How to make Game Cover Art with an Outsourcing Game Art Studio

Game cover art is the first impression players get of your game. It’s the visual representation that can either draw players in or push them away. With the rise of digital platforms and game art outsource studio, the importance of captivating cover art has never been more significant.

But how do you create an attractive cover for a game, especially if you’re considering outsourcing to a game art studio? Let’s get to the bottom of it.

Game Cover Art – is it important for your project?

Game covers are more than just pretty pictures on a box or digital storefront. So, it’s necessary to understand why game covers are so important.

Game covers serve a variety of purposes:

• Representation of your game: It provides a snapshot of the game’s theme, setting, and characters.
  For example, a cover featuring a knight suggests a medieval setting, while a spaceship hints at a sci-fi adventure.
  
• Attraction: A well-designed cover can attract potential players and make them curious about the game.
  Think of the iconic cover of “Super Mario Bros.” with Mario leaping in the air. It’s simple, but it immediately conveys the game’s jumping mechanic and playful tone.
  
• Branding: It helps in establishing a brand identity for the game, making it recognizable among a sea of other games.
  The silhouette of “Assassin’s Creed” protagonist with a hood and hidden blade has become synonymous with the series.

Key Principles for Effective Game Cover Art

1. Simplicity is Key: Avoid clutter. Your cover art should be easy to understand at a glance. Remember, players often scroll through numerous game titles quickly, so your cover needs to stand out and be easily digestible.
   
2. Focus on the Main Character or Element: Highlighting the main character or a significant element from the game can create a connection with potential players.
   
3. Consistency Across Platforms: Ensure that your game cover art is consistent across various platforms. This aids in brand recognition.
   
4. Test and Iterate: Like any other design process, it’s crucial to test your cover art with your target audience and iterate based on feedback.

Video Game Cover Art: Then and Now

In the early days of the game industry, covers were simple and often hand-drawn. It was a simple representation of the game’s content.

Today, game covers have become an integral part of a game’s image. It’s not just showing what’s inside, it’s reflecting the nature of the game and making it stand out on the shelf or in an online shop.

Making Game Cover Art: Practical Steps

1. Understand the Game’s Essence: Before you start, know what your game is about. Is it an action-packed adventure or a calm puzzle game? The cover should reflect the game’s core idea.
   
2. Sketch Ideas: Start with rough sketches. It’s okay if they’re not perfect. The goal is to brainstorm and come up with different concepts.
   
3. Choose Simple Elements: Avoid using too many elements. Pick one or two main elements that represent your game best. For example, if your game is about a brave knight, the knight’s image could be the central element.
   
4. Use Clear and Bold Colors: Colors can set the mood. Bright colors can indicate fun and excitement, while darker tones might suggest a more serious game.
   
5. Feedback is Key: Show your design to others. They might see things you missed or offer a fresh perspective.
   
6. Finalize and Test: Once you’re happy with the design, test it in different sizes. It should look good both as a thumbnail and a full-sized poster.

Simple designs are often more effective. They are easy to understand and remember. When players see a clear and understandable cover, they can quickly get an idea of what the game can be. In addition, simple designs are versatile. They work well for both digital shops and video game packaging (physical boxes of your game).

Outsourcing to a Game Art Studio: The Process

If you’re not a graphic designer, creating a captivating game cover might seem daunting. That’s where outsourcing comes in.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Research and Choose the Right Studio: Look for studios with a proven track record in game art design. Check their portfolios and client testimonials.
   
   Look at their past work and see if their style aligns with your vision.
2. Clear Communication: Clearly communicate your game’s theme, characters, and any specific elements you want to be included in the cover art.
   
   For example, if you have a game about pirate adventures, you might want the cover to feature a pirate ship, a treasure chest, or a skull and crossbones.
3. Review and Feedback: Once the studio provides initial designs, review them thoroughly. Provide feedback and ensure that the final design aligns with your vision.
   
   If a game cover design features a pirate with a parrot, but your game has no parrots, point it out.
4. Finalize and Implement: Once you’re satisfied with the design, finalize it and implement it across all platforms.
   
   Ensure it looks good in various sizes, from large posters to small digital thumbnails.

Avoid overcrowding the cover. Focus on one or two main elements. If you have multiple games or expansions, maintain a consistent design language. It helps in building brand recognition.

Before finalizing, get feedback from potential players. They might offer a fresh perspective.

Benefits of Outsourcing Game Cover Art

1. Expertise: Outsourcing to a game art studio means tapping into a pool of talent. These game studios have professionals who specialize in game cover design. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.
   
   For example, a studio might have worked on a popular RPG game cover, giving them the experience to design something similar for your game.
   
2. Cost-Effective: Instead of hiring a full-time designer, outsourcing can be a more cost-effective solution, especially for indie developers or smaller studios.
   
   For many, especially small game developers, it’s cheaper to outsource than to hire a full-time designer. Think of it like hiring a plumber only when you have a leak, rather than having one on standby.
   
3. Time-Saving: With a dedicated team working on your game cover art, the process can be faster, allowing you to focus on other aspects of game development.
   
   This means while they’re working on the art, you can focus on improving gameplay or fixing bugs.

Wrapping up | The Power of a Captivating Game Cover

Game cover art is a small yet significant part of game development. It’s the first thing players see, and it can influence their decision to play.

In the world of gaming, first impressions matter. A captivating game cover can be the difference between a player choosing your game or scrolling past it.

By understanding the principles of effective game cover design and leveraging the expertise of an outsourcing game art studio, you can create a cover that not only represents your game but also resonates with potential players.