Brainstorming Ideas

Brainstorming is where the magic begins. It’s that moment where a random idea takes shape and starts to evolve into something bigger. 

The goal isn't to get it perfect, but to see if this idea could actually become something real.

The beauty of brainstorming is that it’s messy. You’re not trying to make everything fit or work perfectly right away, you’re just throwing ideas out there and seeing what sticks.

Tabletop Game Types

The first big decision was figuring out what kind of game we wanted to make. There are so many different types of tabletop games and each one offers a different experience.

We bounced around ideas for board games, co-op games and even considered miniature games. Each of these categories has its strengths, but we had to find the right fit for what we wanted to create.

As we brainstormed, we realised we didn’t need to overcomplicate things. Role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons were appealing because of the depth of storytelling, but we wanted something a little quicker and more accessible.

Not every idea made the cut. We wanted depth, strategy, and a bit of competition. The tension of competing against others was more in line with what we envisioned.

It was a process of elimination, really. We had to narrow down the direction and make sure the theme fit with the gameplay we had in mind.

Luck vs Strategy

We knew we didn’t want a game that was all about chance. We wanted strategy, but with enough luck involved to keep things exciting. That balance was important to us.

Too much luck and the game feels too random, but too little and it feels too predictable. We needed just enough to keep everyone on their toes.

Pivoting is Part of the Process

At this stage, we knew we might have to pivot later. It’s totally fine to adjust the game’s direction as you go. What feels right at the start might change as the game evolves.

Having a solid starting point was crucial because it gave us something to work with, but we always kept our minds open to change.

Brainstorming isn’t about forcing a perfect idea into existence. It’s about exploring all possibilities, even the wild ones.

Over time, you’ll start to see patterns, find things that click and refine your idea into something that works. The goal is to let the ideas flow naturally and not worry about getting everything right on the first try.

The beauty of brainstorming is that it’s the first step toward turning something abstract into something real.

Scott Adams once said, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

So, grab your pen, start jotting down ideas, and see where it takes you. You never know, the next big game idea could be just one thought away.