Chapter 1: The AHA Moment

Have you ever experienced those late-night brainstorming sessions where you struggle to find a solution, only to have a flood of ideas rush in the moment you step away? This phenomenon, often referred to as the "AHA moment," is something we all hope to replicate whenever we hit a creative roadblock. By examining various perspectives on inspiration, we can uncover strategies to trigger this enlightening experience.

Rather than forcing the creative process, taking a break and seeking inspiration elsewhere can be far more effective. Like any form of art, game design begins with a concept. In my two years of crafting smaller games, I’ve learned to jot down ideas as they come, diving into my Unity and code editors to bring them to life. Iteration is key; I continue refining my games until they resonate with the vision I have in mind.

However, this journey is not without its challenges. Often, I find myself stuck, with ideas fizzling out and projects ultimately abandoned. It’s disheartening to see once-promising concepts fade away.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Before succumbing to feelings of inadequacy, I turned to the online game development community. I sought advice on platforms like Twitter, Discord, Instagram, and Reddit. To my surprise, many game designers share a similar methodology: they brainstorm ideas, test them out, and make adjustments until the gameplay feels just right.

What I discovered was crucial: it’s not just about the initial idea, but also how to cope when inspiration wanes. Much to my astonishment, I learned that those moments of clarity often strike when I engage in unrelated activities—taking a walk, washing dishes, or even while sleeping!

This insight emphasizes that inspiration can be found in diverse places, but it seldom arises from fixating on the work at hand or trying to mimic other games. Instead, stepping away can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Jesse Schell, a former professional juggler, shared a valuable lesson from his juggling festival experience: to cultivate inspiration, one should avoid merely imitating others. He observed that many jugglers were attempting to replicate each other’s moves, which stifled their originality. “They can copy my moves, but they can’t copy my inspiration,” he learned. This principle is something I strive to apply in my own creative endeavors, whether in game design or in life more broadly. Remember, inspiration takes time, but it can yield a deeper level of creativity.

If you’re passionate about game design, consider exploring more of my articles on related topics:

• Why is Experience the Most Valuable Asset for a Game Developer?
• How to Define “Fun” from a Game Developer’s Perspective?

Chapter 2: Insightful Game Design Videos

The first video, "Learn what a Game Designer REALLY does for a living!" provides an in-depth look at the day-to-day responsibilities and creative processes of game designers, shedding light on the realities of the profession.

The second video, "The 10 REAL skills you need as a Board Game Designer," outlines essential skills and insights that aspiring designers should develop to succeed in the board game industry.

For a peek into my future projects, you might be interested in:

My Future Plans for My Game Night at the Clownville

To be honest, I'm still navigating through my uncertainties.