The world of mobile gaming is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging every day. As a game developer, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve and come up with fresh, engaging game ideas that will capture the attention of players. But how do you find inspiration for your next mobile game?
Look at Current Trends in Mobile Gaming:
- Genre popularity: What genres are currently dominating the app stores? Are puzzle games, action games, or strategy games seeing the most success? Researching current trends can give you insights into what players are looking for and what types of games are likely to be well-received.
- New technology: Are there new technologies like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) that are opening up new possibilities for mobile games? Explore these technologies and consider how they could be integrated into your game.
- Monetization models: How are other successful mobile games generating revenue? Are they using in-app purchases, subscriptions, or advertising? Understanding the monetization models of other games can help you determine the best approach for your own game.
Examples of trending mobile game genres:
- Hypercasual Games: These games are designed for quick, bite-sized gameplay and are typically free-to-play with monetization through ads. Popular examples include “Subway Surfers” and “Candy Crush Saga.”
- Battle Royale Games: These games feature large-scale multiplayer combat, where the last player standing wins. “PUBG Mobile” and “Fortnite” are popular examples.
- Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs): These games involve teams of players battling each other in competitive arenas. “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang” and “Arena of Valor” are popular examples.
Get Inspired by Other Media:
- Movies and TV shows: Are there any movies or TV shows with intriguing storylines or characters that could be adapted into a mobile game? Think about how you could translate the core concepts of the story into engaging gameplay.
- Books and comics: Similarly, books and comics can be excellent sources of inspiration for mobile games. Look for stories with strong characters, compelling narratives, and interesting settings.
- Music and art: Music and art can also be great sources of inspiration for game design. Think about how you could use music to create atmosphere and set the mood for your game, or how you could use art to create unique and memorable visuals.
Example: The popular mobile game “Monument Valley” was inspired by the artist M.C. Escher’s work, incorporating his signature style of impossible architecture and optical illusions.
Analyze Your Existing Games:
- Identify strengths: What are your most successful games? What elements make them stand out? Analyzing your past projects can reveal valuable insights into what players enjoy and what makes your games unique.
- Learn from failures: What didn’t work in your previous games? Were there any features that players didn’t engage with or any design flaws that hindered gameplay? Understanding your failures can help you avoid repeating mistakes in the future.
For example: If you notice that players are consistently enjoying the level design and visual aesthetics of a particular game, you can try to incorporate similar elements into your new game.
Explore Your Personal Interests and Hobbies:
- Passions and hobbies: What are you passionate about? Do you have any hobbies that you could translate into a mobile game? Your personal interests can be a rich source of inspiration for game ideas that are meaningful to you.
- Everyday experiences: Pay attention to your everyday experiences and think about how you could turn them into a game. Maybe you could create a game based on a common problem you face, or an unusual encounter you’ve had.
Example: A game developer who enjoys gardening might create a game based on growing plants, collecting seeds, and designing different gardens.
Experiment with Game Mechanics and Concepts:
- Prototype ideas: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different game mechanics and concepts. Creating prototypes can help you test your ideas and see if they are viable.
- Brainstorming sessions: Collaborate with other game developers or designers to brainstorm new ideas. Sharing ideas with others can spark creativity and lead to unexpected insights.
Example: You might experiment with a new type of puzzle game that involves manipulating objects in 3D space.
Use Inspiration Tools and Resources:
- Online communities: There are many online communities for game developers where you can share ideas, get feedback, and find inspiration. Websites like Reddit and Discord offer forums for discussing game design and finding inspiration.
- Game development blogs and websites: Keep up with the latest news and trends in the gaming industry by reading blogs and articles written by game developers and designers. These resources can provide valuable insights into the latest game design techniques, technological advancements, and market trends.
- Game development books and courses: Investing in game development books and courses can give you a deeper understanding of the principles of game design and provide you with practical tips and techniques for creating engaging mobile games.
Example: Sites like Gamasutra and GameDev.net offer insightful articles and interviews with experienced game developers.
Don’t Be Afraid to Think Outside the Box:
- Challenge conventional ideas: Don’t be afraid to challenge conventional game design ideas and try something new. Think about how you could disrupt established norms and create a game that stands out from the crowd.
- Embrace uniqueness: Your game doesn’t have to be groundbreaking or revolutionary to be successful. Focus on creating a game that is unique and engaging, and that reflects your own personal style and interests.
Example: Instead of creating a typical action game, you could try developing a game with a more contemplative or philosophical theme, exploring complex themes and challenging players to think critically.
Test Your Ideas With Potential Players:
- Gather feedback: Once you have a few game ideas that you’re excited about, start gathering feedback from potential players. You can do this by creating simple prototypes, conducting surveys, or holding focus groups.
- Iterate and refine: Use the feedback you receive to refine your game ideas and make improvements. Don’t be afraid to change direction or pivot if you realize that your initial concept isn’t resonating with players.
Example: You could create a simple prototype of your game using a game engine like Unity or Unreal Engine and then test it with a small group of players.
Conclusion
Finding inspiration for your next mobile game idea is a challenging but rewarding task. By paying attention to current trends, drawing inspiration from other media, exploring your own interests, and experimenting with new ideas, you can come up with fresh and engaging game concepts that will captivate players. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, get creative, and have fun with the process.
