Naming your board game can feel like the final boss of the design process. You’ve nailed the mechanics, playtests went great—and now… the name. You want something catchy, clever, and that actually tells people what the game is about.
Let’s break it down with 7 tips that will help you create a title that’s as fun and functional as the game itself.
1. Start with Your Core Concept
Ask yourself: What is the heart of my game?
Is it about pirates looting treasure? A post-apocalyptic survival race? A cozy game about farming alpacas? Your title should reflect the theme or feeling of the game.
Examples:
- Dead of Winter instantly evokes a harsh, survival setting.
- Ticket to Ride hints at travel and adventure.
Tip: Write down 5–10 words that best describe your game’s tone, setting, and player experience. Use these as inspiration.
2. Make It Memorable
Simple and sticky titles tend to work best. If it sounds clunky or hard to pronounce, players may forget it—or worse, avoid it.
Games with Easy to Remember Titles:
Avoid Names that are Long and/or Confusing:
- “The Intriguing and Mysterious Adventure of the Sorcerers’ Guild”
- “Bumpcat Spectacular”
3. Check for Existing Games
Before you fall in love with a name, search the internet to make sure it’s not already taken. You want your game to stand out—not get lost in a sea of similarly named titles.
Bonus Tip: Avoid names too close to well-known IPs unless you want a call from lawyers…
4. Say It Out Loud and Listen to How it Sounds
If you feel weird saying your game’s name in conversation, your players will too. It should roll off the tongue and feel natural when players recommend it to others.
Try saying:
- “Wanna play [Game Name] tonight?”
- “Have you heard of [Game Name]?”
If it feels clunky or unclear, revise it.
(Note: Are you are planning to go through a publisher? Know they might change the name anyways.)
5. Match the Mood
Funny game? Use a playful name. Serious strategy game? Choose something sharp or mysterious. Party game? Go for something bold and energetic.
Examples:
- Exploding Kittens = chaos and humor
- Viticulture = calm, wine-themed eurogame
Your name sets the first impression—match it to the gameplay.
6. Think About Shelf Appeal
Imagine your game sitting on a shelf or scrolling by in an online store. Will the name catch attention? Is it readable at a glance?
You can even mock up a quick logo or box front to see how it looks visually.
Shorter titles (1–3 words) tend to pop better in search results and on packaging.
🛠️ 7. Play with Word Types
Some naming styles to try:
- Compound Words: PowerGrid, StarRealms
- One-Word Names: Azul, Scythe, Everdell
- Puns/Wordplay: Pun Intended, Cartographers
- Foreign or Made-Up Words: Tzolk’in, Agricola, Cascadia
Bonus: Try using verbs (Unmatched, Dominion) or location-based names (Carcassonne, Ark Nova).
Final Thoughts
A great name doesn’t just sound cool—it supports your game’s theme, helps it stand out, and makes it easier for players to talk about. Take your time. Get feedback. And don’t be afraid to workshop a few ideas before you settle.
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