Hello everyone!

I’m working on a sci-fi grand strategy game named Uncharted Sectors and I’m trying to get feedback on the capsule art.

A good capsule art should convey the game’s genre in addition to, of course, make people want to click on it. My problem is that “grand strategy” doesn’t have clear visual markers (like a hammer for crafting games for example) apart from having 1-5 bossy-looking people and a somewhat elegant title. So I have some trouble finding the sweet spot.

Could I ask you which one you feel conveys “grand strategy” the most? On which you’d be more likely to click on seeing it on Steam or another platform? Which one do you prefer? If you have improvement ideas, or other feedback?

  • I Cast Fist@programming.devEnglish
    5·
    2 months ago

    My problem is that “grand strategy” doesn’t have clear visual markers

    Have you tried one or two characters looking over maps, like they’re trying to take an important decision?

    I think pic 2 is better, the extra work around the name does give it more flair

      • g0d0fm15ch13f@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 months ago

        Conversely I think the geometry in the background of 2 is “unbalanced”? I think I prefer the simplicity of 1

        • lmagitem@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
          1·
          2 months ago

          You’re the first one to prefer the first version haha congratulations!

          1 is actually my favourite one too, but maybe because I got used to it. Thank you for you input. I’ll try to rethink the background’s composition if I go with 2.

          • I Cast Fist@programming.devEnglish
            2·
            2 months ago

            The weird thing is that 1 by itself would make me think the game is about space exploration first, something closer to Freelancer or Elite, not any sort of strategy game, even more than pic 2, as even the name implies exploration. The background showing only 2 fighter type ships increases that feel. The two pompous figures have similar motifs and color[1], making it clear they’re both on the same side, which also makes one think you’re playing as one of them, or working for them

            The new iteration you posted as a comment is better, as the hex border doesn’t stand out too much, pairing well with the overall image border

            1. In strategy games, different factions are first recognized by different colors, second by design ↩︎

            • lmagitem@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
              2·
              2 months ago

              You’re raising good points. In the end I think I’ll try to commission a better capsule to a real artist when I find extra funding, I’ll share those points with them :)

  • lmagitem@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
    2·
    2 months ago

    So I’ve made this version, taking into account various feedback from everyone. I also added a border to make it pop a bit more. It definitely gives a different vibe, it’s probably better, but I’d gladly take your feedback on this iteration too!

    Edit: And here’s the version without Hitler’s mustache:

      • lmagitem@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
        3·
        2 months ago

        Hahaha damn mustache!

        I’ve tried the following, but I’m very much not convinced by that attempt. I’ll try more things this evening.

        And here’s a version that feels satisfactory:

        • mugthol@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          3·
          2 months ago

          Much better! I’m generally not interested in strategy games but I would definitely take a second look if I scrolled by! (Which is how I landed in this comment section)

        • 𝔗𝚎𝚑 𝔅𝚊𝚖𝚜𝚔𝚒@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          2 months ago

          This looks great! You have my Follow on Steam!

          Let the community know when you need or want beta players. Yeah?

          I for one, wasn’t that interested in it when I thought it was going to be just another space econ-grand strategy game. I became somewhat interested when I checked out the Steam game page and saw that it was going to have a planet level involvement depth. Then you gained my full attention when, Uncharted Sectors is going to involve an intelligent AI storyteller! Rimworld is one of my favorite video games of all time, and it had a lot to do with the storyteller side to it. So I’m looking forward to learning more about the game and wait eagerly to see it in beta form! =D

          • lmagitem@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
            2·
            2 months ago

            With pleasure! I intend on having a very community-driven development as I’m exploring quite uncharted (haha) genre mashups with a systems-heavy game, so I’ll have a semi-closed or open playtest as early as possible.

            Thank you for the follow and for detailing your journey with the game, it’s always helpful :)