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Company name opinion. Thank you.

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Fri, 04/03/2009 - 16:50
coco
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Hi all.

I'm ready to start my small and independent publishing company. Wish me luck!

I've got almost eveything. Component manufacturers, games, artist, testers, translator, web programmer, a few skills, time, no money, hope ...

So now it's time to give it a name. I've already registered a domain with the one I like the most (after discarding a few already registered names). As I'm spanish, I'd like to hear opinions from native english speakers in the board game arena:

DREAM GOLEM

From...

Dream: an aspiration; goal; aim
Golem: animated being crafted from inanimate material

Please tell me what you think. Does it sound good to you?

Thank you,

Néstor

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Fri, 04/03/2009 - 18:21
#1
Katherine
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To be honest ... I am not

To be honest ... I am not fussed on the name; Both words have interesting meanings but dream is very common, and Golem reminds me of LotR.

Have you googled it Nestor?

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Fri, 04/03/2009 - 20:05
#2
bluesea
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In all honesty, the name

In all honesty, the name seems a bit forced. I don't mean to sound harsh, just trying to give you some honest feedback. It kinda sounds like it should be the name of an RPG website.

coco wrote:
...As I'm spanish, I'd like to hear opinions from native english speakers in the board game arena:

I'd be interested to hear any options that embrace your Spanish heritage and gives the company name some meaning that reflects you as the founder of this company, moreover your vision for the company.

So let's talk about your company, your goals and your visions and maybe we can find a more natural sounding game. Will you only be publishing games?

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 03:04
#3
SiddGames
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Fails to Evoke

I agree, "golem" is evocative of fantasy themes and I'm not sure a general boardgaming audience is familiar with the term. If you want to be evocative of fantasy, perhaps "imp" would be better, for example, because it is a more common word, may imply fun (an impish child or person), may imply otherworldliness. If your choice of golem was to imply artifice, then there are other more common words that could work there as well.

It sounds like you are going for an evocative name, which is fine, but I think evocative names need to be strong or they fail to evoke thoughts/emotions and sound flat. Personally, "Dream Golem" falls somewhat flat for me. (I'm not saying it would be a reason not to check out your products, I'm just talking about the name all by itself.)

I agree with Bluesea, it would help if you gave us a larger idea about what you want to convey, and the types of games/products you are going to produce. When someone thinks of your company, what kind of games or experience do you want them to associate with it?

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 04:39
#4
coco
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a different direction

Thank you for your comments. That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I should go in a different direction. I really apreciate it.

And thank you in advance for helping me find a name. Here is a description of the company.

It is focused in ultraportable games so they fit on any gamer's shelf, you can carry them on holidays and to reduce shipping costs. Boxes of around 9x6x2 inches. The games will be sold exclusively by web worldwide (nothing against distributors or retailers, but I just don't have enough money to do so and I don't want to risk a lot). Being spanish is not important, as it will be international. The site and games will be in english, spanish, german and probably french and italian.

I've found a few little treasures here in Spain. Here are they:

- A rigid telescopic box manufacturer that can do small runs of 100 units (blank) or 200 (printed).
- An amazing material for making boards. It is cheap but very resistant and can be folded or rolled. Even washed. I must buy 500 blank boards, but I can print runs of 10.
- A laser cutter: It can cut wood, acrylic and probably cardboard.
- An excelent card printer with a minimum run of 500.

... and the GOB POD service in USA.

As I can produce the games almost one by one, I will insert the rules in the desired language.

As I sell by web, prices will be low, as shipping cost are high. So the total sum is equal or cheaper than the price of a similar game on a store.

I will put the rulebooks, a video demo, examples of play, component descriptions and images, ... of every game on the web site. There will be computer versions of some of them too.

About the games:

By now, there will be 3 product lines:

1. A collection of abstracts. All of them with the same small box and using this amazing material I've mentioned and acrylic pieces. As they can be printed in small groups, I can almost produce them 'on demand'.

2. A collection of POD card based games. I'll probably use the GOB service, although lately it is a bit slow, so I must order in groups of 50 or more.

3. A P500 system for more complex games. I've got 1 game for this and it rocks. Superb artwork too by a Canadian artist.

The games will be ameri-euros. Not too german, not too ameritrash. 10 to 90 minutes. Light and fast. Ages 10 and up mostly, but not very complex. I'll try to avoid fantasy themed games, CCG, etc... as the market is quite saturated.

Thank you again. Any suggestions or ideas? Need more info?

Néstor

EDIT------------------------

What do you think about the company names with the word 'GAMES'?

[whatever] GAMES

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 14:00
#5
fecundity
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Actually, "Whatever Games"

Actually, "Whatever Games" isn't too bad. ;)

"Dream Golem Games" actually strikes me as being a bit better than just "Dream Golem"-- because it makes clear what the company does!

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 15:32
#6
coco
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registered

fecundity wrote:
Actually, "Whatever Games" isn't too bad. ;)

It's already registered :-(

fecundity wrote:
"Dream Golem Games" actually strikes me as being a bit better than just "Dream Golem"-- because it makes clear what the company does!

Maybe you're right. Thank you!

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 16:25
#7
tomi71
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I like your original idea.

I like your original idea. It´s simple and easy to remember. I like it. Keep it.

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 16:41
#8
coco
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different opinions

tomi71 wrote:
I like your original idea. It´s simple and easy to remember. I like it. Keep it.

Thank you, tomi71. With or without 'games'?

How many different opinions!

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 17:05
#9
coco
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my goal

I'd like to give you more information and focus on my goal.

What I want to do is to publish every game a player wants to play. Even if only a few people buy it. I know ths is an impossible task, but here are my 2 cents. I'll do what I can.

Most of the publishing companies reject really good games because 'they don't fit in their product line' (not talking about my games). I understand it is a very risky move to manufacture thousands of games and wait for them to be sold.

As I will be able to manufacture very small runs, I'd like these hidden gems to see the light (again I'm not talking about my designs, although there will be some).

Moreover, this is not going to be my main activity by now (I'm an enterprise consultant and math teacher). But I've got time enough to run it. This means I will not have any pressure to gain money at short term, and no need to spend it also.

Obviuosly I cannot afford to publish any game. Only games I can manufacture with my providers and tools. But I will be constantly investigating new manufacturing methods and materials to reach more gems. This is something I do well, fortunately.

This implies I'll be accepting submissions in a near future. You'll be informed.

Now focusing on the name. As the games will be sold only by web, the name should give the maximum information. It should be easy to remember and type. It should evoke 'best perfumes in small bottles', as the boxes will be small.

Thank you again. I'm all ears.

Néstor

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 17:47
#10
The Magician
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I'd have to agree with

I'd have to agree with bluesea's advise of keeping to your spanish herratige. I don't like the sound of "Dream Golum Games" something about haveing two "g"s. If you really like it that's cool, but I would get married to the name without haveing many ideas. I could see something like "Dream on! games" or "Dream Roll Games". Just a quick opinion.

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 18:01
#11
coco
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spanish

So something like...

[spanish word here] GAMES ?

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 18:07
#12
Katherine
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How will you avoid the

How will you avoid the "product line" yet keep to small boxes? This in itself determines a product line does it not?

what are the spanish words for small or gem?

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 18:19
#13
coco
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Good question

Good question. When I said 'product line' I meant 'game type and market objective'.

Game size will be my limitation by now because of the shipping costs. I hope this will change on the future. Shipping costs are my enemy.

small = pequeño
gem = gema, joya

they doesn't sound well in spanish ;)

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 18:32
#14
Katherine
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Well the only other thing

Well the only other thing that comes to mind is pinata. They are great fun, full of variety and a container.

It will be interesting to hear what you decide!

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 18:39
#15
coco
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Piñata

Thank you for your suggestion! I apreciate it.

(it is piñata)

Piñata is from Mexico. It is not used here is Spain. I don't feel comfortable with that word.

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 18:54
#16
Katherine
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sorry ...In an earlier post

sorry ...In an earlier post you mentioned that being spanish was not important.

Good luck in coming up with a unique name!

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 19:01
#17
coco
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misunderstood

shazzaz wrote:
sorry ...In an earlier post you mentioned that being spanish was not important.

Good luck in coming up with a unique name!

Ouch! I think I'm being misunderstood. Sorry! English is not my mother language and I find it a bit difficult to express my thoughts sometimes.

What I said is that I don't care if the name is spanish or not. So if the name is spanish and I like it then it's ok. If the word is in english, then it's ok too.

About the piñata, I meant that I really apreciate your aproach, but I'm not identified with it.

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 19:02
#18
bluepantherllc
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Company Name

If you're going to publish "small gaming gems", then maybe you should name your company "Diamond" or "Emerald" or some other precious gem. A related name might be "Prospector" or "Gold Rush" which implies people looking for things of value...

SJ

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 19:11
#19
coco
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Diamond

Thank you for your suggestion, Steve! Good to see you here!

'Diamond' was on top of my list, but unfortunately it is registered (diamond and diamondgames).

The rest sound a bit presumptuous.

In spanish it is 'diamante' and 'diamante games' is not registered, so I'll add it to the list ;-)

BTW, how is you POD service doing?

Néstor

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Sat, 04/04/2009 - 21:00
#20
SiddGames
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I like the direction piñata

I like the direction piñata went - a word that conveys something good inside. My thoughts lead me toward compactness, to correspond with the physicality of the games, but also something positive. "Dynamo" comes to mind, although I'm not sure that does well by itself... What are good things that come in small packages?

Also, is it a requirement that the .com domain name be available? That can make it a lot harder, although an original evocative name is more likely to be free. I had a similar problem when trying to come up with a name for my (hopefully one day) brick & mortar family game store.

This is just a list of thoughts that pop up, quality not guaranteed, just sparking some ideas.

* High Density Games - evocative of the small packages, also value; maybe also implies one of your product lines (abstracts); may (negatively) imply very complex or long games.

** For a variation playing on modern trends, High Definition Games - evocative of clarity and modernity; may (negatively) imply video or computer games.

* Dynamo Games or Dynamo Publishing - sounds powerful, full of energy, and can also imply a small package, or a small publishing company; may sound too generic.

* (the) Game Refinery - implies what comes out is of high(er) quality; may imply heavily automated publishing and/or highly produced games and components, which may be mismatched with the fact that your games are hand assembled and produced in small runs.

** Alternative related words - distill, filter, streamline, boutique.

* Precious Games - this would be risky, I think.

** Going more with the gem line of thinking mentioned - Game Ingot, Nugget Games.

* Truffle Games or Game Truffles - makes me think small, possibly rare or hard to find, implies lighter or smaller games; possible positive mental association with yummy chocolate :)

* Uncommon Games - very descriptive of your product lines and publishing vision, can also imply quality, and not as overused as words like "rare" or "premium." Very simple, which actually appeals to me.

** Alternative related words - curious, irregular, eccentric.

** Alternatives aiming more toward the obscure selection of games - Nameless Games (ironic, humorous (to me, heh)), Uncharted Games, Unsung Games, Neglected Games.

* Games Menagerie - implying a wide assortment of games and game types, also sounds fun (to me); may (negatively) connote a lack of organization or direction.

* Cornucopia Games - this is actually the name I ended up with for my game store. "Cornucopia" has a lot of positive associations in my mind - Thanksgiving (American holiday of sharing and thanks), good food, family-oriented, abundance, variety. A cornucopia is also a type of container, tying in with your packaging. I know Cornucopia.com and CornucopiaGames.com are taken, unfortunately, as I ended up registering CornucopiaGameStore.com for myself back when. Just thought I'd throw this out there, though.

** Alternative related words - bountiful, plethora.

Well, that's it for now. Hopefully some of those spark an idea for you. Good luck!

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 00:53
#21
mjacobsca
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What about "Golem Games"?

What about "Golem Games"? It's short. Simple. Decent for a game company. Probably leans more towards fantasy and RPG games than general games, but it would work if that's what you were after.

Mike

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 02:59
#22
apeloverage
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another suggestion:

Picaro Games.

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 03:17
#23
Redcap
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I like the name Dream Golem

I like the name

Dream Golem Games

and frankly even if you had a horrible name but great games, people would start to like that name, for example I think the company "Zman games" is a horrible name, but I love most of their games so the name doesn't get in the way.

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 03:17
#24
Nando
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Company name opinion. Thank you.

I'm also not a fan of Dream Golem. Dream Golem Games is marginally better, but I'm still not a fan.

My suggestion is Atomic Games. Small and packs a punch?

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 03:22
#25
Willi B
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Try to define your games in the company name.

If this is a possible thing... identifying the thing that makes your company different can help any company.

If this isn't possible, then pick something that will send some message to the customer. I think Out-of-the-Box and Looney Labs succeed in the name game whereas Rio Grande and Hasbro fall a little in this department. I know we are talking about a niche market, but the building of your brand name is easier if the name already tells people something about the company.

If you want to convey that people will have a good time playing your games, convey something festive. If you want to produce deep strategy war games, consider something from military history. If you are going to be varied in your product, maybe something that translates into the concept of 'from A to Z' will help customers know that.

Best brand identity ever created:

Cheapass Games...

at least in the U.S. where that is easily understood, it let you know that you were going to buy something low in price and half the time a person would appreciate the truth in advertising or funny aspect to the company name and buy a game because it was cheap and if it wasn't to their liking they were out only 5 or 6 dollars.

Good Luck in the new enterprise!

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 04:12
#26
coco
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compactness

SiddGames wrote:
My thoughts lead me toward compactness, to correspond with the physicality of the games, but also something positive.

Hi, SiddGames. Thank you!

Me too. I need my costumers to know that the games are small and 'dense', so they get a lot by sacrificing the less space on their shelves.

Quote:
What are good things that come in small packages?

That's exactly what I want to know.

Quote:
Also, is it a requirement that the .com domain name be available?

Good question. As the games qill be only sold by web, I want the costumers to reach my site easily, just by typing the company name. So the name and the domain must match.

Imagine a friend o yours brings one of the [company name here] games (easy, as they are ultraportable) and you like it so much that you want to purchase a copy. You just need to remember the name of the company on the box and type it later on the web.

Quote:
This is just a list of thoughts that pop up, quality not guaranteed, just sparking some ideas.

Thank you again! A lot of suggestions!

Quote:
* High ...plethora.

I like your ideas. They've made me think a lot. Thay are similar to mine. Same direction but I still haven't found it. It's there. I know it.

Quote:
Well, that's it for now. Hopefully some of those spark an idea for you. Good luck!

Thanks again! And please keep giving me ideas!

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 04:34
#27
coco
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easy to remember

I see some of you like the 'golem' thing and some don't.

'Golem' has nothing to do with 'small size' or 'compactness' but it is a small word and sounds well. That's what I like about it.

I think it's important that the name is easy to remember. Yes, Z-man is a horrible name, but it cought my attention the first time I saw it and it entered into my head like an arrow. I also like 'cheapass games' a lot.

I like 'atomic games'. It's close to what I'm looking for.

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 16:58
#28
coco
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Labs

Willi B wrote:
Looney Labs

I like the 'lab' concept too. It aproaches what I'm trying to do. I spend most of the time testing mechanics, materials, etc... So I've got a lab here! Thank you, Willi B.

Quote:
If you want to convey that people will have a good time playing your games, convey something festive. If you want to produce deep strategy war games, consider something from military history. If you are going to be varied in your product, maybe something that translates into the concept of 'from A to Z' will help customers know that.

[something fun] + labs? Interesting...

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 19:27
#29
Nando
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Company name opinion. Thank you.

Maybe...I don't know... Funlab Games?

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Sun, 04/05/2009 - 20:21
#30
bluesea
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Maybe picking a name from one

Maybe picking a name from one of these lists of English words of Spanish origin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_words_of_Spanish_origin
http://spanish.about.com/cs/historyofspanish/a/spanishloanword.htm

Suggestions: (I don't know if any of these are available)
Olé Games
Papaya Games (I like the sound of this)
Barracuda Board Games (your logo will be easy with this one)
Mano a Mano Games

Other suggestions:
Sangria Games! ;) (even though it's not on the lists above, a well known word.)
Coco Game Company (had to say it because it's staring us in the face.)

Maybe make the name a bit more personal. What region are you from? City? What's your favorite football team? Player? Any childhood inspirations? The love of your life? Favorite book? Character?

This is a hard task. Let the content of your products create the vision. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll have something.

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