into an economic driver for the country.
Video games are considered one of the most significant digital industries worldwide, starting in the early 1970s when inventor William Higinbotham created the first digital game in human history, called "Tennis for Two." This simple tennis game allowed two players to participate. As a pioneering experience for society, playing the game was not initially easy. It required a visit to the store for a short playtime, often with long queues. That was where people split between enthusiasm and frustration; therefore, the need for diverse games and innovative solutions in this field became evident.
Since then, the video game industry emerged, which continually evolved and improved to reach its current state. If you think we have reached the peak of this industry, think again. There is still plenty of room for expansion and advancement in the world of video game production.
Here are several key points to help you brainstorm unique ideas for your next game:
1-Play for Inspiration
It is effortless to find a game you enjoy, but it can be challenging to pinpoint why you love it. Try playing various games and attempt to discover what makes one attractive and what makes another boring. This will expand your horizons and change your perspective on games because now you are not playing just for fun; rather, you are exploring, learning, and experimenting to understand the reasons for your attraction to certain video games.
2-Define Your Industry
The world of gaming is vast, so experiencing every game could take years, if not centuries. The best approach is to narrow down your niche. Do you want to create a racing game, a puzzle game, or a sports game? Knowing the answer is essential for identifying your field. This will help you exclude options for less distraction, which would simplify your research, allowing you in the end to think outside the box and prioritize your ideas.
3-Record Your Ideas
In moments of deep thought, unconventional ideas may surface, some of which might appear "shallow." This is entirely normal, and happens to everyone. Your task is to jot down these ideas in a dedicated notebook for later review. At this stage, you should be collecting as many creative thoughts as possible, without evaluating them. Afterwards, you can discuss these ideas with friends, family, or fellow gamers to assess their viability and value.
In conclusion, reading continuously and staying informed in this field can also lead to innovation and excellence. This will help you keep up with the ongoing changes and updates in the world of video games. Remember that at this stage, you should not be seeking amusement; rather, you should be addressing people's needs in a technical and creative manner.
Here are three YouTube channels dedicated to providing valuable and enriching content about video games to kickstart your exploration and innovation in this vast field:
The Cherno offers many courses and educational videos related to game design and understanding programming languages. It is a good place for those who want to enhance their knowledge about games and how to design them.
Ask Gamedev is one of the famous YouTube channels that provides rich and enjoyable content for people interested in the digital game industry. They offer various courses and videos to explain how you can start your journey as a digital game designer.
DevDuck is one of the most popular channels specializing in game programming. It provides valuable and enjoyable content that combines fun and knowledge to explain the best tools and methods for designing and programming digital games.
