Video game creators share how their games got their titles
What's in a name?
That's the question Mike Rose, founder of publisher No More Robots, had for the game creators of Twitter. "How did you name your game?" he asked. "Was it difficult to decide, or did it just come to you?"
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
The Monday morning tweet prompted dozens of responses, offering insight into a key piece of the development process for games large and small. Unsurprisingly, the reality of how games get their titles varies wildly.
It can be accidental or purposeful. Messy or neat. Inspired or resigned. And, really, everything in between. There's a story behind every game, and the naming process is part of that story -- but not always a key part. Keep that in mind as you read through the responses to Rose's tweet.
Rock Band
One half of the Big Two competitors when rhythm games were still a major thing in the late Aughts. The first one to deliver a simulated full band experience.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Guitar Hero: Metallica
This was one of several Guitar Hero spin-offs to surface as publishers -- in this case, Activision -- looked for new and exciting ways to convince rhythm game fans to invest in new games rather than building out their song libraries in older ones.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Overcooked
A cooperative cooking puzzle game known for its charming presentation, wacky scenarios, and satisfying gameplay.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Canabalt
One of the first, true mobile game hits and perhaps the most successful and memorable early example of the "endless runner" genre.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Axiom Verge
A gorgeously lo-fi "Metroidvania" adventure that rewards exploration and skillful play with an assortment of weapons, tools, and power-ups.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
The 7th Guest
Alongside Myst, one of the original CD-ROM games. A horror-themed puzzle/adventure game featuring live-action performances and an engrossing (if silly) story.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
80 Days
A wonderful, mold-breaking adventure game based on Jules Verne's classic novel, Around the World in Eighty Days.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
DayZ
A zombie survival game that started life as a mod for another game, ArmA 3. DayZ stands out from the pack for depositing players into a massive, shared open world space that's filled with both undead and IRL human threats.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Topics Gaming
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
