One of the best parts about video games, comics, and the world of anime is that you can be anyone you want. And not only can you design characters and play around as them, but you can also give them their own unique names. But where do you begin?
Creative Ideas for Naming Your Next Character
For the most part, you don’t get to choose your name in real life. Most of us are assigned a name at birth and/or modify our names for the purposes of marriage. But even then, we’re just taking on the surname of our spouse. Totally customizing your name is rare. (Though it is possible. For example, in the UK, you can get a deed poll to change your name fairly easily. You just pay a small fee and submit some paperwork.)
But in the world of video games, you have total control over the naming process. In fact, creating unique and memorable names for video game characters is considered one of the more important aspects of game development. Here are some tips for coming up with names for video game characters:
- Theme: Consider the overall theme of the game and the character’s role within it. Names should be fitting and add to the overall atmosphere of the game world. If it’s a medieval time period game, look up names from the Dark Ages. You can use a famous person’s name from that period, or simply pull inspiration from different names that you run across. If the game is set in the future, maybe you look for futuristic names (or create your own).
- Location: If the game takes place in a specific location, consider names that are representative of that area’s culture and history. For example, if the game takes place in medieval England, consider names like Thomas, William, or Elizabeth. Throw on a number at the end to give it even more realism (like William III or Thomas Morrow IV).
- Personality: Think about the character’s personality and traits, and choose a name that reflects them. For example, a brave warrior might have a strong name like Thor, while a cunning thief might have a clever name like Robin.
- Wordplay: Consider using wordplay to create unique and memorable names. For example, combining two words to create a new name, like “fire” and “blade” to create “Fireblade.” Or if you want something more gentle, you could combine “gentle” and “rose” to create “Gentlerose.”
- Mythology: Incorporating names from mythology, such as Greek, Roman, or Norse, can add depth and history to the game world and characters. There’s actually a lot of room for creativity here – so don’t be afraid to spend some time carefully brainstorming.
- Pop Culture: Consider using names from popular books, movies, or TV shows that are relevant to the game’s theme and audience. Fellow players will be sure to notice and give you massive kudos for the creativity.
- Language: Try incorporating words from different languages, such as Latin, Arabic, or Japanese, to create unique names. Better yet, take a name that you like in your own native language and then translate it over into another language for a unique, cultural spin. (You could even do this with your own personal name to create a sort of alter ego.)
- Variants: Consider using different versions of names that are already in use, such as changing the spelling or adding a prefix or suffix. You can also take a gender-specific name and flip it. For example: Harry Smith could be translated to Harrietta Smith.
- Research: Research names that are commonly used in the target audience’s culture and language, and try to find names that are both common and unique. This is great if you’re looking for something that’s a little more historical and true to the time period of the game.
- Collaboration: Collaborating with other members of the development team can lead to new and creative ideas for names. Next time you’re having a couple of drinks with friends, take five minutes to have one big brainstorming session.
- Online generator: There are online naming generators out there that will do this process for you. This obviously eliminates creativity, but is a good way to quickly come up with a clever name without much effort.
Adding it All Up
By following these tips, you can come up with unique, memorable, and fitting names for video game characters that will enhance the player’s experience. However, it is important to also consider any potential cultural or legal issues when choosing names, especially if the game will be released internationally.
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