How do you take a game or idea that has already been established from the opening and keep it interesting for the first beats? Put the game in a different setting? Analogous? - johneveretttrowbridge

Sure, those would work! Just do something with the idea that you’d like to see and haven’t already done in the Opening.

Also, how important is game to you? (It’s everything to me) - johneveretttrowbridge

For me, pretty important. Any sort of repetition/playing with an established idea is a game. Funny or not. (Your mileage may vary.)