Convergent thinking is the process of narrowing down multiple options to find the best or most optimal solution. It is often used in game design to evaluate and select the best ideas for a game concept, mechanic, feature, or level. In this article, you will learn some ways to use convergent thinking to improve your game design skills and outcomes.
The first step to use convergent thinking is to define the criteria that you will use to evaluate and select the best game design ideas. These criteria should be based on your game's goals, vision, audience, genre, platform, and constraints. For example, you might want to consider how well your ideas fit the game's theme, style, mood, genre, and market. You might also want to consider how feasible, original, engaging, and fun your ideas are. You can use a simple rating scale or a more complex matrix to rank your ideas according to these criteria.
Here's an easy way to start off with your ideas. You can use a design method called "But Design Method" to come up with or combine ideas. Think of an idea as a base and add a condition, for example: a typical platformer BUT player can't jump. You can think 3-4 more ideas like this and combine them or choose one you like the most. Now, your "BUT" will change to "AND" and your idea is now: a typical platformer AND you can't jump. Next, give the player a superpower, example: a typical platformer AND you can't jump BUT can flip gravity. Think 3-4 more ideas like this and combine. Repeat the process untill you have a solid foundation of you awesome game idea.
Establishing criteria that consider not only thematic alignment but also the potential for player immersion and emotional resonance. Additionally, assess feasibility in terms of technical constraints, resource allocation, and development timelines. Consider how each idea contributes to the overall narrative arc and player progression, ensuring a cohesive and engaging gameplay experience. Use a weighted scoring system that reflects the varying importance of each criterion, considering that certain elements may carry more weight based on the game's unique vision and goals.
Convergent thinking in game design involves systematically evaluating ideas against specific criteria like feasibility, market appeal, and alignment with project goals. Use decision matrices to compare ideas quantitatively, focusing on how each aligns with strategic objectives. Prioritize ideas using weighted scoring, assigning values to key aspects like innovation and user engagement potential. Encourage team debates to challenge assumptions and refine selections. This focused approach ensures the selection of viable, impactful game concepts that promise both creativity and market success.
The next step is to eliminate the weak or irrelevant ideas that do not meet the criteria or have obvious flaws. You can use a process of elimination or a voting system to filter out the ideas that are not worth pursuing. For example, you might discard the ideas that are too similar to existing games, too complex or costly to implement, too boring or frustrating for the players, or too inconsistent with the game's vision. You can also ask for feedback from other game designers, testers, or players to help you identify the weak ideas.
Note that what may not fit one game could shine in another. When doing these necessary trims, pay attention to which ideas are worth exploring in a different context, and set aside for potential use where they might have a better fit. It’s less about ranking ideas as ultimately good or bad, and more about prioritizing the project’s needs. ?
Implement a phased elimination process that considers both immediate flaws and long-term implications. Engage fellow game designers, testers, or players in the evaluation process, leveraging diverse perspectives to uncover potential pitfalls that may be overlooked individually. Utilize a voting system that promotes inclusivity, allowing team members to express their opinions on the feasibility and potential of each idea. Encourage constructive criticism, creating an environment where weaknesses are seen as opportunities for improvement. Additionally, establish a feedback loop with stakeholders to ensure that eliminated ideas align not only with design criteria but also with broader market expectations and player preferences.
The third step is to compare and contrast the strong or promising ideas that remain after the elimination process. You can use a SWOT analysis or a pros and cons list to highlight the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each idea. For example, you might compare how each idea enhances or detracts from the game's core loop, mechanics, narrative, aesthetics, and usability. You might also compare how each idea offers a unique selling point, a competitive advantage, or a potential risk for the game.
In the third step, comparing and contrasting strong ideas involves using tools like SWOT analysis or pros and cons lists to assess each concept's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This comparison looks at how each idea aligns with or deviates from the game's core loop, mechanics, narrative, aesthetics, and usability. It also considers each idea's unique selling points, competitive edges, or potential risks, aiding in making an informed decision on which concept best enhances the game's overall experience and market position.
Instead of just making a list of pros and cons, consider conducting a SWOT analysis to understand the internal and external factors that influence each idea's potential. In addition to traditional categories, also consider aspects like player engagement, emotional resonance, and alignment with industry trends. Evaluate how each idea contributes to the overall player experience, including core mechanics, narrative depth, aesthetic appeal, and usability. Think about how scalable and adaptable each idea is, and how well they align with potential future expansions or adaptations. Use market research to understand the competitive landscape and identify unique selling points and potential risks for each idea.
The final step is to test and refine the best ideas that emerge from the comparison and contrast process. You can use prototyping, playtesting, or user testing to validate and improve your ideas. For example, you might create a low-fidelity prototype of your idea and test it with a small group of players to see how they react, what they like, and what they suggest. You might also use analytics, feedback, or surveys to measure and optimize your idea's performance, engagement, and satisfaction.
By using convergent thinking, you can evaluate and select the best game design ideas that suit your game's goals, vision, and audience. You can also improve your game design skills by learning from your successes and failures, and by applying the feedback and data you collect from your tests. Convergent thinking can help you create more effective, original, and fun games that stand out from the crowd.
After a thorough evaluation and selection process, begin the final phase of convergent thinking by creating prototypes and conducting low-fidelity experiments to understand player reactions and preferences. Use playtesting or user testing methods to gather valuable insights on the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen ideas. Observe player interactions, measure engagement levels, and collect direct feedback to improve the gameplay experience. Use analytics tools to measure performance metrics like player retention, completion rates, and key engagement points. Combine quantitative data with qualitative feedback from surveys or focus groups to capture the nuanced aspects of player experience.
What does your closest direct competitor do in terms of game design? What does your indirect competitor do? Which one is more profitable? Which one has more and better reviews? Start iterating till you got to a point of absolute perfection, test, discuss, iterate.
"Three Rings for the Elven-kings [...], Seven for the Dwarf-lords [...], Nine for Mortal Men [...], One for the Dark Lord [...]. One Ring to rule them all." Just as the One Ring in Tolkien's universe holds the power to influence all, in game design, convergent thinking is the central force that unifies diverse ideas. Like the rings distributed across Middle Earth, game concepts are plentiful and varied, each with unique strengths. However, it's the application of convergent thinking, akin to the One Ring, that discerns which ideas truly have the potential to rule the gameplay experience, ensuring that from the multitude, only the most compelling and cohesive designs emerge to captivate and command the attention of players.
To utilize convergent thinking in game design, start by defining the problem and conducting market research. Generate a breadth of ideas, then narrow them down by evaluating their feasibility, viability, and alignment with user needs. Techniques like externalization, comparing similar products, and setting specific constraints can help focus the selection process. Ultimately, convergent thinking aids in choosing the most effective solution that resonates with your target audience.