We're getting close to releasing our game, but are still deciding on the company name. Technically, we're XP .COM, LLC, but we no longer have our business at that domain--long story short, we sold the domain. So it makes sense to establish a different more memorable name where people can easily contact us especially if we self-publish. The two names in consideration we have already registered .com domains for are: Binary Helix: Sounds like a digital game company, and since we have invested in AI for our games, this seems like a natural fit considering "helix" resonates with DNA. It's also the "label" our game soundtrack is published under. Obviously inspired from one of our favorite games, let's see if anybody knows... Code Lube: Sounds more like a software shop, less a game developer. But it seems somewhat "hip" and bleeding edge. Also irreverent, which we like to instill in our games. We had also used PlayHQ in an earlier trailer, but will probably not use that name. What do you think?
Honestly, I don't think either is memorable (just my honest opinion, that's what you want, right?). The second name made me giggle a little lol. Sounds naughty but if I had to pick between the two, I'd go with the first. Then I'd probably change my mind later and go with Code Lube haha!
That occurred to me, too, but lube is also a popular term used in car maintenance and oil changes (Jiffy Lube). In the context of software, it can mean tools that make coding simpler. Point noted, however. As far as neither being memorable, if you look at other company names without the history/branding they've developed, like BioWare, it doesn't seem all that memorable either. Look at "Valve Software", that sounds really bland, but we obviously know how far they've come. And "Bethesda Softworks" sounds like a steel mill or shipyard to me. It's interesting seeing what other indie studios call themselves, too: Team Meat (doesn't sound related to games or software at all), Amanita Design (sounds more like an appliance design firm), Twisted Pixel (lots of studios with pixel in their name), etc.
Just because other companies picked mediocre names doesn't mean you have to as well. Pick something that resounds with your team, and build it into a brand. Personally neither of those stands out to me, but the lube one is a most absolute no.
Huh, I ain't the only one and I thought I was being a perv haha. Yeah Lube also means car oil or whatever but that ain't gonna be your first thought. I'd stay away from using anything corporate sounding...that's of course if your team is very casual which it sounds like it is.
Binary Helix remind me of Square Enix, and perhaps the Super Flash Bros's "binary helix" logo. Not terrible names though.
So far, it looks like Binary Helix is winning. Thanks for the feedback, it reassures us that Binary Helix is a safe choice, and affirms the irreverence and shock value of Code Lube. If we went with Code Lube, it seems like it will at least get a rise out of people, and perhaps make it more memorable. Here are a few other possibilities, please let us know if you like any better than BinaryHelix: Level You (Might be too RPG sounding) 2Massive/TooMassive (Might paint us into the MMO corner) Play HQ (Sounds a bit casual and our game is more niche/complex)
Step by Step Step 1. make sure you can secure the .com website Step 2. check at a minimum with the USPTO if someone has the Trademark registered. Step 3. make sure you can register the company name in the country you live in. Step 4. make sure no one has a Trademark that is close or exactly the same in your country. Step 5. Ask your mom if it is a good name. Moms' know best.
Check. Check, none are trademarks in our class. Individually, there are some trademarks involving single words in other combinations, but nothing in our exact combination. Check. Not a problem if there is no previous trademark which there doesn't appear to be any. Again, does not appear to be the case. There are a bunch of "massive" type trademarks, but at a glance, none appear to be in our class and none with both words. Of course, trademark holders might be a bit litigious like Bethesda with its fight against Scrolls. We're not looking for a fight, but we've held these domains for awhile, so have some history and rights to the names. Have also fought off an unscrupulous company trying to reverse domain hijack so understand well the legal issues in this arena, but that's a story for another day. I asked mom and she told me I should've gone to medical school. Go figure.
I think I like Binary Helix the best. I probably went through like 10 names over a 2 week period before coming up with Fine & Dandy Games. Finding a decent .com these days is an almost impossible feat, and combine that with trademarks, other game/software companies that may have similar names, Twitter accounts, and perhaps similar sounding apps/games in the App Store and it can turn into a job itself.
Tell me about it! Thank goodness for the random Captcha combination that gave birth to our company name, it saved us a lot of work and stress!
I like your thinking! Unfortunately, Code Helix is already registered as a dot com since '04, and Binary Lube sounds even more sexual. Looks like it's (probably) going to be Binary Helix. Now I need to get a logo done pronto. Thanks for all the feedback!
