MOISTCRUMPET'S PROFILE

author=Strak
While this isn't from RMN, there were two great threads created in an old forum that I was a member of back in the day that talked about game names, what to do and what not to do. The forum isn't active anymore, but the threads are still there. I'll link them here for your reference.

What not to do

What to do

I actually faced the exact same issue about two weeks ago, trying to come up with a name. Couple of my own bits of advice:

Study names from popular games. What naming conventions do they use? Does the name reference an enemy? A place? A plot point? Does the name even have any relevance to the game on the surface, or does it just sound cool?

Looking at games like "Borderlands," "Bastion," or "Skyrim," these names don't really have anything to do with the story or characters (mostly), but rather just denote the setting where the game takes place.

Games like "Diablo" or "Metroid" instead focus their name on an iconic enemy or boss. While there is some story connotations here, it's still vague enough to represent just about any direction the story could take.

"Legend of Zelda" or "Super Mario Bros." take their name from a main or pivotal character, and in these cases they're recurring characters in a game series. I'll give a point on that in a second.

"Mario Kart," "Pokemon," and arguably "Harvest Moon" all take their names from a game mechanic, or the focus of the gameplay. Just from reading the title, you can pretty much figure out what you're doing. Racing, catching pokemon, or farming (harvesting).

And then you get names that represent more of a story point or in-game lore, or possible MacGuffin. Things like "Assassin's Creed," "Fire Emblem," or "OFF." These ones are a bit tricky, because it does take a bit more creativity to come up with a name like this, and it can sound really pretentious if the project you're working on isn't a large scale project, but maybe something you're planning on spending a couple of months on.

Now. a point about sequels, series, and subtitles. If your game is not a fan game of an existing series, or if your game is standalone and not going to be a part of ANY multi-game series, please don't give your game a subtitle. There are some games that can get away with it, but they are few and far between.

Now, having said that, you don't have to follow any of the naming conventions mentioned above or in the linked articles. There are great games with awesome titles that defy a lot of these conventions. The first game that comes to mind would be "Weird and Unfortunate Things are Happening." Maybe not the most catchy title, but very memorable, conveys its message effectively, and is fitting for the theme of the game.

I would also suggest writing down multiple ideas for names for your game, and try using them in sample fake conversations, see how they sound to you. "Have you ever heard of Gods? It's this great indie game you can find on RMN." Or, "Man, I just played Radiant Underworld, you've gotta check it out." As weird as it sounds, it honestly really works to see if your game name sounds good, and if it's something that rolls nicely off the tongue.

Anyway, that's basically just some pointers on finding inspiration for a game name, and some tips on how to find the best naming style for what you're going for. Here's a couple of my own ideas that you can play with for a name for your game, make whatever use of them you wish. Some of them are super cheesy, but maybe it'll give you some ideas.

• Mortal Fear
• Unmortal
  
• Dominion
  
• Hell's Reach
  
• Cleansing Hell
  
• We Will Leave When Hell has No More Monsters

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the advice. All of it was quite helpful! I have a lot of stuff to consider now.

Okay, so I’m in the process of creating a game for a game jam but I’m actually pretty terrible at coming up with titles for anything really. So does anyone happen to have any suggestions?

The premise is as follows:

The two main characters find themselves in the underground caverns of Hell even though they’re both completely mortal. How they ended up there is a complete mystery, as are many other things - all of which are explained as the story develops. While down there they learn that the current ruler of Hell, who takes on the form of a human, is actually a complete abomination of a monster that is made up of all of the fear and evil that comes from sentient mortal beings. This being is not only causing trouble down in Hell, but is using its power and terror to corrupt the minds of those living on the mortal realm. Surface dwellers are being driven mad by this monster’s dark influence and are committing senseless, evil atrocities.

These two mortal heroes who arrived in Hell must do what they can to rid the entire realm (mortal and immortal realms) of this dark, malevolent force before the whole entire world as they know it becomes a complete nightmare.

This game is heavily inspired by the work of Hp Lovecraft and has some incredibly dark and morbid subject matter.

~*~

Any help that anyone might have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!