Once we know the experience we want to provoke and the target player we want to target, we begin creating the game's ideas. It can happen that before thinking of the target and the experience we've already had an idea. It's OK, we simply use it and begin to work on this point to develop it. Games design has a big creative part in which we have to think of and propose many ideas to concrete how our game will be. When we speak of thinking ideas for the game, we mean suggestions and possible options for some of the basic elements in the video game's concept. Obviously, we also want to think of and decide the secondary and minor elements, but it's convenient to begin creating with the most element and relevant elements in the game. This is captured in many elements such as main mechanics, challenges and objectives or characters and story. Now we will see some detailed examples. Let's begin with the camera and the point of view. One of the first things we might think of is how the game will be seen, if it will be in first person, third person, if the camera will move, etc. Defining the behavior and nature from the point of view is, indubitably, one of the most vital elements which must be previously thought of and conceived. Other elements which commonly crystallize our ideas, are mechanics and main actions. In example, we have an idea like this: it would be very fun if in a game the main character was a dinosaur that has to avoid meteorites falling from the sky. This idea refers to mechanics such as the character and the meteorites and their basic actions, such as moving or dodging. Characters are very important mechanics which must be conceptualized as soon as possible, if possible since the starting idea. Other elements an idea can suggest us, are objectives or game development. In example, we might think of a game idea in which the final objective is being alive the longer you can. The setting and aesthetics are elements that, commonly, come up as ideas when we stop to think of possible games. In example, a horror game set in an abandoned circus or a pirates game for kids with rag doll aesthetics. The same happens with the story. It is very common that we think of an idea for the game story, such as looking for a treasure or revenge for a passionate crime. Finally, there can also come out ideas regarding the interface and how they interact with the game. In example, a Harling game using the Kinect interface. The ideal creative process follows the next steps, that we are going to treat separately in a more detailed way. To begin, there can be an inspiration or a demand that motivates the creative process. Afterwards, the creative work's specific part can be treated as a solution to a problem and permit applying many creative techniques to solve it. Finally, ideas are cyclically improved until they get the desired results. We will begin trying to distinguish between the concepts of inspiration, demand and creativity. Inspiration happens when we have an idea in a non-specifically wanted way. This can happen any time and in any situation. Usually, these ideas, which come from inspiration, don't have a clear structure, they are isolated and little developed concepts. On the other side, it can happen that we get forced to creating as there is a concrete demand of it. This usually happens when a customer or publisher requests us a video game's production. usually this request isn't specific, it's just a general one. In example, I want you to make a driving game for kids, but not similar to Mario Kart. So, demand directs and limits the creative task, but doesn't reduce it to zero, as the game's developer has to build and concrete all the game elements. This way, the creativity part refers to the work applied on the demand's inspiration to think, adjust and improve all the aspects, and suiting previously determined objectives that usually make criteria such as the experience we want to create and the audience we want to target. Let's briefly give some advice to get inspired and get ideas for possible games. When we're looking for inspiration, we don't have to force the situation. We must be in a relaxed situation and avoid setting a concrete objective. Remember inspiration just happens and creativity is something different, something that must be looked for and worked on. A good way to get inspiration is playing many games. This will fill our heads with different experiences and elements with which we will get ideas easier. It is also recommendable analyzing other experiences from other contexts and environments, such as going on excursions, swimming, family meetings, karaoke, etc. Any topic is good and the more variety the better. Also we must have open minds and be patient. Inspiration can come in any situation and moment, and we don't need to limit it previously. Anything is good. It is very recommendable always carrying a pen and a notepad to write down anything we think of any moment, even if it is a crazy idea. All this can help, even later on time. Finally, inspiration is just a starting point. On it, we will apply all the creative work, so don't expect inspiration to give us a perfectly developed idea for a complete video game.
