Ever wondered how your favorite tabletop games come to life? At Think Fast Games, we're pulling back the curtain to give you a glimpse into our game development process. From initial spark to final product, here's how we bring our games from initial concept to market launch.
The Spark of an Idea
Every game starts with a spark — a moment of inspiration that could come from anywhere. For Dot Duel and Word Whiz, our first two games, these sparks ignited exciting journeys of creativity and innovation. Dot Duel was inspired during a game night with friends, whereas the idea for Word Whiz arrived during a dedicated brainstorming session.
Choosing the right name for a game is an art in itself. We aim for names that are catchy, descriptive, and memorable. Dot Duel perfectly captured the quick-fire, competitive nature of the game, while Word Whiz immediately conveys the word-based focus of our second title.
Initial Game Development
Once we have an initial idea, we dive into intense brainstorming sessions. This is where we flesh out the core mechanics, imagine potential gameplay scenarios, and start to envision what the final product might look like. For Dot Duel, our first game, this stage was particularly dynamic. The initial concept underwent significant changes as we explored different possibilities and mechanics. In contrast, Word Whiz, our second game, remained remarkably close to its original concept throughout the development process with only minor tweaks to improve competition and overall enjoyment.
Prototyping and Playtesting
With a solid concept in hand, we move to prototyping. This involves creating rough versions of the game using simple materials. Then comes the crucial phase of playtesting. For both Dot Duel and Word Whiz, we spent months testing and tweaking before we finalized the rules. This involved countless play sessions, gathering feedback from friends, family, and strangers, and making adjustments. It's a meticulous process, but it's where the magic happens — this is where good ideas become great games. Both Dot Duel and Word Whiz took about six months to develop from initial concept to market-ready product.
Finalizing Game Design
After rigorous testing, we begin to finalize the game design. This includes refining rules, balancing gameplay, and making decisions about components and materials. For Dot Duel, this stage saw some of the most significant changes from the original concept, as we honed in on what made the game truly special.
Going to Market
The final stage is preparing the game for market. This involves manufacturing, packaging design, marketing strategies, and distribution plans. It's a complex process, but seeing our games in players' hands makes it all worthwhile.
At Think Fast Games, we're passionate about creating games that bring people together and spark joy. Whether a game undergoes major transformations like Dot Duel or stays true to its original concept like Word Whiz, our goal remains the same: to deliver fun, engaging experiences that players will love.
The next time you're playing one of our games, remember the journey it took — from a spark of an idea to the finished product in your hands. Who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to create a game of your own!