As video games have evolved over time, they have become increasingly popular and widespread. From simple 2D platformers to complex open-world adventures, video games come in all shapes and sizes.
History of Video Game Naming
The history of video game naming dates back to the earliest days of gaming, when developers had to come up with names for their games that would catch players’ attention and accurately reflect the gameplay experience. In the 1970s and 80s, when home consoles were first becoming popular, developers often came up with simple, memorable names that reflected the game’s genre or theme.
For example, “Pong” (1972) was a simple ping-pong simulation, while “Space Invaders” (1978) was a shoot ’em up set in space.
As technology advanced and games became more complex, developers started to experiment with more unique and creative names. In the 1990s, for example, many games featured punny or humorous names that played off of pop culture references or inside jokes.
“Final Fantasy VII” (1997), for example, was a role-playing game set in a fantasy world with a complex narrative and memorable characters.
Today, video game naming has become more sophisticated, with developers often coming up with names that are both catchy and descriptive. Some of the most memorable games of recent years have featured creative and innovative names that accurately reflect their gameplay experience.
For example, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017) was a vast, open-world adventure set in a fantasy world with plenty of secrets to discover.
Importance of Video Game Naming
The name of a video game is an important aspect of its marketing and branding. A good name can help attract players’ attention, make the game more memorable, and create a strong connection between the player and the game.
On the other hand, a poorly chosen name can hurt the game’s chances of success, make it harder for players to find or remember the game, and even turn off potential players before they even try it out.
In addition to its marketing benefits, video game naming is also important from an artistic perspective. A well-chosen name can help set the tone and atmosphere of the game, and create a sense of immersion and engagement for the player.
For example, “Life is Strange” (2015) was a thought-provoking adventure game that explored complex themes such as life, death, and choice, and its name perfectly reflected this.
Best Practices for Video Game Naming
When it comes to naming a video game, there are a few key best practices that developers should keep in mind. First and foremost, the name should be easy to remember and spell, and ideally, easy to pronounce as well.
A catchy, memorable name can help make the game stand out in a crowded marketplace, and make it easier for players to find and remember the game.
Another important consideration is the name’s relevance to the gameplay experience. The name should accurately reflect the genre or theme of the game, and give players an idea of what to expect when they start playing.
For example, “Civilization VI” (2016) was a strategy game set in ancient times, and its name reflected this by featuring the word “civilization.”
Finally, developers should consider the name’s uniqueness.