"Unless they decide to try making a new type of game, a designer has to work within an existing genre, right? So how do they make their game stand out, since there's so many others like it? (I know I know, most of them don't, but look at Total Annihilation or Half-Life and you'll see what I mean.)"

Submitted by: Kade McGraw

Answered by: Chris Taylor (designer, Gas Powered Games)

"Yes, I agree. Most designers work within an existing genre but try to add a twist that makes a contribution. This is where sayings like "evolving the genre" come from. Sometimes that evolution comes from requiring a faster CPU or using the latest video card. Most designers try to do this with design concepts that are technology independent, which is what makes it so challenging. I think a good game comes from a balance of both, latest technology and some cool new ideas, well, hopefully a lot of cool new ideas!"

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