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I know this has been discussed before, but not by me, so I'm gonna write a topic about game names. {:)
Anyway, scrollling through websites full of the latest games, and skimming over a few magazines I recieved through the door, I came across the aptly named "Big Mutha Truckers." And yes, it made me chuckle, quite a lot actually.
So, I have a couple of questions. Is "Big Mutha Truckers" creative genius, or just something the Head of Empire Interactive came up with on the toilet after having too much curry? And, does it make you actually want to buy the game?
Obviously, the latter doesn't apply to all. Any game from Nintendo with the word "Mario" in is gonna be successful, as is every Konami game thats title includes "Metal Gear." But how does a new game on the market get itself noticed?
After all, not every gamer checks reviews before buying. And to be honest, a lot of people out there will only buy the Marios and the Metal Gears of the gaming world. So how do creators and publishers sell their latest franchises?
Okay, so word will get around if it's really good. After all, Deus Ex was completely unheard of, but it was of such quality that it soon became the PC Game Of The Year, and everyone was buying it. But for a game like "Big Mutha Truckers", it might not be like that. Deus Ex was truly original, and although "Big Mutha Truckers" might be a great game with some nice ideas, it's just not the sort of game that will gain masses of attention.
So really, the game needs to catch the eye. It needs to catch the eye of your 'average gamer', who's browsing through Woolworths (small but expensive) range looking for something to spend his easily-earned pocket money on. How does it do that? Well, it comes down to mainly the front cover, and the name.
The front cover might be yellow with green spots on it, but it doesn't neccessarily make you want to buy it. It might make you pick it up and take a look it though, and that could be where the name comes in.
Which are you more likely to want to buy; "Big Truck Driving" or "Big Mutha Truckers"? Now, if there really were games out there named "Big Truck Driving" then I expect "Big Mutha Truckers" would be quite successful, but there's not. It's not that easy. So does the name make any difference at all?
Personally, I don't think the name of a game will make someone actually buy the game. Anyone with any sense would take a look at the back first, right?
*looks around nervously, before setting light to his copy of MDK*
However, I do think a name can catch the eye. Make the person pick up the game - because at least it gives you a chance. If I saw "Big Truck Driving" on the shelves then I'd probably just ignore it, but if I saw "Big Mutha Truckers" then I'd probably laugh, and take a look. Even if the game's not particularly impressive, at least people are picking it up.
*throws wet cloth over blazing fire which had spread to the sofa*
Am I going to buy "Big Mutha Truckers"? Well, as I said, the name did make me want to check out some screenshots, and they do actually look quite impressive. It's not my type of game but still, the name did its job.
*phones the Fire Brigade, before remembering that they're not there*
Anyway, I'm off to buy "Fast Car Racing" now, so please reply with your thoughts while I'm gone.
Thanks for reading, Ant.
Anyway, scrollling through websites full of the latest games, and skimming over a few magazines I recieved through the door, I came across the aptly named "Big Mutha Truckers." And yes, it made me chuckle, quite a lot actually.
So, I have a couple of questions. Is "Big Mutha Truckers" creative genius, or just something the Head of Empire Interactive came up with on the toilet after having too much curry? And, does it make you actually want to buy the game?
Obviously, the latter doesn't apply to all. Any game from Nintendo with the word "Mario" in is gonna be successful, as is every Konami game thats title includes "Metal Gear." But how does a new game on the market get itself noticed?
After all, not every gamer checks reviews before buying. And to be honest, a lot of people out there will only buy the Marios and the Metal Gears of the gaming world. So how do creators and publishers sell their latest franchises?
Okay, so word will get around if it's really good. After all, Deus Ex was completely unheard of, but it was of such quality that it soon became the PC Game Of The Year, and everyone was buying it. But for a game like "Big Mutha Truckers", it might not be like that. Deus Ex was truly original, and although "Big Mutha Truckers" might be a great game with some nice ideas, it's just not the sort of game that will gain masses of attention.
So really, the game needs to catch the eye. It needs to catch the eye of your 'average gamer', who's browsing through Woolworths (small but expensive) range looking for something to spend his easily-earned pocket money on. How does it do that? Well, it comes down to mainly the front cover, and the name.
The front cover might be yellow with green spots on it, but it doesn't neccessarily make you want to buy it. It might make you pick it up and take a look it though, and that could be where the name comes in.
Which are you more likely to want to buy; "Big Truck Driving" or "Big Mutha Truckers"? Now, if there really were games out there named "Big Truck Driving" then I expect "Big Mutha Truckers" would be quite successful, but there's not. It's not that easy. So does the name make any difference at all?
Personally, I don't think the name of a game will make someone actually buy the game. Anyone with any sense would take a look at the back first, right?
*looks around nervously, before setting light to his copy of MDK*
However, I do think a name can catch the eye. Make the person pick up the game - because at least it gives you a chance. If I saw "Big Truck Driving" on the shelves then I'd probably just ignore it, but if I saw "Big Mutha Truckers" then I'd probably laugh, and take a look. Even if the game's not particularly impressive, at least people are picking it up.
*throws wet cloth over blazing fire which had spread to the sofa*
Am I going to buy "Big Mutha Truckers"? Well, as I said, the name did make me want to check out some screenshots, and they do actually look quite impressive. It's not my type of game but still, the name did its job.
*phones the Fire Brigade, before remembering that they're not there*
Anyway, I'm off to buy "Fast Car Racing" now, so please reply with your thoughts while I'm gone.
Thanks for reading, Ant.
Game Names may influence those fickle minded of us - those who are swayed by peer pressure, only buy a game if it's selling well or to stay in with their mates. For the rest of us, however, it shouldn't matter much. Is 'The Wind Waker' going to be any worse because it's name? No. It may sell 5 copies less, but it will still rule. Oh Yes.
Of course I'd be more likel to look at a game with a hilarious name, but, unless the game was equally as funny, as I live for comedy.
Of course I'd be more likel to look at a game with a hilarious name, but, unless the game was equally as funny, as I live for comedy.
Yes, intresting..
Lots of swear words on the front of a box will also attract masses of attention. Hords of people would pick it up just to see what the hell the game is on about.
Or maybe some random letters and numbers.
ZX0REWAH
On the front of a box. Its weird..
There you go, you've just thought about the name for longer than 5 seconds so you'll run along (Walk maybe.) to the box and pick it up. Just to see what the fluff its going on about.
Think about it.
Good post Anty boy :o)
Lots of swear words on the front of a box will also attract masses of attention. Hords of people would pick it up just to see what the hell the game is on about.
Or maybe some random letters and numbers.
ZX0REWAH
On the front of a box. Its weird..
There you go, you've just thought about the name for longer than 5 seconds so you'll run along (Walk maybe.) to the box and pick it up. Just to see what the fluff its going on about.
Think about it.
Good post Anty boy :o)
pb wrote:
> Will the sequel to Mutha Truckers be Truckin Hell?
LOL! :D
Lets hope so.
> Will the sequel to Mutha Truckers be Truckin Hell?
LOL! :D
Lets hope so.
So at least someone would by 'Metal Mario Madness' then? Will the sequel to Mutha Truckers be Truckin Hell? All will (probably not) be revealled. Good post though!
The names are very important. Catch titles get attention and decide whether the game is recognised or not. The picture or design on the front of the case is important too. If it is "Naked mud wrestling lesbians II" you expect a gratuitous clevage shot and maybe a bit of prime rump (no, not steak) - However this would be inappropiate on a cutesy "Bob the builder" type of game.
The name need to be powerful but not corny as some are. Although the best games can be slightly long winded, Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Final Fantasy X are all fairly long titles compared to the older one sylable game titles like Doom, Quake, Pong etc.
Some obscurely names games can be great but it seems nowadays they have to be endorsed by someone or other, i.e Tony Hawks Pro Skater X, Matt Hoffmans BMX, David Beckham Football etc.
I guess that if I havent heard of a game and it has a cool sounding name then I will pick it up, but if the name is mundane and nothing unusual or outstanding I wont look twice.
Good post.
The name need to be powerful but not corny as some are. Although the best games can be slightly long winded, Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Final Fantasy X are all fairly long titles compared to the older one sylable game titles like Doom, Quake, Pong etc.
Some obscurely names games can be great but it seems nowadays they have to be endorsed by someone or other, i.e Tony Hawks Pro Skater X, Matt Hoffmans BMX, David Beckham Football etc.
I guess that if I havent heard of a game and it has a cool sounding name then I will pick it up, but if the name is mundane and nothing unusual or outstanding I wont look twice.
Good post.
BEARDS. wrote:
> It would be surrealist gaming made by untrained monkeys.
Ah, so it would be made by Acclaim then?
> It would be surrealist gaming made by untrained monkeys.
Ah, so it would be made by Acclaim then?
If I ever made a game, I would call it Neville.
Nobody in the game would be called Neville, but then, it's unlikely that the game would mak much sense anyway. It would be surrealist gaming made by untrained monkeys.
Nobody in the game would be called Neville, but then, it's unlikely that the game would mak much sense anyway. It would be surrealist gaming made by untrained monkeys.
I know this has been discussed before, but not by me, so I'm gonna write a topic about game names. {:)
Anyway, scrollling through websites full of the latest games, and skimming over a few magazines I recieved through the door, I came across the aptly named "Big Mutha Truckers." And yes, it made me chuckle, quite a lot actually.
So, I have a couple of questions. Is "Big Mutha Truckers" creative genius, or just something the Head of Empire Interactive came up with on the toilet after having too much curry? And, does it make you actually want to buy the game?
Obviously, the latter doesn't apply to all. Any game from Nintendo with the word "Mario" in is gonna be successful, as is every Konami game thats title includes "Metal Gear." But how does a new game on the market get itself noticed?
After all, not every gamer checks reviews before buying. And to be honest, a lot of people out there will only buy the Marios and the Metal Gears of the gaming world. So how do creators and publishers sell their latest franchises?
Okay, so word will get around if it's really good. After all, Deus Ex was completely unheard of, but it was of such quality that it soon became the PC Game Of The Year, and everyone was buying it. But for a game like "Big Mutha Truckers", it might not be like that. Deus Ex was truly original, and although "Big Mutha Truckers" might be a great game with some nice ideas, it's just not the sort of game that will gain masses of attention.
So really, the game needs to catch the eye. It needs to catch the eye of your 'average gamer', who's browsing through Woolworths (small but expensive) range looking for something to spend his easily-earned pocket money on. How does it do that? Well, it comes down to mainly the front cover, and the name.
The front cover might be yellow with green spots on it, but it doesn't neccessarily make you want to buy it. It might make you pick it up and take a look it though, and that could be where the name comes in.
Which are you more likely to want to buy; "Big Truck Driving" or "Big Mutha Truckers"? Now, if there really were games out there named "Big Truck Driving" then I expect "Big Mutha Truckers" would be quite successful, but there's not. It's not that easy. So does the name make any difference at all?
Personally, I don't think the name of a game will make someone actually buy the game. Anyone with any sense would take a look at the back first, right?
*looks around nervously, before setting light to his copy of MDK*
However, I do think a name can catch the eye. Make the person pick up the game - because at least it gives you a chance. If I saw "Big Truck Driving" on the shelves then I'd probably just ignore it, but if I saw "Big Mutha Truckers" then I'd probably laugh, and take a look. Even if the game's not particularly impressive, at least people are picking it up.
*throws wet cloth over blazing fire which had spread to the sofa*
Am I going to buy "Big Mutha Truckers"? Well, as I said, the name did make me want to check out some screenshots, and they do actually look quite impressive. It's not my type of game but still, the name did its job.
*phones the Fire Brigade, before remembering that they're not there*
Anyway, I'm off to buy "Fast Car Racing" now, so please reply with your thoughts while I'm gone.
Thanks for reading, Ant.
Anyway, scrollling through websites full of the latest games, and skimming over a few magazines I recieved through the door, I came across the aptly named "Big Mutha Truckers." And yes, it made me chuckle, quite a lot actually.
So, I have a couple of questions. Is "Big Mutha Truckers" creative genius, or just something the Head of Empire Interactive came up with on the toilet after having too much curry? And, does it make you actually want to buy the game?
Obviously, the latter doesn't apply to all. Any game from Nintendo with the word "Mario" in is gonna be successful, as is every Konami game thats title includes "Metal Gear." But how does a new game on the market get itself noticed?
After all, not every gamer checks reviews before buying. And to be honest, a lot of people out there will only buy the Marios and the Metal Gears of the gaming world. So how do creators and publishers sell their latest franchises?
Okay, so word will get around if it's really good. After all, Deus Ex was completely unheard of, but it was of such quality that it soon became the PC Game Of The Year, and everyone was buying it. But for a game like "Big Mutha Truckers", it might not be like that. Deus Ex was truly original, and although "Big Mutha Truckers" might be a great game with some nice ideas, it's just not the sort of game that will gain masses of attention.
So really, the game needs to catch the eye. It needs to catch the eye of your 'average gamer', who's browsing through Woolworths (small but expensive) range looking for something to spend his easily-earned pocket money on. How does it do that? Well, it comes down to mainly the front cover, and the name.
The front cover might be yellow with green spots on it, but it doesn't neccessarily make you want to buy it. It might make you pick it up and take a look it though, and that could be where the name comes in.
Which are you more likely to want to buy; "Big Truck Driving" or "Big Mutha Truckers"? Now, if there really were games out there named "Big Truck Driving" then I expect "Big Mutha Truckers" would be quite successful, but there's not. It's not that easy. So does the name make any difference at all?
Personally, I don't think the name of a game will make someone actually buy the game. Anyone with any sense would take a look at the back first, right?
*looks around nervously, before setting light to his copy of MDK*
However, I do think a name can catch the eye. Make the person pick up the game - because at least it gives you a chance. If I saw "Big Truck Driving" on the shelves then I'd probably just ignore it, but if I saw "Big Mutha Truckers" then I'd probably laugh, and take a look. Even if the game's not particularly impressive, at least people are picking it up.
*throws wet cloth over blazing fire which had spread to the sofa*
Am I going to buy "Big Mutha Truckers"? Well, as I said, the name did make me want to check out some screenshots, and they do actually look quite impressive. It's not my type of game but still, the name did its job.
*phones the Fire Brigade, before remembering that they're not there*
Anyway, I'm off to buy "Fast Car Racing" now, so please reply with your thoughts while I'm gone.
Thanks for reading, Ant.