Dareb wrote:

Im STUMPED... I really dont know what is expected of people writing game concepts and I dont think there are any sites that show..

Any of you know, because Im literally in pain here. Should I write the basic story and plot the game out, or get deep down into the nitty gritty details of even the gameplay?

The details of gameplay are a must.

Can I leave it up for Game Programmers and companies? Would I have any further say beyond submission?

If you don't have detailed ideas for gameplay, interface, etc. there won't be any "beyond" to the submission because it'll die on the table. If all you have is a story, then you have a story and not a game.

Story is actually the least essential element of any game idea. No matter how story-centric it is, no matter how in-depth the story will be, it's superceded by just about every other aspect of gameplay. A good story could make the difference between a very sterile but playable game, and an excellent game, but the emphasis goes on playable.
In particular, you'll have to be able to answer a few questions about the game:

• What kinds of gamers will enjoy this?
• How non-linear is the game?
• Is it open-ended? Replayable? Are there random elements? Is it almost totally random?
• Is it multiplayer? If so, does it adequately address the balance problems of advanced and novice players being in the same game?
• How would _____ be presented in an interface?
  
  A good game should be one where the gameplay is very good and the puzzle setup is intelligent, but basically any story (with its associated graphics) could be attached to the engine for a good result. While the story may be very good, think about what your game would be like with a much lamer story--then plan for that.
  
  Lummox JR

Spuzzum wrote:

Lummox JR wrote:

What kinds of gamers will enjoy this?
How non-linear is the game?
Is it open-ended? Replayable? Are there random elements? Is it almost totally random?
Is it multiplayer? If so, does it adequately address the balance problems of advanced and novice players being in the same game?
How would _____ be presented in an interface?

If you're OK with it, can I add those to the GameAspects page on ByondBwicki? My article-in-progress is looking for all sorts of questions like that.

Sounds fine to me. I just came up with those off the top of my head, and they might not even be presented in a good order, but they're a start.
My main point was actually that story takes a back seat to all of those. It's important, but it can be plugged in fairly late in the game if you have an idea of what gameplay elements the story will need.

Lummox JR