Need some help

[PheonixGRX]

Well long story short, I have always been a creative kid. Tell me a scenario, and I can easily play it out inside my head quickly, and tell you the most awesome way of doing it. I thought on what to do with this and tried writing, however though I am most of the way through several stories, I hit a dead end, yet still had more great ideas. I then thought on what to do, and have been accepted into a course for Game Design, and within 2 years, if I am successful enough, will become a member of a team to create a new awesome game that I hope you members will play.

Now here is my problem, ever since Friday, the day I found out I am in, I have not had a single idea. For some reason, I just cant think of anything good, and when I do think of something, its always crappy. I know it is probably me just me panicking over the course and what not, but it does worry me, so I thought to myself, why not come here to a site, full of gamers, and listen to some ideas. By reading your ideas, it may help inspire me on a whole new series, and should hopefully stop me from panicking.

If anyone could help, it would be much appreciated.

[Psychospacecow]

It happens to all of us.
Just remember that you are part of a team, you alone are not the author.

[PheonixGRX]

It happens to all of us.
Just remember that you are part of a team, you alone are not the author.

I haven't started the course yet, and I don't have any ideas to run. Apart from this, I suck at drawing, and I mean a lot. If I cant design things using their programs either, I may as well quit the course.

[Combat Lobster]

I'd say take a long look at the games that appeal to you and figure out why they appeal you. Think about game concepts that contribute to an great experience and see if you can put a spin on it. One the best ways to learn design is to study what already exist and build off that. Also don't forget that being apart of a team, means you need good group communication.
Which will be tough to sell your idea to the team. Also remember your first game is more than likely going to bomb.

Why not make a list of random game ideas; it doesn't matter if they have been done/or are really terrible write them down. They might be crappy at first, but if you reflect on why it's a crappy idea then you might be able to come up with a better version.

Edit: Actually after re-reading your post I'm confused; do you want to be a game writer or designer?

Edit Edit: Shouldn't this be in the 'help' section?

Edit Edit Edit: I know of a "Gaming making thread" that would be a great resource, but it's on Something Awful's forums, so I can't link you to it without you dropping 10 bucks. I'll see if I can work around it. Here's the best I can grab:

http://programarcadegames.com (great tutorial series mnd found on reddit)
http://boards.polycount.net (art)
http://cgtalk.com (art)
http://game-artist.net (art)
http://gamedev.net (programming)
http://gamasutra.com (game development)

[PheonixGRX]

I didnt realize there was a help forum, but one of the main things that I am noticing is sort of like you said, see what you like, and build off of that. I have done that in the past with stories, however now I am just drawing blanks, and would like to hear some ideas from people.

The course starts next month, and the first 8 months is just learning the history and basics of animation and game design, and after that, we split into the 3D animation and game design groups. I know I will have to join groups, and since my brother and I are joining in together, I will most likely be in his group.

I want to learn how to design games, yet I also want to become a game writer, so its like a 50/50 thing with it at the moment. If I become a game writer, then I wont be able to become a regular writer as my time will become divided between the two, however could mean I could write a book, then write up a game version of it.

I actually got bored, and decided to draw using both the basic techniques I was taught, and looking at diagrams, and for some reason have drawn what looks like a green arrow redesign, and now I want a green arrow game.