[Mark]

Hi all,

UNION started life as a series of ideas and prototypes, mostly based around the concept of a multiplayer bridge simulator, but it has since evolved beyond that.

While it still has much of that bridge sim heritage, UNION is developing into a more rounded game with a greater scope and a focus on narrative structures.

We like the name UNION, but it has some major drawbacks; it doesn't grab people's attention and it is very poor for search results ("union" is very generic and "union game" will get you American Football results). In order to get better search results we added "Spaceship Command" to the name, but "UNION Spaceship Command" does not excite any passion. It is a "what it says on the tin" kind of name.

So, we decided to find a new name for UNION, and we decided to focus on a name which would pique people's interest and hint at a deeper narrative.

That name is Universe or Nothing. As part of the name change we are also working on re-branding the game, and here is an early concept of that (on our new domain): http://universeornothing.com/

The name is also a statement of intent for the game, as it basically means the same as "all or nothing". UNION, the faction you will still be playing in the game, are an all or nothing group as well. They believe that the only future for humanity is by expanding as far across the universe as possible, and that they are the best chance for that to happen. It isn't the usual kind of game name, but we feel like it will stand out in game lists, like on Steam.


We would love to hear your feedback.

Thanks for reading!

Mark

[Grey]

I like the inted of the titel.
I wonder if it is a good idea to put a nevative word (nothing) in the titel?

[Mark]

I hadn't thought of it being a negative word, that is a good point. I'm not sure what kind of effect that might happen on people. It might be that it draws attention to the name?

[Mark]

I feel like the negative word (nothing) might give the name an edge of danger. It has a sense of risk to it.

That may not be a good thing, but I think it will help the name to stand out among other games.

We are certainly open to feedback and suggestions on it, we have decided on that name (Universe or Nothing) but it is not yet set in stone.

We try not to be too precious with our ideas, to be open to refining or replacing them with something better.

[Grey]

I just like to help.
I thought something along the line of "All in the Universe" or "All for the Universe" or something like that has a more positive note and still feels like it's big.

[Mark]

I do appreciate that a completely positive name is potentially a good thing, but having both a positive/neutral word (universe) and a negative word (nothing) together makes for a more interesting title I think. I feel people will see "Universe or Nothing" and wonder why it's the universe or nothing, and that question can lead to interest which will have people checking out the game.

It is similar to the idea that even bad news is good for marketing, because it raises people's awareness.

[Blaze]

I like the "Universe or Nothing" name.

It's very mysterious and reminds of the God Emperor of Dune or Ender's Game series.

I don't see the "nothing" as something negative, per se. I see it as a more of a challenge to all of humanity.