I was recently asked to write a proposal for a new game. I've given it the codename "Game number 12" for the simple reason that if I choose a cool codename it's more than likely to stick and the title that I really want to use will have no chance.
It was a strange situation, because I have four other ideas in different stages and each has its own strengths, but none were suitable for this project. So I had to start from scratch, which was much more daunting than I thought it would be. As many of my ideas spring from my subconscious, unbidden, this was something relatively novel for me. Usually the "sitting down" period is where I develop the ideas rather than originating them.
Two days later I was no further on and despaired that I would be able to come up with anything at all. Had my creative juices finally dried up? Of course not, I just wasn't approaching the problem in the right manner.
Once I began to analyse the problem I realised that the first thing I needed was a strong lead character. One that the player would empathise with and who would offer enough gameplay opportunities to fill a reasonably sized game. After deciding on the type of character I wanted, a few background details followed which allowed for a good setup for the game. A couple of supporting characters imediately suggested themselves and a villain, though he needs some serious work. Villains always do or they end up being to corny.
From starting with nothing, I'm now in the position to start thinking of the interface and gameplay in broad terms. I'm a little torn for the actual viewpoint at the moment, but I think that should sort itself out very shortly.
