What do you think of when you hear the name...

[Mickey Crocker]

SwordHilt?

If you knew this was the name of a company "SwordHilt Games".


What do you picture the products from this company to be?
Do you know and think many people know what a sword's hilt actually is?


Thanks, this isn't to help me make a decision on anything, but more to fill my curiousity.

[EpicBoy]

"SwordHilt Games" = Fantasy RPGs

[Dom]

Dunno why but 'hilt' always puts me in mind of ... er... something else. Not swords.
Probably too much Viz...

'Sword' is very RPG tho.
I would expect medieval flavoured games of some description.

[papillon]

I would expect most fantasy/RPG inclined people to be at least aware of the word hilt having something to do with a sword, although they might not be able to give a precise definition and breakdown involving guards and pommels.

Would, obviously, expect the games to feature SWORDS. So, RPGs or medieval-themed action or strategy-wargames

[DangerCode]

Like others, I would expect I fantasy RPG. Without looking on the web, I would guess a 'sword hilt' is the handle of a sword.

It wasn't until I read your second question though that I realized it was SwordHilt instead of SwordHit. I'm not sure if that is something you want to keep in mind.

[EpicBoy]

You might want to consider something like, "To The Hilt Games" or something similar. Removes any genre specific ties and sounds unique enough to be interesting.

The best name I've heard of that isn't in use was described to me by a friend a while back. The logo would be a stick figure hanging from several ropes and the company name would be "Well Hung Studios". Love it. :)

[Mickey Crocker]

Thanks everyone,
that is pretty much what I has hoping would pop into people's minds.


It wasn't until I read your second question though that I realized it was SwordHilt instead of SwordHit. I'm not sure if that is something you want to keep in mind.

Hmm... I'll keep this in mind, maybe through designing the logo I can make the 'l' be more noticed then the small text on these forums. But I don't think that will be too much of a problem.


You might want to consider something like, "To The Hilt Games" or something similar. Removes any genre specific ties and sounds unique enough to be interesting.

I was never a fan of a multi-worded company names, it's silly really, but thats just one of my quirks. I was actually looking for a genre specific tie, since that is where my intrests and products will lie.
:)

[EpicBoy]

Then, before you go too far with this, you should be made aware that "SwordHilt" should be two words.

[Mickey Crocker]

yes, I'm aware that it should.

[BantamCityGames]

How about Sword Hilt Studios? just a thought

[Anthony Flack]

I would think fantasy RPG, but I would also think smallfry amateur, because the name sounds clunky and awkward.

[Mickey Crocker]

I was actually thinking of not really listing "games" in the logo. The logo itself will be just say Sword Hilt or maybe use Sword Hilt Software.


but I would also think smallfry amateur, because the name sounds clunky and awkward.

Now I'm not trying to offend, but am asking a serious question. How is Sword Hilt more clunky then squashysoftware?

Does the majority hear not like the name Sword Hilt Software? I've grown accustomed to it myself. But should I seriously try again?

[Mickey Crocker]

Too me the hilt of a sword is amazing and most of the artistry goes into the design of the hilt. Look at the San Francisco store, all the knives in there would be nothing without the amazing details in the hilts. It's what makes each sword unique... That was my whole take on it.

[papillon]

While it doesn't bother me (and I agree, hilts are pretty!) it is more choppy to SAY "sword hilt" than it is to say "squashy software" or even "to the hilt". Actual, physical word of mouth could be affected by people stumbling over the word or not remembering it precisely when it was said. (Not like I'm one to talk, people outside the anime-geek-niche are likely completely confused by this name and can't remember it or spell it.)

"Games to the hilt!" could be some sort of slogan but it's probably too many words for a domain name. :)

If you have a graphic artist in mind to make you a really gorgeous logo focused on a nice jeweled hilt, it'll be fine for branding, just not necessarily best for typing-in.

I did like Sword Hilt Studios better than Software, though.

[Karukef]

First thought was "boring". :)

[oNyx]

"hilt" is a rarely used word. It won't have any meaning to the vast majority of your international customers.

[Sirrus]

I've never really understood the use in using 'Software' in a name when, for the most part, only games are sold.

Inclusion of the word Software just seems a little old fashion and unnessecary...

[Anthony Flack]

Coincidentally (and I mean it, it's not personal), the thing I've never understood is why people are so keen to use the word "studios" when they don't have studios. Well, perhaps you actually do have studios. But if not, you'd just be one of many who claimed to have studios where there are none. Or possibly one.

Personally, I used "software" instead of "games", or nothing, just because it fit, phonically.


The clunkiness of "Sword Hilt" is definitely a sound thing, too. Around the "rd H" area, I think. Contrast it with something like, say, "Swordfish", which has flow, and would work as a name, soundwise.

But it's also funny english. I don't recall ever hearing anything about a "sword hilt" with no posessive - rather, it's always "hilt of the sword", or "sword's hilt". So it's awkward gramatically, too.

[Bluecat]

I think Studios is suggestive or artyness or creativity. Most game developers would think that they are creating a form of art and would like the customer to know that. Using the studio tag is a nice mnemonic to do that. After all, an artist works in a studio, right?

[Anthony Flack]

Studios, plural.

Like Universal Studios, who actually had a bunch of studios.

This was a particular peeve of a friend of mine who ran a recording studio. He only had the one studio, so he went with "productions" instead.

[Karukef]

If making games it is generally an excellent idea to use "xxx Games" as opposed to software, studios, productions or whatever else you can think of. At least if you don't have a better idea. The simple reason is this: It conveys useful information. A name for a game company should convey two to three things:

That you are making games.
That you are creative.
Target audience/Niche (optional)

And it should not contain misleading information. I always thoght Puppy Games was a foul name, because Puppy for me means childrens games. Sure, the website may give another impression, but that kind of company name is enough for me to keep reading if i'm just skimming something ;)