**Brainstorms** are often chaotic—everyone talks over each other, **ideas pile up**, and by the end, we're **exhausted but not necessarily any wiser**. It feels productive in the moment, but in the long run, **nothing really changes**. We talk for an hour and then move on.  

To fix this, we need to **organize everything**—not with **rigid, military-grade rules**, but just enough **structure** to turn creativity into something **actionable**. In this chapter, we'll explore **ideation methods**, starting with a **fast-paced technique** before diving into others that are both **effective and fun**.  

The method is called **Crazy 8**, and it's about each team member **generating 8 ideas in 8 minutes**!

What is the primary goal of the Crazy 8 method?

Game design is the art and science of crafting engaging, immersive, and interactive experiences. Learn core game design concepts, such as player archetypes, gameplay mechanics, and design thinking, while also exploring ideation techniques, prototyping methods, and testing strategies. Through an iterative design approach, you'll gain the skills to conceptualize, refine, and evaluate games, whether for video games, board games, or interactive experiences. Perfect for aspiring game designers, developers, or anyone curious about the creative and analytical aspects of game design.

Learn the fundamentals of game design, including what defines a game, its key elements, and the role of a game designer.

Learn how different player archetypes influence game design and shape player experiences. Explore the MDA Framework to understand how mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics work together to create engaging gameplay.

Generate ideas with Brainstorming and Crazy 8, challenge assumptions with The Worst Possible Idea, and refine concepts using Structured Ideation Techniques.

Explore different types of prototypes, create quick iterations with rapid prototyping, map player experiences using user journey mapping, and simulate interactions with Wizard of Oz-ing.

Assess game design with heuristic evaluation, gather insights through the think-aloud protocol, and collect player feedback using interviews and questionnaires.

Introduction to Game Design

Brainstorming and Crazy 8