Sorry if this topic belongs on the writing board, but I am really wondering how some people on this site run around advertising their ideas for absurdly run-of-the-mill games? I''m not going to name any names (*cough*war2005*cough*) but it''s as if some people are deliberately carbon copying tried-true-and-completly-outdated formulas for games. I have nothing against taking a nod from some popular games, but when novice team tries to put together a game that mimicks classic game designs word for word, it gets irritating to me. My Point: I was wondering if ANYONE around here has an INTERESTING or UNIQUE game idea?

you sure didnt contribute with something creative

Mimicking a tried-and-true game is a fine and noble exercise for an aspiring game designer. Tackling problems that have already been solved is one of the most efficient ways of assimilating problem-solving techniques that there is.

As to original designs, what do you want? you want something that borrows nothing? What constitutes a "nod"? Is it a "nod" to name a character after a character from another game? Is it a "nod" to use the same control scheme? Is it a "nod" to set it in the same universe? To use the same camera angle? To fit into a genre, market or tone?

I''m trying to understand why you would START a thread with a flame. Take a deep breath, and try something constructive.

P.S. - I think my zombie idea was clever. Nobody has ever used sleeping, dermally respirating zombies before, to my knowledge. Cram it. With walnuts.

Well, he''s new. He''ll learn hopefully, but kudos and thanks keen and Iron Chef Carnage for reminding poobah noobah of community style moves regarding no flame baiting.

On topic though, if I had a unique and original idea in an industry and competitive as this, I would be holding my cards pretty close to my chest.

It''s like this SullVew: I write screenplays. There are probably about oh, six or seven hundred people in the entire world who can actually cut me a check for the work I do. Those people are silly/crazy/paranoid all the time about the exclusivity and privacy of their intellectual property rights, upon which all their income, reputation and risks rest. They are about as tight lipped a community as you''ll find, and, there''s an old saying that a writer''s worst enemy is their own enthusiasm.

If somebody really had a unique, original and interesting idea, they are probably really tight lipped about it, or, release only general information about it, and to anybody they tell details to, legal documents are signed in advance once the person asking is qualified as interested and actively seeking to produce said material. This is not paranoia, as some would unwisely claim, it''s smart business in the intellectual property business.

Addy

*Takes Deep Breath*
Okay, I feel better now. That came off a little angrier than I had intended it. What I really wanted to know was if, in fact, out-of-the-ordinary ideas DID in fact exist among the posters on the board, but, I agree, it really came out as flamebait.

Originality is not for everyone. Some people do better by refining other ideas, rather than creating their own.

That, and these boards lack a certain respect at times, and I think a good portion of people who''d like to discuss their design ideas are worried about having them ''borrowed'' by an inspired forum lurker.

Hopefully some of this woes will be eliminated when the new forums arrive and we can get back to designing in an open and intelligent spirit.

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quote:

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Original post by SullVew
*Takes Deep Breath*
Okay, I feel better now. That came off a little angrier than I had intended it. What I really wanted to know was if, in fact, out-of-the-ordinary ideas DID in fact exist among the posters on the board, but, I agree, it really came out as flamebait.

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Well, until every game publisher requires that every design be nothing less of revolutionary, the best path to success in programming will be to take an existing idea and improve upon it.

In simpler words, we are but humble people who sit at our computers without the help of 10+ design, art, and programming teams. We are programming within our abilities, which we acquire through making what has already been made.

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Also Known As:
The Number 2 Mind
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I don''t know of of the ideas causing your outburst, but I think cloning classic games is an awesome idea. Why not remake and refine a game you loved? A fun game that lacks originality is better than an original game that isn''t fun, right?

What makes a game original? Does it have to be 100% original? Can it be so?

Yes. I have many quite original game designs. At least 9 among my 15 total. But I''m not about to share them, due to the reason that adventuredesign mentioned.

I''ve got them written out, and safely kept away, for the time when they''re ready to see the light of day.

(^ that rhymed) :D