Images That Hook Your Audience (Designing Your Game Box)

Asylum Earth Box Prototype Template

Choosing The Best Image For Your Game

Okay, (sexism notwithstanding) I'm the first to admit that there's no image like a pretty (female) face to help sell your game and I live up to those images in the header of this blog and on the hardcover book. After all, Andrea is sporting a blue laser eye. But why not use her on the cover of the game box? Good question. The short answer is that I think these images fall short for me to use on the box. But that's just me because I'm a perfectionist and I won't settle for less. 

Pixabay.com

Hey, blame all the lame stock image websites where models mug for the camera with ridiculous looks and silly frowns. Or models (99%) that just don't have the look. Who's buying any of that garbage? 

Here's the best I can do on Pixabay.com for a warrior woman after searching seven pages. (photo on the right) In all fairness, I have found some really good images on this site.

You need a face that people can't take their eyes off of. That's one in ten thousand. Very hard to find. Okay, that's my rant about "ugly" models. Let's move on.

I'd like the images I'm using more if they were more expressive, for example. As in showing resolve, anger, or determination. Let's face it, the right expression is priceless. But as I like to say, an expressive face paints a thousand words. Good luck finding such an image.

But let's set that aside and discuss the current cover image you see above in the template. A pair of sexy legs in leather pants in lieu of a perfect face. So what's not to like? She's hiding her gun, held by her android hands and a black fingernail. I added those kinds of details to get you thinking beyond the moment. The background, destroyed, also tells a story of its own. In short, everything works to tell a genre story at first sight. You need to communicate that instantly with the right images.

Hail The Genre

The goal is to establish the sci-fi genre and its subgenre, cyberpunk, to arouse curiosity in the viewer and introduce questions in their mind. Where is she? Who is she trying to evade? What happened to her hand? Want answers to these questions? Sure. You know what to do. And that usually means to head to the game website and see what it's all about and eventually, somewhere along the line, place an order.

Wow, now there's a loaded statement, "place an order," so let me count the ways this can go wrong and how you can maximize potential orders. But, that's another topic entirely that I'll cover next time. Right now, we're beginning to see the merits of choosing the proper image(s) to represent your game in the best possible light, for optimum effect and viewer action. Do I mean CTA, or call to action? Uh, sort of. First comes the elusive click you're after. Then a read-through, and finally your CTA. But not yet because we're just getting started with prime images. Sorry, we can't get ahead of ourselves because there's so much to cover.

Psycho Child?

Buying Stock Images

You know the drill. You go to your favorite stock photos websites and search for the perfect image and after hours of searching and cursing, you come up empty-handed. That never fails because it's virtually impossible to find the perfect image you really want. So what to do? Open Photoshop, Gimp, or any of your favorite photo manipulation programs and create exactly what you need.

Easier said than done but not impossible so that's how it goes every single time. So the image I finally came up with is a combination of three different stock image website selections and then after applying some creative choices via clone stamping, cut and paste, erasing, and so on and on, and on. Eventually, you get what you want. Not what you need. Something like that. Thank you Rolling Stones.

Okay, you get the picture. My work is almost done here. But after all is said and done, you'll have to test your image to see that it really works as intended. Meaning, that your audience reacts to this image by clicking on it and taking action sooner rather than later.

Marketing and Sales

Again, that's another topic we'll get into some other time. As you can see, one thing leads to another and before you know it, it's a master class in marketing and sales. It's inevitable. Everything in life starts and ends with marketing and sales because everyone has something to sell and fortunately, most people want something to buy. It's the lifeblood of any thriving society. Designing, developing, producing, buying, and selling products of all kinds is what makes life exciting.

But make no mistake. Very few products, if any, sell themselves. And that's where the art of attraction and persuasion, aka, marketing and sales comes in. You must create images that attract attention and tell a story that encourages prospects to search for more information about the product. That should hopefully lead to a sale along the way. You've heard it before, that magical sales funnel. Another can of worms, people. Deal with it. 

BTW, one of the TOC titles in my upcoming book reads: How To Trigger Impulse Buying. That's a teaser, if ever.

Subscribe or Miss Out

Or better yet, bookmark this blog, subscribe to it, and don't miss any important articles about designing and developing your game. You won't find this kind of information anywhere else. Search this site and see for yourself. 

BTW, I know these posts are short but I'm working on an in-depth marketing and sales ebook (just mentioned) and I'll post a PDF version right here that you can download for free. It's going to cover everything I've discussed here in great detail with a focus on board game design and development. 

I'll illustrate six different board game designs I've produced thus far and break down the design and development for each game. It's a free masterclass you don't want to miss. I'm almost halfway done with the book but it's a bit too early to promote it.

Although, I think I'll start to post some of it as I finish each chapter along the way so you can get an idea of its contents.

A lot going on, as usual, so stay in touch and let me know in the comments about any questions or concerns regarding Asylum. What do you think of the new title and cover artwork?

Okay, folks, say it, don't spray it.

See you in the comments.

Blade Runner RPG on Kickstarter

 

You've heard the name. You've seen the movies. Here's Blade Runner as an RPG. 

As you also know, musically, Blade Runner is infused with Jazz elements. Check out their intro video (above) on Kickstarter. Catchy, right?

Catchy, yes.

So what does one do when you hear or see something we like? We imitate it. We bounce our own ideas and put our spin on them. Don't feel cheap about it. Musicians and artists have been doing it, "lifting" since Beethoven and since the KJV Bible, for that matter.

So, with that disclaimer out of the way, here's my version of this idea, which is nothing new anyway, but its simplicity and tone appeal to me so here goes.

Yes, it's raw and rough around the edges because it's just a sample I slapped together in about an hour on Filmora by Wondershare. But you get the idea. I think it works and I like it enough to improve it and use it when my own game, Asylum Earth debuts (one of these days) soon.

You know, I use several film editing programs, including iMovie on my Macbook Pro, but I really like Filmora because it's very robust and easy to use. Maybe you haven't heard of it but give it a whirl and see for yourself. You can get a lot done in a short period of time and it's quite flexible so you'll have a good choice of effects to choose from. 

One caveat, however, they've switched to a subscription model. I'm not sure if they sell any of their software outright anymore. In my opinion, since they're not Apple, Inc., why follow their lead? Personally, I don't like the subscription services and already canceled my Adobe Illustrator, at least for now. I'm running an old version of Filmora on my HP laptop but you can download a new trial version for Apple too. 

BTW, I think the Blade Runner Kickstarter is still live, so check it out. I'll admit it has its quirks about digital content but it's worth a look.

Okay, enough clickbait. I'm out for now.

I'm still working on the new Asylum animation but you'll see it posted here soon. Just getting it over to Image Ready. Now there's a throwback, young-guns.

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Asylum Earth - Supreme Survivor [New Cyberpunk Board Game]

 Asylum Earth-Supreme Survivor

Hey folks, here's the newest prototype box for the game. As you can see, the game title is now Asylum Earth as opposed to Remnants. I hope to print it soon with a matte finish and spotgloss titles and logos. It's hard to see here but it's going to look epic up close and personal on a shelf.

Again, in keeping with the theme, the new name speaks to the bigger picture and main theme, which is the survival of our species and the survival of our planet. Although Remnants are still a big part of the story and remain intact.

Hail The Theme

Asylum Earth rings true to the main theme by implying that this new earth after the apocalypse is hopeful and peaceful. Wouldn't that be a welcome change in our world? 

I first came up with EarthHaven, which I love but we all know that with the popularity of GloomHaven, that name wouldn't work. So I don't mind the compromise and I think Asylum Earth is unique and speaks volumes about the theme.

I also made several changes to the cover image, which now shows Andrea in a careful search for combatants in the midst of a terrorist attack.

New Card Decks

I've also added a number of card decks including bomb threat events with countdown cards and so on. This game is loaded with great play and I can't wait to put it all together and get it out there. But that's another chapter altogether and the name of that game is social proof. Period.

That starts with several influencers who champion this game and rave about it to their customer base or audience, if you like, and that's all followed by several other important things, such as awesome explainer and game play videos, conference appearances and demonstrations, and so on. 

Launch Time

It takes time and energy to launch a good game or product of any kind but the main thing is that the game itself is appealing visually and playable at first sight. There's no room for awkward moments or stale events that flow against the theme or genre. You've got to hit a grand slam right from the start. That's what makes a product go viral and amass interest, engagment, and ultimately, plenty of orders.

I hope to finish designing and developing Asylum by the end of this year. At that point playtesting will continue with a focus on finding its core audience of players and believers.

It's a long, winding road, my friends. Nothing comes easy or happens overnight. One day I'll be in full marketing and sales mode as the design and develpment stage winds down considerably. But, as I've  already said, you've got to get the right people involved. Great things don't happen in a vaccum. Great things happen in wide open spaces where your most guarded secrets are exposed for the world to see.

Share It

Share this game with anyone you believe might enjoy it and follow its progress right here as Asylum goes from a bunch of thoughts, to trial and error and eventually, a huge success in the gaming industry. Yes, you must think positive and act persuasively to meet your goals.

Strive to create the very best game you'd love to play and take chances because whenver you put yourself and your ideas out there, there's always a clash of ideologies at play between you and your audience and the point is that you've got to remain true to the genre but don't be afraid to add your own personality and points of view to a game because that's what makes it unique and different.

Come on back for so much more about Asylum Earth and tips on how to market your game and develop it along the way.

All products are experimental and this game is no different but as long as you expand the genre in your own way, you're on the right track. There are plenty of moving parts and synchronizing all of them is the name of the game.

Images that tell a story 

See you soon, right here where my next post will delve into what kind of images tell a story and hook your audience at first sight. I'll dissect my own cover to see what I think makes it great and what works to tell a story. If you're stuck designing your box cover, you'll want to get into this and see what makes a great cover tick.

Play on, folks.

Tabletop Apocalyptic Board Games (Remnants Supreme Survivor)

Remnants New Game Board

Here's an update for the new board. It's been a heck of an evolution for this game. This new board is actually a map featured in the first prototype. The USA map proved difficult to manage and that was apparent from the start but ambition can be not only daunting but sometimes a roadblock.

So now I'm back here and the game seems to flow much better with this new board. I never was a big fan of the full USA map because it looked trite and ordinary. With this new Manhattan city map, the game is more focused and familiar to me and far more interesting.

I've added another snarky card deck of explosions that include time clock events so it's all coming together in the final destination city where the girls, Andrea and Maria flee out of Austin, as told in the novel, Age of the Apocalypse, the hardcover edition.

I also started a new website to promote the three books tied to this game. So there's a lot going on and hopefully, I'll get to the end of it soon. No rush, no worries. I'd rather take my time and get it right.

As for the box cover, I've decided to print the next prototype with this image of Andrea, and subsequently, there will be more choices including boxes with Sergey Vasnev artwork.

Peace out.

UKRAINE'S DELIVERANCE IS AT HAND (Lap it up News Media)

 

UKRAINE FREEDOM FOREVER


A symbol to help spread a message of hope, unity, and strength against tyranny.
People of Ukraine and all the oppressed worldwide: You are in our prayers.

"Together, we must unleash hell and
return this war from where it came and upon whom sent it."

Forget the "Z" Wicked "P" will burn in Hades forevermore.

 
That's his punishment for everything he worked towards, and surely, 
the only thing he really deserves on earth. 

That's God's justice, God's vengeance, and God's promise. 

"AΩ"

Amen.

Cyberpunk Tabletop Games (Sergey Vasnev and Star Wars Ewoks)

 And the winner is. . . 

Drumroll, please. . . 

Right. You've heard this all before. And don't think that I'm not just as skeptical as you are. But there comes a time in the design and development stage of any product, board games included, that you have to decide on what you're going to publish. 

That's a big decision because everything hinges on your first impression. And as you know, you can only make, blah, blah, blah.

So after experimenting with dozens of designs and getting a feel for how this game should look and feel, I've settled on this image. (fingers crossed)

Battle for Endor

Chances are you're familiar with the Star Wars movies and characters like most humans on earth. In this image, Vasnev re-imagines George Lucas' Ewoks with an interesting fan-art like this.

Mmm. . . now it's all coming back.

And so if we remember, Ewoks hail from the moon of Endor, thus the battle you see hear.

When I saw this image I was struck at once with several questions and curious about the idea behind Vasnev's concept art.

As it turns out this was an art challenge of sorts, of which I don't know its outcome.

Star Wars

So all that aside, let's get in our time machines and travel back to the year 1983 and the movie, Return of the Jedi.

Many of you had not been born yet. But I'm sure you recall the Jedi movie as part of the Star Wars franchise and all the films that followed it. How many action figures do you own?

If you recall, those furry little bears, the Ewoks helped destroy the imperial shield generator in their forests and defeated the stormtroopers and scout walkers of the Empire. Nobody saw that coming.

Battle of Endor

Long story, short. 

I contacted Sergey Vasnev and asked if I could use this amazing image and he was gracious and generous enough to grant me the use of Battle For Endor, as a cover for the Remnants board game. (Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Sergey.)

As it turns out if you visit Sergey Vasnev's website on ArtStation, most of his artwork lends itself perfectly to this sort of game. He's quite prolific and all the artwork is stunning. You must see it. So the idea is to incorporate more of his designs into the game (box, playing cards, etc.) so gamers have a choice of whichever design they like most. Collectors can collect all three boxes, for example.

That's the plan for now and I haven't run it by Sergey yet but, you get the idea. I hope he'll be on board and I think he'll agree so we'll see. Let me know what you think in the comments and what your favorite Sergey Vasnev work of art is. It'll be difficult to choose, I promise.

You'll notice the new game board with the city of Manhattan and new playing cards. I'm loving it so far. Overall I do like this current iteration of the game and I think it's a good place to be as I further develop the game.

At this point, I'd like to feature the game on Kickstarter.com but not sure if it will be ready for this coming April. That's what I'm trying to finish as we speak. Actually, I just might be able to pull that off because the new concept flows much better than anything I had tried before so hopefully, I'll be able to launch the game this coming year.

How exciting will that be?

I can hardly wait. 

Don't forget to sign up for updates (upper right column) about the game plus interesting reveals about Vasnev's art in upcoming posts.

Hey, check out the animation on the blog where you see the whole box in 3D and much more fun stuff.

Learn more on the blog:

New Tabletop Post-Apocalyptic Game (Remnants: Supreme Survivor)

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