Game Name Generator

Create exciting, memorable names for video games, board games, or gaming projects across all genres.

Your selected genre, theme, tone, structure, and platform will determine game names - keywords are optional

Game Genre

Select the type of game you're creating

Theme/Setting

Choose the world or setting for your game

Tone/Style

Select the emotional feel or style of your game

Name Structure

Choose how your game name should be structured

Target Platform

Select the platform(s) your game will be available on

Tips for Naming Your Game:

Memorable: Unique, easy to remember, stands out from competitors
Searchable: Easy to spell, not too generic, avoids trademark issues
Evocative: Captures the essence and feel of your game
Marketable: Works well on store pages, social media, and merchandise

Free Game Name Generator Tool

Create the Perfect Game Name

Our Game Name Generator helps you find unique, memorable names for video games, board games, or gaming projects across all genres.

Why Game Names Matter

A strong game name is one of the most crucial elements of your game's identity and marketing strategy. Your game's name is often the first thing potential players see—it needs to grab attention, convey the essence of your game, and be memorable enough to stick in players' minds.

Key Functions of Game Names:

  • DiscoverabilityHelps players find your game in stores, search engines, and social media
  • Brand IdentityCreates a foundation for your game's overall branding and marketing
  • Genre SignalingCommunicates what type of game players can expect (RPG, FPS, etc.)
  • First ImpressionSets expectations and creates initial interest before players see screenshots or videos
  • Franchise PotentialEstablishes the foundation for potential sequels and expansions

Popular Game Naming Strategies

Names that directly communicate the game's setting, world, or primary theme.

Examples: Skyrim (sky/mountains setting), World of Warcraft (warcraft universe), Cyberpunk 2077 (cyberpunk genre + year)
Benefits: Immediately communicates core concept, helps with genre categorization
Works Best For: RPGs, simulation games, games with rich lore and settings

Names that highlight the core gameplay or key mechanic that makes the game unique.

Examples: Portal (portal mechanics), Braid (time manipulation), Minecraft (mining + crafting), Cut the Rope (literal mechanic)
Benefits: Communicates what players will actually do in the game
Works Best For: Puzzle games, unique mechanic-driven games, casual/mobile games

Names that center on the main character, protagonist, or iconic figure.

Examples: Max Payne, Tomb Raider (Lara Croft), Hitman, Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog
Benefits: Creates recognizable mascot/avatar, good for character-focused storytelling
Works Best For: Character-driven narratives, platformers, action games with strong protagonists

Names that create a mood or feeling without directly describing gameplay or setting.

Examples: Destiny, Halo, Journey, Limbo, Celeste, Hollow Knight
Benefits: Memorable, intriguing, creates curiosity, often easier to trademark
Works Best For: Artistic indie games, games with emotional themes, experimental titles

Game Name Structures

One powerful, evocative word that captures the essence of the game.

Examples: Doom, Halo, Minecraft, Fortnite, Skyrim, Journey
Benefits: Extremely memorable, easy to type/search, good for branding
Tip: Choose words with strong emotional impact or unique sounds; consider made-up words

Pairing two words to create a distinctive, memorable title.

Examples: Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Dark Souls, Grand Theft Auto, Monster Hunter
Benefits: More descriptive than single words while still being concise
Patterns:
  • Adjective + Noun: Dark Souls, Final Fantasy
  • Noun + Noun: Mass Effect, Monster Hunter
  • Verb + Noun: Call Duty, Dead Space

Main title followed by a subtitle, often separated by a colon.

Examples: God of War: Ragnarök, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Benefits: Great for franchises, allows for brand consistency while differentiating entries
Best Practices: Keep the main title consistent across releases; make subtitles evocative of the specific game's content

Combining parts of multiple words to create a new, unique word.

Examples: Minecraft (mining + crafting), Fortnite (fort + night), StarCraft (star + craft), BioShock (biological + shock)
Benefits: Creates unique, trademarkable names that still communicate game concepts
Tip: Ensure the compound word is still pronounceable and doesn't create unintended meanings

Case Studies: Successful Game Names

Minecraft

Why It Works: Perfect compound of "mining" and "crafting"—the two core gameplay loops. Immediately communicates what players do.

Name Type: Gameplay mechanic, compound word

Success Factor: Simple, descriptive, and unique enough to trademark easily

The Legend of Zelda

Why It Works: Despite being about Link, the mysterious "Zelda" name created intrigue. "Legend" gives an epic, mythological feel.

Name Type: Character-based with mythic framing

Success Factor: Created mystery while establishing a naming convention for many sequels

Among Us

Why It Works: Double meaning—refers to being "among us" in everyday language and literally about an impostor "among us"

Name Type: Gameplay concept, wordplay

Success Factor: Short, memorable, and perfectly encapsulates the gameplay premise

Red Dead Redemption

Why It Works: "Red Dead" evokes wild west themes (blood, death) while "Redemption" hints at the narrative arc

Name Type: Thematic, evocative

Success Factor: Creates a mood perfect for a western while teasing the story theme

Practical Considerations for Game Names

  • Searchability: Choose names that are easy to spell, search for, and remember. Avoid highly generic terms that will be buried in search results.
  • Trademarkability: Verify you can trademark your game name before investing in branding. More unique names are easier to trademark.
  • Domain Availability: Check if the corresponding domain name is available for your marketing website.
  • International Considerations: Check if your game name has negative connotations in other languages or cultures.
  • App Store Optimization: For mobile games, consider how your name affects App Store/Google Play ranking and visibility.
  • Name Testing: Test potential names with target audience focus groups before finalizing your choice.

Game Name Examples

Popular Game Names by Genre

Browse successful game names across different genres and platforms

Action/Adventure Games
  • The Last of Us - Evocative of struggle/survival
  • Uncharted - Single, evocative word suggesting exploration
  • God of War - Direct, epic mythological reference
  • Assassin's Creed - Character type + mysterious organization
  • Horizon Zero Dawn - Setting + time period in unique combination
RPG/Strategy Games
  • Final Fantasy - Evocative adjective + noun
  • The Elder Scrolls - Mysterious artifact naming
  • Civilization - Single, powerful concept word
  • StarCraft - Compound word combining space + building
  • Dragon Age - Mythical creature + time period
Mobile/Casual Games
  • Angry Birds - Emotional state + characters
  • Candy Crush Saga - Theme + action + journey
  • Among Us - Short, social concept with double meaning
  • Cut the Rope - Direct reference to core mechanic
  • Subway Surfers - Setting + movement style

Game Naming Patterns That Work

Proven patterns for creating compelling, memorable game titles

Effective Game Name Patterns

The "[Adjective] [Noun]" Pattern
Examples:
  • Dark Souls
  • Final Fantasy
  • Dead Space
Creates a straightforward but evocative combination that's easy to remember and communicates tone
The "Character's [Feature]" Pattern
Examples:
  • Tomb Raider
  • Ghost Recon
  • Monster Hunter
Describes what the player/character does in the game, giving direct insight into gameplay
The "Made-Up Word" Pattern
Examples:
  • Minecraft
  • Fortnite
  • Valorant
Creates highly distinctive, trademarkable names that still convey meaning through familiar parts

Generate Your Perfect Game Name

Create a memorable, marketable name for your video game or board game with our free game name generator.