Marcus Flor here. I've never been a fan of corporate-run entertainment, and I'm reminded why every time I look at the covers for modern video games.
If you've ever looked at the "new releases" shelf for games at any store, you'll notice how all the covers blend together. They all look like a generic, minimalistic picture of a guy holding a gun, or standing with his back to you. That kind of design is everywhere, as it is apparently the most statistically successful layout there is.
I'm not sure where they get their info from, but for me this bland design often turns me off of games. Usually, focus-tested cover means you've got a focus-tested game; a soulless designed hunk of content that's only meant to make money. Fortunately, there are games that rise above this generic branding, but you wouldn't know by looking at them.
I miss when a cover grabbed my attention, drawing my eye and giving me a glimpse of the world I'm about to dive into. If anything, that kind of cover would stand out like a neon sign compared to the modern cover. Unfortunately, corporate says that doesn't help sales, so you won't see much of that.
I know this seems like a minor gripe, but it applies to the games themselves. If you're only making something with money in mind, you will make something without a soul.
If you've ever looked at the "new releases" shelf for games at any store, you'll notice how all the covers blend together. They all look like a generic, minimalistic picture of a guy holding a gun, or standing with his back to you. That kind of design is everywhere, as it is apparently the most statistically successful layout there is.
I'm not sure where they get their info from, but for me this bland design often turns me off of games. Usually, focus-tested cover means you've got a focus-tested game; a soulless designed hunk of content that's only meant to make money. Fortunately, there are games that rise above this generic branding, but you wouldn't know by looking at them.
I miss when a cover grabbed my attention, drawing my eye and giving me a glimpse of the world I'm about to dive into. If anything, that kind of cover would stand out like a neon sign compared to the modern cover. Unfortunately, corporate says that doesn't help sales, so you won't see much of that.
I know this seems like a minor gripe, but it applies to the games themselves. If you're only making something with money in mind, you will make something without a soul.
Comments
Post a Comment