Every good game starts off as an idea. Granted, it is easy to build off of a good idea, but really any idea will do. That is why I always have my idea book with. No matter when the muse strikes I have my trusty companion with to take notes, make sketches, or scribble some gibberish. I doubt anyone else would understand what is in there, but I have no problem translating.
The main idea behind the book is that it is a place to collect full game ideas, or just tidbits that might help with a game. This way, once I finish a project I have other ideas lined up to start working on. I can also refer to this little book if I am looking for something special to add to a game.
In the interest of full disclosure, when I first heard about this idea I laughed. I really didn’t see myself whipping out my handy dandy notebook while walking through downtown Munich to write down an idea. While that doesn’t happen everyday, I have done it. I have taken notes on the train. I have actually stopped while driving to write down another idea. It is infectious, to be honest.
Now I don’t go anywhere without my cool green notebook of ideas. I am sure there are some in there that will never see the light of day, but my hopes are that there is at least something worthwhile contained in those pages.