Step 1: Crafting the Game Idea 💡

The first step to build a compelling demo is to have a compelling game idea. But how do you find the perfect one?

This video, from AskGameDev gives nice advice. In addition to them, we wrote ours below.

Advice 1: Embrace Your Constraints

Innovation often thrives within limitations. Identify your current skill set and consider games that align with your abilities.

For example, I’m currently developing a detective game demo where players must interview suspects to unveil the culprit. Because I can’t animate human face even with current tools (would take too much time and too expansive) I decided that the game will use a phone system to interview suspects.

Advice 2: Draw Inspiration from Your Favorites Games

Explore the games you love playing. Is there a specific element within a game that captivates you?

Maybe there’s a small feature or mechanic you’d like to recreate in your own project.

Advice 3: Think how you can add AI to improve the gameplay

Consider how incorporating AI elements can make your this small game feature or mechanic you like better?

Advice 4: Beware of the Scope Curse

No you’ll not build a Starfield clone. Keep your project manageable by defining clear boundaries.

Your Game Demo needs to be very small: it’s a working prototype, not a full game. Remember it’s better to get a working very small demo that you can iterate after the course than a big idea with awesome features that does not work.

Don’t hesitate to check this video:

Advice 5: Brainstorm with HuggingChat

If you’re stuck, why not typing some game ideas you have and ask the help of Hugging Chat?

Now that your idea is defined, it’s time to write the Game Design Document, which is your one page document that will help you plan and manage the development of your game demo.