Champion Jam

What does it mean to be a champion?

Quite literally, a champion is someone who has surpasssed all their rivals in a sporting contest or other competition. They are the champion at the very top of the ladder, highly skilled in what they are doing - or particularly clever, using all the mental and physical power they have to be better than anyone else. It calls for a competitive element in the games you will create. Something like a perfect clear, a speed run, a one-credit-run, beating an AI, or anything else where people can compete to determine who is the best.

To be a champion can also refer to being a vigorous supporter or advocate of an important cause. June is Pride Month, other days and events are dedicated to diversity and equal rights. Those speaking up against social grievances and unfairness are champions. If you ever protected someone from being bullied at school or online, you are a champion. You can think about building a game where defending something or someone is the key to success.

Champion, C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N...

Do you know the saying "Breakfast of Champions?" Sounds like a legit title for a cooking game, right? And then "Champion land" is another term for the open field system used in medieval and early modern Europe. That might be a strategic element you can explore. Or maybe "C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N." stands for something entirely different in your imagination.

And what if you looked at the story of a former champion, someone who once achieved greatness but somehow isn't on top of the world any more?

Whenever I am looking for inspiration for something, I just search the Internet, stock image databases or social media platforms and see what results I can get for my keyword.

And then just go ahead and play with the ideas, build a game around whatever it is that resonates with you and your team. And have fun!