The Art of Naming your indie game: Find the right name for your video game name with Words That Sell

If you’re a game developer, you know that choosing the right name for your video game is a crucial step in the game development process. Your game’s name is more than just a label; it’s a vital part of your game’s identity. A good name can capture the essence of your game, attract players, and set the tone for your game’s success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of finding the perfect name for your game, from generating creative name ideas to making sure it’s the right fit. Whether you’re an indie game developer or part of a larger game company, naming your game is a significant task that requires careful consideration. Let’s dive into the steps to find the ideal name for your game.

As an indie game developer, you’ve invested countless hours crafting a unique gaming experience you hope will resonate with players. But before anyone can experience the magic of your creation, they first need to find it. This is where a memorable title becomes critical. A strong videogame, name can capture attention, convey genre and themes, and entice players to learn more. 

Choosing the right combination of words is an art form in itself and a crucial factor in your game’s success. With so much riding on a few short words or phrases, the naming process deserves careful thought and attention.

This article provides practical tips and examples to help you craft a compelling title that makes the game for your game irresistible to players browsing store shelves or scrolling through online listings. The title is your first chance to connect with your audience, so make it count. With the right name, you’ll have players hooked at first sight. 

Contents: Find the right name for your video game

The Importance of Choosing the Right Name 

The name you choose for your game is critical to its success. An memorable, evocative title can capture attention, spark interest, and drive sales. On the other hand, a forgettable or inappropriate name may doom your game to obscurity before anyone has a chance to experience it. 
When brainstorming title options, focus on words that sell. Consider titles that: 
• Create a sense of mystery, adventure or action. Words like “quest,” “odyssey,” “crusade” or “conquest” evoke an epic journey.

• Tie into popular genres or themes. For a sci-fi game, consider “galaxy,” “cosmos,” “wormhole.” For fantasy, try “kingdom,” “realm,” “dragon.” Tap into familiar tropes.

• Have a compelling rhyme or rhythm. Alliteration, assonance, consonance or rhyming titles tend to stick with us and roll off the tongue.

• Imply an innovative or groundbreaking experience. “Revolution,” “awakening,” “renaissance” suggest something new and transformative.

• Are short, simple and catchy. Aim for 2 to 3 words with a maximum of 5 or 6. Short titles are more impactful and memorable. 

Once you have some strong candidates, do searches to ensure the name is not already in use. Check domain name availability for your website and social media handles as well. Trademark the name to protect your intellectual property. 

With the right title that builds excitement and positions your game as an unforgettable experience, you’ll capture player interest and set the stage for success. Choose wisely! This small but mighty decision can make or break your launch. 

Do Your Research on Existing Game Names 

To name your game,  you must first research existing names to determine what’s already been used and gain inspiration.

Conduct searches for games in your genre to analyze naming conventions and trends. Look for: 

• Common words and phrases: Action, adventure, quest, heroes, villains, etc. These indicate genre and themes. 
• Pop culture references: Names from movies, books, mythology, etc. Tap into familiar titles and characters. 
• Made-up words: Completely fabricated words or names can be unique but may be hard to remember. Use sparingly. 
• Numbering and subtitles: A simple number, or adding a subtitle, can differentiate your game in a series. But don’t over complicate. 
• Alliteration and rhyme: A catchy name with a poetic ring to it, like “Kingdoms of Kaldor,” tends to stick in people’s minds. 
• Evocative imagery: Choose words that conjure emotional connections, adventure and excitement like “Odyssey of Oddworld.” But avoid being too obscure. 

Find the Right Balance 

You want a name that’s unique but not unfamiliar, descriptive yet not too long, clever but still straightforward. The perfect name should capture the essence and experience of your game in a memorable way. 
With research, you’ll gain a better sense of names that have been overused and those that remain untapped opportunities. Look for gaps in the market your game can fill and names that haven’t been claimed by competitors. The right name can make a game, so take your time finding one that does your creation justice. 

Get Feedback From Others 

Getting feedback from others is crucial when naming your yjcleogarTie. Ask friends, family, and target players what comes to mind when they hear the name options you’re considering. Their impressions and associations can reveal insights you may have missed. 

Ask Open-Ended Questions 

Pose open-ended questions to get constructive feedback, rather than just asking if people “like” the name. For example, ask: 
• What images or ideas does this name evoke for you?

• What genre or style of game does this make you think of? 

• How do you think players might react to or perceive this name? 

Listen for common themes in the responses. Names that elicit inconsistent or unintended associations should be reevaluated. 

Survey Your Target Audience 

If possible, survey members of your target player demographic for even more useful data. Ask them to rank a few of your top name choices in order of preference and explain why. Look for names with a clear winning vote that also match the image and experience you want to convey. 

Consider Cultural Context 

Be aware of how name options may be perceived across different cultures and languages. Run them by native speakers to check for any undesirable connotations before making a final choice. Making an insensitive or offensive naming mistake can seriously damage your game’s reception and reputation. 

Weigh the Pros and Cons 

Review the pros and cons of each name based on factors like memorability, distinctiveness, appropriateness for the genre, and public domain availability. A name that ticks all the boxes is ideal, but you may need to make some compromises to find the best overall option. Listening to player feedback can help determine what trade-offs are most acceptable. 
With the input of others and careful evaluation of all the options, you can choose a video acme name you feel fully confident in. One that piques interest, builds excitement, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who hears it. 

Check for Trademarks and URLs 

To avoid potential legal issues, you’ll want to make sure your ydeoaaat’s name does not infringe on any trademarks or URLs. This due diligence is an important step, as disputes over intellectual property can be complicated and expensive. 

Check the USPTO database 

Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) database to see if your proposed name or a similar variation is already trademarked. The USPTO allows you to search registered and pending marks. If a potential conflict exists, you’ll want to consider an alternative to avoid infringement. 

Check domain name availability 

See if the .com domain name for your ac299T9 name is available to register. If not, the owner of that domain could claim trademark rights over the name, even without an official registration. They could also buy the domain to sell it to you at an inflated price. Check other popular domains as well, like .net, .org, and .io. The safest option is to choose a name where all the major domains are available. 

Search the web 

Do a broad search for your proposed game name on Google, Bing, and other search engines. Look for any uses of the name that could create a conflict, such as: 
• Other videogames or software

• Movies, books, music, or entertainment brands

• Products or services

• Companies or organizations 

If there are no significant conflicts found and the major domains are available, your proposed name should be in the clear from a legal perspective. However, for the strongest protection, you may still want to consider applying for an official trademark registration for your videogame’s name, logo, and other brand assets. Doing so will provide you with legal rights to the name and allow you to enforce it against potential infringers. 

Choosing a name is an important part of establishing your game, brand identity. By taking the time to search for and evaluate any potential trademark or domain issues, you can select a name that is legally sound and helps your game stand out. 

Pick a Name That Tells a Story 

When naming your game , select a name that sparks curiosity and hints at an interesting backstory. A name that implies a narrative can capture attention and inspire players to dive into your game world. 

Build intrigue through allusion 

Allude to an untold tale that players can uncover. For example, “The Forgotten Temple” or “Legend of the Raven’s Call” suggest a mystery to solve or a story to experience. These kinds of poetic, evocative names pique interest in the game’s setting and mythology. 

Reference themes, locations or key elements 

Names that reference themes, locations or signature elements in your game create a sense of coherence. If your game is set in a dystopian city named Neo Tokyo in the year 3056, a fitting name could be “Neo Tokyo 3056”. If elemental magic or unique artifacts are central to gameplay, consider names like “The Aether’s Gifts” or “The Four Crystals of Arcadia”. Referencing familiar fantasy tropes or genres like “steampunk” or “dieselpunk” also helps set the right expectations. 

Consider character or organization names 

Naming your game after a key character, group or institution within the game world builds instant recognition. This works especially well for sequels, prequels or spin-offs centered around those entities. For example, “The Witcher 3” and “Horizon Zero Dawn” are named after their protagonists. “Assassin’s Creed” and “Watch Dogs” refer to in-game organizations. 

Keep it short and catchy 

Aim for a name between one to three words for maximum impact and memorability. Short, punchy names are more likely to stick in people’s minds and roll off the tongue. While poetic names can be evocative, avoid anything too long, obscure or hard to pronounce. Strike a balance between artistic and pragmatic. 
With the right name, you can spark players’ curiosity, convey themes and help your vic stand out from the crowd. Pick a name that tells a story and hints at an adventure waiting to unfold. Keep it catchy and let the intrigue begin! 

Best Practices to name your game

When naming your videogame, there are several factors to consider to help it stand out and appeal to players.

Keep it Simple

A short, memorable name is ideal. Four syllables or less is a good rule of thumb. Complicated or obscure
names can be hard to remember and may turn off potential players.

Reflect the Theme

The name should give players a sense of the game’s genre, style or subject matter. For an action/adventure
game, a bold name like “Conquer” or “Dominate” could work well. For a puzzle game, a name hinting at mind-
bending challenges like “Perplex” or “Enigma” may be apt. Subtle references to key game elements are also
effective.

Make it Search-Friendly

Choose a name that will rank well in searches and be easy to find online. Include keywords that players are
likely to search for. For example, a farming simulation game could be called “Crops & Cattle” or “Farm & Field”.
Avoid overused terms and be distinctive.

Consider Available Domains

Look into domain name availability for your top name choices. The ideal is a .com domain that matches your
game name exactly. If that is taken, try alternate TLDs like .net or .io or consider a domain with a subtitle or

modifier. For example, “GalaxyWarsGame.com” or “PlayGalaxyWars.com”.

Test it Out

Get feedback on your top name options from other developers, friends, and potential players. See how they
react to the names and if the intended themes and genres are clear. Be open to constructive criticism. It is
best to determine if a name is a poor choice before launching a game.

Allow for a Subtitle

Don’t worry if your ideal name is already taken. You can append a subtitle to differentiate your game, such as
“Stellar Conquest: The Zargon Threat”. The subtitle gives you extra room to communicate details about the
game’s story, features or brand.

In summary, choose a name for your videogame that is simple, reflective of the theme, optimized for search,
and available as a domain. Getting feedback and considering a subtitle are also helpful strategies for finding a
name that effectively sells your game to players.

Process to find the right name for your game

Step 1: Game Name Basics

Before you embark on the journey of naming your game, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of game naming. Consider the following points as a foundation for your naming process:

What’s in a Game Name?

Shakespeare might have asked, “What’s in a name?” Well, when it comes to video games, the answer is quite a bit! Your game’s name is its first impression and the first point of contact between you and potential players. It’s a chance to convey the essence of your game, its genre, and the emotions it aims to evoke. A well-chosen name can make your game stand out in a crowded market.

Consider Your Game’s Genre

The genre of your game plays a significant role in naming it. Whether it’s an action-packed RPG, a thrilling multiplayer game, or a whimsical indie game, the name should reflect the genre and provide a glimpse of what players can expect.

Game Title vs. Game Name

You might wonder if there’s a difference between a game title and a game name. While they are often used interchangeably, a game title is typically the formal name that appears on promotional materials and in-game menus. The game name, on the other hand, can be more informal, reflecting the game’s character and personality.

Unique and Memorable

A good game name should be unique and memorable. It should roll off the tongue quite nicely and be easy for players to recall. Consider names like “Minecraft,” “Skyrim,” and “League of Legends” – they not only sound great but also leave a lasting impression.

Step 2: Brainstorming Name Ideas

Now that you have a solid understanding of the basics, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start generating name ideas for your game. Here’s how you can kickstart your brainstorming session:

Dive into the World of Portmanteaus

Portmanteaus are words formed by blending two or more words together. Games like “Pokémon” and “Fortnite” are great examples of portmanteau names. You can try combining relevant words or concepts to create a unique and catchy name for your game.

Word Associations

Think about the core elements and themes of your game. What words or phrases come to mind? Creating a list of associations can lead to unexpected but fitting name ideas. For instance, if your game is set in a futuristic world, words like “cyber,” “neon,” and “tech” could be part of your brainstorming process.

Semantic Value

Consider the semantic value of the words you use. What do the words imply or evoke? A name that aligns with your game’s narrative or objectives can add depth and intrigue to your game’s identity.

Using Google

Don’t hesitate to use Google to your advantage. Search for words and phrases related to your game’s theme or concept. You might stumble upon words you hadn’t thought of, and it can be a bit serendipitous in finding the perfect name.

Step 3: The Game Name Generator

If you’re having trouble coming up with name ideas, fear not! There are various game name generators available online that can assist you in your quest for the ideal game name. These generators often allow you to input keywords or concepts related to your game and then provide a list of generated names based on your input.

Reddit: A Valuable Resource

Reddit is not only a platform for discussions but also a valuable resource for game developers. You can visit subreddits dedicated to game development and ask for suggestions, feedback, and ideas for your game name. The gaming community on Reddit can provide unique insights and suggestions that you might not find elsewhere.

Step 4: Game Name Evaluation

Once you’ve generated a list of potential game names, it’s time to evaluate and narrow down your options. Consider the following criteria when assessing your name ideas:

Describing Your Game

Does the name accurately describe your game? A well-chosen name should give players an idea of what to expect when they dive into your game.

Staying Unique

Check if the name is unique and not easily confused with other games. You want your game to have its distinct identity.

Pronunciation and Spelling

The name should be easy to pronounce and spell. A complex or confusing name may deter potential players from trying your game.

The Subconscious Effect

Consider the subconscious effect of the name. Some names have an intrinsic appeal that goes beyond their literal meaning. Does your game name evoke a positive emotional response?

Step 5: Legal and Domain Considerations

Before you get too attached to a name, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough search to ensure it’s legally available and that a matching domain name is obtainable. Here are some essential steps in this phase:

Search for Existing Trademarks

Search for existing trademarks or copyrights that might conflict with your game name. You can use online trademark databases to conduct a comprehensive search.

Check Domain Availability

Securing a .com domain for your game’s website is essential for online visibility. Ensure the domain you want is available and can be registered without legal issues.

Step 6: Getting Player Feedback

Don’t make the final decision in a vacuum. Get feedback from potential players, friends, and colleagues. Ask them which name resonates with them the most and why. The perspectives of others can help you refine your choices and gain valuable insights.

Multiplayer Games: The Naming Challenge

Naming multiplayer games can be a unique challenge due to their dynamic and ever-evolving nature. Here are some specific considerations for multiplayer game names:

Capturing the Essence of Cooperation

If your multiplayer game is all about cooperation and teamwork, consider a name that reflects these qualities. Names like “Dominion” and “Alliance” evoke a sense of unity and collaboration.

A Nice Rhythm

Consider the rhythm of the name. A name that flows smoothly when spoken can be more engaging and memorable. It should sound good when players talk about your game with their friends.

Word Associations for Multiplayer Games

For multiplayer games, think about the word associations that convey the experience of playing together. Words like “team,” “clan,” and “squad” can be used creatively to form a compelling name.

Conclusions: Find the right name for your video game

In summary, choosing an memorable and impactful name for your video game is crucial to its success. By
following the guidelines discussed here, you can craft a name that will resonate with your target audience and
stand out in the marketplace.

Keep your name simple and straightforward. Avoid obscure references or puns that only a select few will
understand. Shorter names, around 1 to 3 words, tend to be most effective. They are easy to remember and
help build brand recognition.

Do thorough research to ensure your name is unique and not already trademarked. Search online databases
and conduct web searches to identify any potential conflicts. Choosing a name that is already in use could
lead to legal issues down the road.

Consider how your name will appear visually. The stylization, font, and capitalization you choose can
significantly impact how appealing and professional it looks. A name should also translate well when used in
marketing materials like logos, ads, and product packaging.

Focus on words and phrases that evoke the theme, story, or gameplay of your game. The name is an
opportunity to give players a sense of what the experience will be like before they even see images or videos.
Action-oriented verbs and adjectives are often a good choice.

Keep an open mind and don’t get too attached to any one idea. Generate multiple options and get feedback
from others. What you think is a clever name may not resonate as well with your target players. Be willing to
pivot based on input from your focus groups and surveys.

Choosing a name is challenging but also an exciting part of the game development process. With time and
effort, you can find an option that captures the essence of your creation and gives it the best chance for
success. Keep iterating until you have a name you feel proud and confident to launch with.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Your game’s name should accurately describe your game’s essence and genre.
• Unique and memorable names are more likely to stand out in a crowded market.
• Consider using game name generators, Reddit, and word associations to brainstorm ideas.
• Evaluate potential names based on their accuracy, uniqueness, pronunciation, and subconscious appeal.
• Ensure the name is legally available and that a matching domain name can be secured.
• Seek feedback from others to make an informed decision.

Naming your game is a creative process, and it’s an opportunity to infuse your game with character and personality. Take your time, explore different options, and, most importantly, have fun with the process. A well-chosen name can set the stage for an awesome game that players won’t forget.

Good luck in finding the perfect name for your game!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to Name Your game

Q: What is the importance of a good name for an indie game?

A: A good name is crucial for an indie game as it can attract players, create a lasting impression, and reflect the essence of your game.

Q: How can I come up with a good name for my video game?

A: There are several ways to come up with a good name for your video game. You can brainstorm ideas, use a name generator, seek inspiration from existing games, or ask for suggestions from the gaming community.

Q: Are there any name generators specifically for video games?

A: Yes, there are name generators designed specifically for video games. These generators can provide you with creative and unique name ideas for your game.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a video game name?

A: When choosing a video game name, consider factors such as the genre of your game, the target audience, the game’s unique features, and the overall tone and atmosphere you want to convey.

Q: How important is it for a video game name to be easy to spell?

A: It is important for a video game name to be easy to spell as this makes it easier for players to search for your game online and share it with others.

Q: Should I use a word or a phrase as the name for my video game?

A: It depends on the nature of your game and the market you are targeting. A single word can be memorable and impactful, while a phrase can provide more context and description.

Q: Is it better to have a unique name for my video game or a name that describes the game?

A: It ultimately depends on your game and your marketing strategy. A unique name can help your game stand out from the competition, while a descriptive name can give players a better idea of what to expect.

Q: How can I get feedback on potential video game names?

A: You can share your potential video game names with the gaming community on platforms like Reddit or social media. This can help you gather feedback and suggestions from fellow game developers and players.

Q: Should I consider the availability of domain names when choosing a video game name?

A: Yes, it is advisable to consider the availability of domain names when choosing a video game name. Having a matching domain name can make it easier for players to find your game online.

Q: Can the name of my video game impact its success?

A: The name of your video game can certainly impact its success. A great name can generate curiosity, create a strong brand identity, and contribute to positive word-of-mouth recommendations.