Writing a catchy and memorable title is crucial for the success of any video game. It’s the first thing that players see when they browse through gaming stores or search engines, and it can make or break their decision to download the game.
1. Start With a Compelling Premise
The first step in writing a viral video game title is to start with a compelling premise that captures the essence of your game. What makes your game unique? What sets it apart from other games in its genre? Answering these questions will help you come up with a title that reflects the core features and themes of your game, and that will pique the interest of potential players.
For example, the title “The Last of Us” perfectly encapsulates the premise of the game, which is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection has turned most of humanity into zombie-like creatures called Clickers. The title conveys the sense of urgency and danger that pervades the game, and it suggests that players will be immersed in a gripping and emotionally charged experience.
2. Use Keywords and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
In addition to being engaging and memorable, a viral video game title should also incorporate relevant keywords and use SEO best practices to improve its visibility on search engines. Researching popular keywords in your game’s genre can help you identify phrases and terms that players are likely to be searching for when looking for new games. Incorporating these keywords into your title can help your game rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract more traffic.
For example, the title “Mario Kart Tour” incorporates several popular keywords related to the Mario franchise and mobile gaming, which helped it rank highly on app stores and generate buzz among fans of the series. The use of “Tour” in the title also suggests that the game is a spin-off or a reimagining of the classic Mario Kart formula, which can help to differentiate it from other games in the genre.
3. Use Emotional Language and Appeal to Your Audience’s Senses
To create a truly viral video game title, you need to tap into your audience’s emotions and appeal to their senses. Using emotional language and vivid imagery can help to evoke strong reactions in players and make your game more memorable.
For example, the title “Red Dead Redemption 2” uses the phrase “You Make Your Own Destiny” to convey a sense of freedom and choice that resonates with players who enjoy open-world exploration and narrative-driven gameplay. The use of red in the title also creates a visceral connection with players, as it is associated with danger, passion, and energy.
4. Keep It Simple and Memorable
While using emotional language and incorporating relevant keywords can help to make your video game title more impactful, it’s important to keep it simple and memorable. Long, complex titles that are difficult to pronounce or spell can turn players off and make it harder for them to remember your game. Stick to short, punchy titles that are easy to pronounce and spell, and that convey the essence of your game in a few words.
For example, the title “Portal” is simple and memorable, but it also conveys the unique gameplay mechanics and mind-bending puzzles that define the series. The use of the word “portal” also suggests that players will be transported to a strange and surreal world, which adds to the sense of wonder and excitement that surrounds the game.
5. Use Comparisons and Figurative Language
Using comparisons and figurative language can help to create a sense of anticipation and excitement around your video game title. By drawing parallels between your game and other popular titles or cultural references, you can make it more relatable and memorable to players.
