Useless

This theme lends itself to many ideas. Having to deal with useless items or skills on the level of game mechanics. Or having to perform useless activities in order to progress on a more thematic or philosophical level. It invites a reflection on use, usefulness and the opposites thereof Another angle might be having to decide what is useless or not and the dilemma of not always having enough information to decide. What is useless or not could also change in different levels, areas or modes of the game.

Distraction

To be distracted is a big part of our digital and physical lives. Exploring Distraction as a mechanic or a narrative theme could prove interesting. Even on a more philosophical level games being a medium of distraction could be an interesting exploration. The questions of "What are you distracted from?" and "What is distracting you?" will need to be answered in some ways here. In a different direction it could be about distracting opponents in order to win.

Lost

Being lost or having lost something, finding lost things, items, places. All great things that have been successfully explored in games. Feeling lost, dealing with loss or grief are more narrative elements. I think this theme could be very evocative for many ideas, that I would love to see.