Designer Diary #22 – Naming Your Gaming Products
Hey everyone, it’s Anne again! You know Sig, my husband and the mastermind behind SigTrent Games, from his awesome weekly updates. He just dropped another one, and it really highlighted something I love about what he does: it’s not just about making games, it’s about a whole philosophy of design, a commitment to the community, and even a peek into the day-to-day life that fuels his creativity.
What’s Brewing at SigTrent Games?
At the heart of SigTrent Games right now is Shotgun Fantasy. Sig’s been putting a ton of work into the isekai elements of the game, exploring how players get transported to different worlds and the kinds of stories you can tell within that framework. He’s even doing his homework on classic and modern isekai stories to make sure players have plenty of inspiration for their adventures. What I find really exciting is that they’re getting ready for playtesting soon! This is where the community gets to jump in, try out the rules, and give feedback, directly influencing the game’s development. It’s a fantastic way to be part of the creation process, and if you’re curious, definitely check out their Discord!
Another big announcement from Sig’s recent video is the name of their new collaboration with Louis Porter Jr. Games: Modern Magic. It’s cool to see how these projects come to life, and the name itself is a testament to the design principles Sig embraces.
The Art of Naming: More Than Just a Word
One of the most fascinating parts of Sig’s recent update for me was his deep dive into naming products. As someone who sees his process, it’s far from arbitrary. He talked about how a good name needs to be memorable, descriptive, evocative, and elicit interest. Think about how “Dungeons and Dragons” immediately tells you what it’s about, or how “Lamentations of the Flame Princess” sparks immediate curiosity (even if it’s a bit weird!).
He also stressed what to avoid: names that spark anger, give false impressions, or, most crucially, infringe on trademarks. It’s a careful balance of creativity and legal diligence. His process involves brainstorming a list of names, rigorously checking for potential infringements (which can involve extensive searching on platforms like DriveThruRPG and Google), and then getting feedback from both industry experts and non-gamers. It’s a methodical approach that highlights the business side of indie game development, and it’s why a seemingly simple name like “Modern Magic” is actually quite deliberate and effective.
Beyond the Design Desk: Life and Play
What I also appreciate about Sig’s updates is how he weaves in aspects of his personal life and what he’s been enjoying. This week, it was all about MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries. He’s a big fan of the giant stompy robots, though he did offer some interesting thoughts on how the MechWarrior/BattleTech formula could evolve. As a fellow gamer, I totally get that desire for fresh perspectives in long-running series!
And of course, he gave a shout-out to my own gaming journey! I’m celebrating my first month streaming on Twitch, and it’s been an absolute blast. I’ve been exploring the intricate puzzles and rich narrative of Obduction (a must-play for Myst fans!), and I’m now diving into the classic Syberia series. If you’re into puzzle-adventure games and want to hang out, come join me on Twitch (search for “Nomad Ann”)!
Finally, it wouldn’t be a true update without a nod to the “real world.” This past Fourth of July weekend was absolutely wild here in Ocean Shores, being the busiest day of the year for the gift shop where Sig works. It’s a good reminder that behind all the creative endeavors and game releases, there’s often a lot of hard work happening on multiple fronts.
It’s truly inspiring to see the dedication Sig puts into SigTrent Games, not just in designing captivating experiences like Shotgun Fantasy, but also in building a transparent and engaging community.
– Anne
Also More links for today:
- Follow on Sigfried Plays Games on Facebook
- Grab your Hero Sheets!
- Anne’s Twitch Channel
- Click here to hop into our Discord!
