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Please Let Us Fix Your Video Game Name

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January 30, 2025

TLDR: Discussion on video game titles by Triple Click Consulting, evaluating their memorability, punchiness, understandability, enticing nature, surprise element and confusion levels, compared examples ranging from Balatro to EA Sports FC.

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In the latest episode of Triple Click, hosts Kirk Hamilton, Maddy Myers, and Jason Shrier delve into the fascinating world of video game titles. The discussion explores what qualities make some game names memorable and effective while others flop. This episode serves as a consultancy of sorts, aiming to break down the elements that contribute to a good or bad video game name.

The Importance of a Good Name

The hosts emphasize that a good video game title should ideally embody at least two out of the following five qualities:

  • Memorable vs. Forgettable: Names should stick in a player’s mind, becoming iconic and easily recalled.
  • Punchy vs. Floppy: Titles should have a strong rhythm, be fun to say, and avoid being overly complex.
  • Understandable vs. Confusing: A title should hint at the game's content, making it representative of the gameplay.
  • Enticing vs. Off-Putting: It should pique curiosity and draw players in, rather than feeling generic or uninviting.
  • Surprising vs. Predictable: A good game name can offer a twist that intrigues players.

Kirk notes that even names that break these rules can succeed if the game itself is strong, illustrating this with examples throughout the episode.

Analyzing Game Names

Successful Titles

  1. Balatro: The hosts agree that Balatro is a strong name due to its memorability and punchiness. Despite being a bit confusing, it establishes a strong brand presence that stands out in discussions.

  2. Tactical Breach Wizards: This title encapsulates the game's quirky premise with a blend of tactical and whimsical elements. It is memorable and fully represents what players can expect, achieving all five desirable qualities.

  3. Animal Well: The simplicity of the name is noted as effective; it prompts curiosity while being straightforward. The comical juxtaposition of the two words generates intrigue, making it a good example of punchiness and enticement.

Flop Titles

On the other hand, the episode highlights several titles that fall flat:

  1. A Thousand X Resist: The name is criticized for being confusing and hard to pronounce, dampening its memorability.
  2. EA Sports FC: Declared one of the worst titles in gaming due to its generic nature and lack of distinct branding. The hosts lament how it feels like a placeholder rather than a creative title.
  3. Dragon Age: The Veilguard: Shifted from a stronger title, Dragon Age: Dread Wolf, this rename is considered a downgrade. The new name lacks the punchiness of its predecessor and confuses players unfamiliar with the lore.

Lessons Learned

The Power of Titles

The episode reinforces that many titles rely heavily on the qualities discussed, but can still succeed if the game itself is exceptional. For instance, the name Fortnite is oddly named yet has gained massive popularity, demonstrating how gameplay trumps naming conventions.

Trends in Naming Conventions

The hosts discuss emerging trends in the industry, such as the proliferation of numbers and project-themed titles, like Project Eve or Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They caution against generic descriptors that fail to capture the essence of the game.

Recommendations for Game Developers

  • Keep It Simple: A memorable title doesn’t have to be complicated. Simplicity can be more effective than an intricate title.
  • Consider Audience Connection: Titles should resonate with the intended player base, capturing the theme and emotional tone of the game.
  • Embrace Creativity: Unique combinations of words or surprising phrases can create strong brand identities that invite curiosity.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a discussion on future game titles and the potential pitfalls developers may face. The recognizing idea is that names are crucial and can make or break player engagement and interest. Ultimately, a winning name must resonate with players while still encapsulating the game’s essence.

This insightful analysis showcases how video game names are a vital component of the gaming experience, influencing perceptions and providing a memorable hook for potential players.

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