Understanding Brainstorming in the Creative Process of Game Design: Tools, Challenges, and Perspectives from Industry Professionals

Brainstorming is a fundamental stage in game development, supporting the generation of ideas and the early articulation of design decisions. However, designers may face difficulties in selecting appropriate tools and in integrating player-centered concerns, such as motivation and emotion, into ideation in a structured way. This study investigates the tools and methods used during brainstorming sessions in game design, focusing on practitioners' preferences, challenges, and perceptions regarding psychological aspects in concept formation. An exploratory questionnaire-based study was conducted with participants involved in game development and prior brainstorming experience. The results indicate the use of diverse supports, including organizational platforms, visual collaboration tools, analog resources, and prototyping practices. They also suggest that, although participants recognize the importance of motivation, emotion, and player behavior, these dimensions are not yet consistently incorporated into brainstorming through structured methods or tools. The study offers an empirical overview of current brainstorming practices and points to opportunities for more structured and player-centered ideation supports.