The board game with darts Round Ground has been in development and playtesting since June 2012. The game had a booth at Stratigicon (GateWay 12) and RinCon 12. Currently its facebook page has almost a thousand of fans. Just recently I realized that quite a few people "were not impressed" with the game's name "Round Ground". I'm planning on kickstarting the game right before the Orccon13 in Febuary, so right now is the time if I want to change the title. I'm counting all pros and cons and seems like it's a good idea if I can come up with a really good new name that sticks. But I'm still a little afraid that I'm making a mistake.. The downside is confusing all the people that saw the game at the conventions. Am I missing anything here?
changing the name... too late?
Thu, 11/15/2012 - 08:13
Thu, 11/15/2012 - 10:23
#1
I would.
Its not that I don't like the game title, but does it fit your game theme. What part or as a whole are you thinking of when you designed the game? What about the territories? Do a specific territory stick out like a soar thumb that just begs to be the title? Is their a main story to the theme. If players already played the game and seen how the game is played, I don't think it will be a hinderence to change the name of your game late.
Thu, 11/15/2012 - 13:47
#2
Round Ground
I have to agree with the folks who suggest a change of the name. "Round Ground" sounds like something you toss on the BBQ grill. Appetizing on a plate, not so much on a game box.
As Stormy said, think about what theme is dominated by the game and work from there. I'm sure there is a great name just lurking within the main scenario of your game. Perhaps if you could give us a better run down of the game, there are a lot of clever cookies here willing to toss out a few ideas. It's not too late to change the name now, especially if you are not satisfied with it. Once you KickStart it and get 100 or more copies printed, then it's too late. Choose wisely.
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 02:59
#4
Around and around with Round Ground Round
btw voodoodog why words "Round Ground" makes you think of BBQ?
Because 1 lb. of Ground Round makes a great burger!
Why re-theme the game to fit the name? Keep the theme, re-think the name. I'm sure there is a better "Title" that ties in with a Sci-Fi-Alien-Attack-Magic-Planet-Outer-Space theme than "Round Ground", but your ultimately at the controls and it's your ship.
"Tittles" make me think of something entirely different ;)
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 10:05
#5
Game title change.
Don't be to alarmed by this. After you have changed the game title, underneath the new title put formally known as Round Ground. Customers and your playtesters already know the game. If you have sent this game to any publisher, no doubt they would change the name to fit your theme. The name says it all. And yes, to me it sounded like a burger game till I read the game details and mechanics.
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 10:22
#6
You could do this...
At the next con, put a stack of blank paper and a shoe box or wooden box on the table. On the top of each paper have this on it. Game Name Change? You have seen my game and know how to play it. But my game name doesn't fit the theme. What would you like to see the game title to be? One box with old name and another the customer's own name. With all of these names, you can do a play on words that fit the theme to your game.
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 17:33
#7
Ground Zero!
How about "Ground Zero" or something along those lines. Keeps part of the original name and what's more round than a Zero?
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 22:26
#8
Ground Zero
Thank you, guys! These are all good ideas. I'm also gonna do some brainstorming and come up with lots of names and let people pick which one they like the most. Or may be let people to come up with the names and the best ones will be rewarded with a free copy of the game.
Ground Zero sounds good, thank you Voodoodog! Unfortunately there is already a computer game and a book with the same name :/
Sun, 11/18/2012 - 09:33
#9
name change
In describing the game you used the term " magic planet" and I liked that name a lot. Put it on the list! "Space throw", not so much. :)
Sun, 11/18/2012 - 13:13
#10
based on your description,
based on your description, you said aliens versus magic basically right? Magispace. laserz and spellz.
You could name it simply by incorperating what thoughts are brought to mind when certain terms are used in the game. Aliens=laser magic=spells. or mixing words that relate to it together migic/magi + space magispace. short names are usually good, draw in more people. Names like Spellbound: Magic in space, or some strange assortment of words that relate to the game in a way everyone can percieve in about the same way. I mean you could name it star toss, but that doesn't give the mystical alien feel to it, but you wouldn't want to name it like planet bound, because while you get the idea of moving towards the planet (the whole throwing darts bit.)
IDK, just throwing some stuff out there, hoping it helps. At least if you do decide to change the name (personally I don't care for your chosen name, but it is your call not mine.)
Tue, 11/20/2012 - 08:28
#11
name change
Try Stuck on You!
The idea to make this game came to me when I was thinking of something I played in my childhood. Part of game process was throwing knifes at a big circle on the ground. This's where the name Round Ground originates. The theme and the art were added later. It's a story about aliens attacking a magic planet, the dartboard is illustrated with spaceships, clovers and such symbols. But the game can be easily re-themed. That's why I'm thinking to keep the original name and add an expansion tittle to it. For example, Round Ground: Space Throw. I’m working on the list of possible tittles for the game but would appreciate any help from the forum members.
btw voodoodog why words "Round Ground" makes you think of BBQ?