InspirationProblem StatementsBrainstormsPitchingGame Mod WorkshopBrian Schrank

Inspirationhttp://gamemodworkshop.com/schedule/

inspiration.html

Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement.

Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement.

blend two game mechanics, propulsion + shooting?propulsion + bombing?

How can a game…

Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement.

blend spinning tops + lightning in a cool way?How can a game…

Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement.

capture a Christian audience but feel really edgy?

How can a game…

Inspiration Leads to aProblem Statement.

feel like a Surrealist painting?How can a game…

Once you have a problem statement then you

Brainstorm

What did you thinkof the reading?

What is the Art of Brainstorming?

Before Brainstorms

• Feed your unconscious mind beforehand– Do something the night before you love to do– Or, do something before you never do, like play

some art games to really stretch your mind

Before Brainstorms

• Feed your unconscious mind beforehand– Do something the night before you love to do– Or, do something before you never do, like play

some art games to really stretch your mind• Bring snacks and drinks—absolutely necessary

Before Brainstorms

• Feed your unconscious mind beforehand– Do something the night before you love to do– Or, do something before you never do, like play

some art games to really stretch your mind• Bring snacks and drinks—absolutely necessary• Put toys, silly crap, “hand candy” on the table

Before Brainstorms

• Feed your unconscious mind beforehand– Do something the night before you love to do– Or, do something before you never do, like play

some art games to really stretch your mind• Bring snacks and drinks—absolutely necessary• Put toys, silly crap, “hand candy” on the table• Have a large wall area to write all over

Before Brainstorms

• Turn your critical mind off.• Don’t criticize yourself or your ideas.

During Brainstorms

• Don’t criticize other people or their ideas– say, “yes, and…” to other people– no matter how stupid you think something is

During Brainstorms

• Don’t criticize other people or their ideas– say, “yes, and…” to other people– no matter how stupid you think something is

• Limit the brainstorm to 40 minutes– if it needs to go on, either• meet the next day (best)• or at least take a 20 minute break (play a game)

During Brainstorms

• Don’t criticize other people or their ideas– say, “yes, and…” to other people– no matter how stupid you think something is

• Limit the brainstorm to 40 minutes– if it needs to go on, either• meet the next day (best)• or at least take a 20 minute break (play a game)

• Eliminate distractions from non teammates– Meet in a roomy, quiet, secluded place

After Brainstorms

• Don’t name ideas by who thought of them– It’s not “Ed’s Idea” but the “Flying Dinobot idea”

• Transcribe everything into a digital document– and send it to everyone on your team

After Brainstorms

• Don’t name ideas by who thought of them– It’s not “Ed’s Idea” but the “Flying Dinobot idea”

• Transcribe everything into a digital document– and send it to everyone on your team

• Number your lists– it gives each idea the dignity it deserves

• The room remembers– return to it alone or together to brainstorm more

Pitching Effectively

You are Pitching Yourself.Be Confident! Be LOUD and CLEAR.

First Impressions Count!Summarize your game in first 20 secs.

Lead with your Hook.Why is your game unique?

Platformer + Parkour

Be as Visual as Possible!Use other people’s art if you have to!

DESIRE CriticismBe Humble and LISTEN in Critiques.

Balance Confidence with Desire to Improve

Questions?