The Value of Ideas

Over the past few years I have stated the opinion that ideas, as far as game design goes, have very little value. Actual value comes from working through those ideas, dealing the problems they present and actually making (and finishing) a game. I have recently come to the realization that my attitude is needs to change.

I think many game developers reach this point. The "ideas are worth little" mantra has been repeated by numerous developers. I have become jaded and tired of having the same conversations over and over with people looking to get into game development. Conversations with people who just want to be "idea people," people who have no real desire work on games, they just want to play their ideas. I guess other developers reach the same place. I have to believe other fields, such as writers and film makers, must have the same frustrations.

Combine this with the fact that most game ideas from people are often not game designs at all. "Halo with more guns" is not a valuable and things like this make up the majority of these conversations.

My attitude towards discussing game design with students and people looking to get into game development has become worse and worse. I have gone from being totally open with people, listening and telling them anything I think would help, to telling them, "Go make games. There is nothing stopping you." Recently I have found myself telling people, "If you really wanted to make games you would have done it by now."

I need to remember, like anything else, there are good ideas and bad ideas and I should take the time to talk to everyone. Everyone got started somewhere. Where would I be if no one took the time to listen to my dumb game ideas and help point me in the right direction?