Game Titles. Do they have to be 100% unique? Options

[Broken Aesop]

A question has been on my mind for the past few days, and I've decided to submit it the public for consideration.

When I named my game, I wanted something simple that encapsulates the dungeon crawling concept. I thought about something that basically says what you do in the game...you descend. I thought, damn, too bad there's already a game called Descent. So I added an extra syllable to make it a word that pretty much means the same thing and called it a day. Descension is an ok name, but Descent is still better. Now I'm thinking...since my game has nothing to do with space ships and shooting lasers and stuff, could I just call it Descent?

I've felt like this would be horribly unoriginal, but sometimes things that are original just for the sake of being different from something else just aren't that good...like trying to make a toothbrush out of a pine cone just because Crest already uses plastic and bristles. Then I realized zestygrapefruit has a game called A Nyght's Tale, and it has nothing to do with dream wizards flying through rings or whatever. Nobody has accused him of "stealing" the name. It fits the game, and that's all that matters. And that's what I'm starting to realize...I think as long as you're not pretending hugely popular titles like Doom never existed, and making RPGs about a family of heroes who just so happen to be known as the Super Mario Brothers, then I think it's ok to use a name that's already been used. Especially if it's from another genre. Correct me if I'm wrong on this.

[SwiftPlay]

I agree somewhat, but I unless the game is really awesome, a cliche'd name without some good screenshots will cause people to pre-judge your game and not even bother with it.

You should try to make your title unique to your game as much as possible.

ex. I have a game in progress called "Heart of Eisner". The plot is that the character must open the grave of a once powerful ruler and steal the heart of a guy named Eisner... Thus the title. There is night time in the story, and there are stones on the map so I could have also called it stones of Night. But that does not summarize the story or send a message as to what my game is about.

This post has been edited by SwiftPlay: Dec 28 2010, 02:32 PM

[Rob_Riv]

Now I'm thinking...since my game has nothing to do with space ships and shooting lasers and stuff, could I just call it Descent?

No, it's a trademarked name. I have no idea if you plan to sell the game, but I'd always avoid using names from other games. You could call it Descent anyway, chances are nothing would ever happen, but officially, you're not allowed to do this and can be forced to stop calling it that.

People do create fangames, where they use titles such as "Final Fantasy", but it's not recommended to do this for an original game.

[Brent Murray]

When it comes to creating a good title for your game, you should try your best to make sure it's, #1, short and simple for the player to read and pronounce; #2, make sure the title sums of your game in the best way you can; and #3, try your best to avoid things like "Legend Of," or "Final" whatever. Creating a decent title isn't too hard, but if the best you can come up with is "Descent," then that's okay too (although, I'm sure you can think of something better).

Screenshots alone may not save your game in most cases. A lot of times I look for what's in a name rather than the screenshots. Having something that is too difficult to pronounce may turn some people off... Either way, try your best to come up with an interesting title!

[Gogon]

I actually think Descension is quite an adequate name for your game, BA. 'Descent' is actually one of the more overused ones, but I don't care about the uniqueness of the title, only the quality of the game. It's perfectly okay to use names that have been used, especially if the name fits your game.

[elliott20]

I would have just called it "Dungeon Crawl" but of course there's already a rogue-like game called that. (And it's actually insanely good)

[Titanhex]

Conceiving a game title is similar to naming any form of Media from books to movies. You want the title to say something about what it's representing, and that statement can be very vague and general or specific depending on your tastes. I wouldn't get stuck on a title too much though. Just go with something, and avoid overthinking it at all costs.

You do want to avoid naming your media after some other media, as people will associate them consciously or subconsciously.

[Broken Aesop]

Thanks for the good input everyone. I have discovered there actually is a table-top dungeon crawler called Descent, which actually looks really cool. Has anyone played it?

Anyway, I have had this name on my mind lately: Deep Darkness. Because the dungeon is deep, and it is also dark. Of course, it uses the word "Darkness", which I see as being similar to using the word "Final" or "Legend" but since it totally describes the game, and illustrates perfectly what it's about, I like it...I'm 90% sure this will be the official title of my game.

[Vizierre]

You could just call your game ' The Deep '. As for games having an original title, personally I think as long as the title suits the game it shouldn't matter what you name it. However lets face it if you plan on calling your game Final fantasy even though its not an FF fan game, people may get the wrong impression. Best to keep away from titles are are well known.

[Samechiel]

I actually think Descension is quite an adequate name for your game, BA.

"Adequate" and "sounds good" are two entirely different things. "Descension" is a terrible word. It has no pop, no snap; it doesn't roll. It's just very awkward to say. Reminds me of a Diablo rip-off that came out years back called Divine Divinity. Terrible name. Just terrible.

Look, bottom line is if you want to call your game Descent, call it Descent. Even if you decide you want to try and make money off your little indie game, nobody is ever going to hand you a subpeona for copyright infringement or a cease-and-desist order. It isn't going to happen.

[Rob_Riv]

Look, bottom line is if you want to call your game Descent, call it Descent. Even if you decide you want to try and make money off your little indie game, nobody is ever going to hand you a subpeona for copyright infringement or a cease-and-desist order. It isn't going to happen.

If he is going to try and make money from selling his project, there's no reason to use a trademarked name at all. Also, there is a chance that he would be shut down; that's why trademarks are registered.

[DirktheJerk]

Think about it:
Final Fantasy, "Pocket Monsters", Call of Duty
Titles are easy and straight to the point in my opinion.