Author Topic: Does video game cover art matter to you? (Read 4688 times)

Eel O'Brian · « **on:** December 10, 2012, 10:46:24 AM »

Was just checking out that GAF thread about the Bioshock Infinite box cover. I didn't realize this was actually a thing that upsets people. I mean, I completely understand the marketing design decisions behind them - it's the same with book covers, at least in the age of ebooks. When someone's scrolling through the Kindle store, you really only have a title and a tiny thumbnail to catch their interest, so you want your cover to be clear and readable at a tiny size.

As for the cover art, I guess I have just never given much of a shit. Sure, I can look at something and laugh and think "Haha, that's some shitty art," but it doesn't really stir up much of a reaction in me one way or the other. I'm only ever gonna see it when I take the disc out or put it back in - or in the case of PC games I am only gonna see it one time. Even if you collect games, 99% of the time all you're looking at is a row of case spines.

Does cover art ever bother any of you? And if it does, why?

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #1 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:47:57 AM »

not even a little

edit: I pretty much only see the spines, just because I have my games lined up next to my ps3. So if there was a giant penis on the spine, I might care a bit.

Steve Youngblood · « **Reply #2 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:55:23 AM »

Quote from: Don Flamenco on December 10, 2012, 10:47:57 AM

not even a little

edit: I pretty much only see the spines, just because I have my games lined up next to my ps3. So if there was a giant penis on the spine, I might care a bit.

Not really. And it never has. There was a time when I cared about having something that at least looked professional in that I preferred actual cases as opposed to the generic ones you'd get with a used copy from GameStop, but I don't even care about that any more. For the most part, I'd rather just go digital these days and never have to worry about cases at all.

tiesto · « **Reply #3 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:56:01 AM »

Dude, I have a collection of Sega Master System games! So no, it's never really bothered me.

I can't recall any times when a box art has sold me on a game, though I'll admit that I was almost suckered in by the Magna Carta games a few times...

HOSS NIPS

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:56:34 AM »

Nah. I'll acknowledge it if it's really good or really bad, and if there was ever a choice, I would take the good box art over a bad one, but that's all.

However, full disclosure, I used to be pretty OCD about always getting the "Black Label" editions over the "Greatest Hits" version of games. I overpayed more than once to protect the continuity of my pure black gaming collection.

MCD · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:57:18 AM »

No manual/one page manual pisses me more than cover art.

I don't read them but I am paying full $60 you cheap green fuckers.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:58:15 AM »

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2012, 10:59:00 AM »

In fact, the worse the better.

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:00:30 AM »

no, because I buy everything digitally so "cover art" is just a theoretical construct of your imagination

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:03:23 AM »

Quote from: Howard Alan Treesong on December 10, 2012, 11:00:30 AM

no, because I buy everything digitally so "cover art" is just a theoretical construct of your imagination

This.

So, what are people upset about with Bioshock Infinite's box art?

fistfulofmetal · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:04:04 AM »

For PC games, not at all since I buy digitally. For console games? I would say I care but it wouldnt affect my purchasing decision. I enjoy a cool covert art. A shitty covert art sucks.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:04:39 AM »

Yeah, I figured as much, but it really seems to strike a note with some folks. The only time I even consider it is when I buy something used from Gamestop or elsewhere, I figure if it's missing the box/cover and manual they ought to knock a buck or two off the price.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #12 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:05:02 AM »

Quote from: Great Rumbler on December 10, 2012, 11:03:23 AM

Quote from: Howard Alan Treesong on December 10, 2012, 11:00:30 AM
no, because I buy everything digitally so "cover art" is just a theoretical construct of your imagination

This.

So, what are people upset about with Bioshock Infinite's box art?

It's too "bro," I guess?

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:07:01 AM »

Its cool if its nice, adds to the production value.

Just like a book cover, also like a book ita the inside that counts.

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #14 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:07:47 AM »

Quote from: Eel O'Brian on December 10, 2012, 11:05:02 AM

Quote from: Great Rumbler on December 10, 2012, 11:03:23 AM
Quote from: Howard Alan Treesong on December 10, 2012, 11:00:30 AM
no, because I buy everything digitally so "cover art" is just a theoretical construct of your imagination

This.

So, what are people upset about with Bioshock Infinite's box art?

It's too "bro," I guess?

didn't reggie famously call these types "insatiable niche fetishists"? that always stuck with me.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #15 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:07:56 AM »

Quote from: Eel O'Brian on December 10, 2012, 11:05:02 AM

Quote from: Great Rumbler on December 10, 2012, 11:03:23 AM
Quote from: Howard Alan Treesong on December 10, 2012, 11:00:30 AM
no, because I buy everything digitally so "cover art" is just a theoretical construct of your imagination

This.

So, what are people upset about with Bioshock Infinite's box art?

It's too "bro," I guess?

(Image removed from quote.)

I don't know. The VGA stuff looked pretty bro.

fistfulofmetal · « **Reply #16 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:11:59 AM »

I hate that box art. It's generic and uninspired. DUDE WITH A GUN. FIRE AND SPARKS. LENS FLARE.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #17 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:14:11 AM »

Art-wise I suppose the only thing I'd change about it would be to show his other hand with the "vigor powers" (or whatever they're calling them) activated, that would add a bit more intrigue for someone unaware of what the game is about. But yeah, you can dress it up with Steampunk and old-timey posters all you want, but it's still a game about shooting people and throwing fire out of your hand. That's pretty bro.

MCD · « **Reply #18 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:15:27 AM »

Stylish dude with a gun cover art sells better than artsy fartsy covers. And that what counts in the end.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #19 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:18:20 AM »

Only one game cover has made me actively upset:

And that was more to do with how it compared to the original Japanese box art.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #20 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:19:07 AM »

I used to care a bit about record cover art when I was younger, because I would pin the cool ones to the wall like posters.

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #21 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:21:18 AM »

70's-80's vinyl art was awesome. Who cares what songs are on it, it's a got a wizard fighting a dragon in space on the cover so you know it's good.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #22 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:22:30 AM »

sometimes it was so cool you had to honor it by airbrushing it on the side of your van

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #23 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:28:36 AM »

Quote from: The Wrath Of Drugula on December 10, 2012, 11:21:17 AM

Quote from: Great Rumbler on December 10, 2012, 11:18:20 AM
Only one game cover has made me actively upset:

(Image removed from quote.)

And that was more to do with how it compared to the original Japanese box art.

That cover art is actually comparable to the game's quality, which is absolute shite. Fuck weeaboos for overrating that filth.

no u

archnemesis · « **Reply #24 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:28:51 AM »

I'm offended by poor aesthetics in general. Bad boxart is no exception. If I don't like it I'm not willing to pay as much for it.

The Bioshock: Infinite cover isn't that bad though. I've seen way worse.

brob · « **Reply #25 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:36:04 AM »

I have a friend who works at a print shop, so if I really give a shit I'll have a nicer (read: simpler) one printed. I don't really buy that many games any more and most of them are in a cd case under the tv so whatevs.

hampster · « **Reply #26 on:** December 10, 2012, 11:42:59 AM »

I know I'm better than that gamestop kid. I have a wife and a kid, a good job and I'm secure and happy with my life. But part of me is still ashamed when they look at me with those judging eyes as I bring my animu game to the counter :'(

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #27 on:** December 10, 2012, 12:47:22 PM »

Quote from: hampster on December 10, 2012, 11:42:59 AM

I know I'm better than that gamestop kid. I have a wife and a kid, a good job and I'm secure and happy with my life. But part of me is still ashamed when they look at me with those judging eyes as I bring my animu game to the counter :'(

"hey i'll get this"

"okay....."

"I'M SURPRISED COMPANIES ARE COMING OUT WITH BULLET HELL SHOOTERS IN THE WEST, BUT HEY WHAT'S UP WITH THE WEIRD COVER ART AM I RITE? REALLY WEIRD THAT THEY USE LITTLE GIRLS INSTEAD OF SPACESHIPS HEHEHEHE that's the ticket

"

tiesto · « **Reply #28 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:03:10 PM »

Quote from: hampster on December 10, 2012, 11:42:59 AM

I know I'm better than that gamestop kid. I have a wife and a kid, a good job and I'm secure and happy with my life. But part of me is still ashamed when they look at me with those judging eyes as I bring my animu game to the counter :'(

I usually get the person all excited and trying to be my best friend when I bring my

games to the counter.

It's quite surprising since I thought the only RPG people would play around here would be this classic:

brob · « **Reply #29 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:03:46 PM »

the back of the deathsmiles box is better.

"lolis smile back"

:suicide

MCD · « **Reply #30 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:05:51 PM »

Quote from: hampster on December 10, 2012, 11:42:59 AM

I know I'm better than that gamestop kid. I have a wife and a kid, a good job and I'm secure and happy with my life. But part of me is still ashamed when they look at me with those judging eyes as I bring my animu game to the counter :'(

Soon, they will be the weird ones. Not you.

Huff · « **Reply #31 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:06:06 PM »

It's crazy and fucking stupid that Ken Levine had to come out with a story and explain to all the disappointed nerds why the cover is what it is.

drew · « **Reply #32 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:10:22 PM »

no but this does (bother me, that is): http://kotaku.com/5965290/the-real-problem-with-bioshock-infinites-box-art-poor-trigger-finger-discipline

ToxicAdam · « **Reply #33 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:20:48 PM »

I think it's pretty common for people to have very sharp opinions about art work related to entertainment. See: Movie posters, DVD covers, corporate logo changes, album artwork, etc.

I think Bioshock (the original game) is notable because it had a certain aesethetic to it that attracted that art snob type of gamer. If that cover was for a COD game, no one would have blinked an eye .. but for some reason they hold the Bioshock franchise to some sort of higher bar.

cool breeze · « **Reply #34 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:22:37 PM »

No. I mean, probably not. I bought Dark Knight Rises at Best Buy to get the nicer steelbook case. I saw the Last of Us cover* earlier today and thought it was cool. But if it does matter, it could only help, not hurt, my perception of the product.

Though, I'm sure buying Catherine or a Prole-RPG would get you some looks at the Gamestop counter. Good thing there's Amazon!

*

drew · « **Reply #35 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:23:56 PM »

...really? the first bioshock cover reminded me of this guy:

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #36 on:** December 10, 2012, 02:17:14 PM »

When cover art is really cool, I think it's great. When it's crap, I don't really care.

Brehvolution · « **Reply #37 on:** December 10, 2012, 02:24:58 PM »

You could say I bought Lair for the cover art because the game sucked.

Himu · « **Reply #38 on:** December 10, 2012, 02:31:55 PM »

Quote from: Joe Molotov on December 10, 2012, 10:56:34 AM

Nah. I'll acknowledge it if it's really good or really bad, and if there was ever a choice, I would take the good box art over a bad one, but that's all.

However, full disclosure, I used to be pretty OCD about always getting the "Black Label" editions over the "Greatest Hits" version of games. I overpayed more than once to protect the continuity of my pure black gaming collection.

Ditto. Also, these Platinum Hits covers.

Tasty · « **Reply #39 on:** December 10, 2012, 03:02:39 PM »

Quote from: Howard Alan Treesong on December 10, 2012, 11:00:30 AM

no, because I buy everything digitally so "cover art" is just a theoretical construct of your imagination

archie4208 · « **Reply #40 on:** December 10, 2012, 03:39:08 PM »

Quote from: Howard Alan Treesong on December 10, 2012, 11:00:30 AM

no, because I buy everything digitally so "cover art" is just a theoretical construct of your imagination

My digital collection has cover art.

Human Snorenado · « **Reply #41 on:** December 10, 2012, 03:42:47 PM »

Here's Ken Levine talking about why the cover is so bro

http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/12/bioshock-infinite-box-art/

And no, cover art doesn't matter to me, STEAM 4 LIFE BRO

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #42 on:** December 10, 2012, 03:46:46 PM »

It's nerd shit that only video game culture warriors care about.

I can aesthetically appreciate a cover or aesthetically not like a cover but it has nothing to do with how I feel about the game so honestly who gives a shit.

There are some album covers I absolutely adore on an artistic level but really videogames have never treated covers in that manner so it matters far less for this medium.

Human Snorenado · « **Reply #43 on:** December 10, 2012, 03:51:11 PM »

I think the album art comparison has a lot to do with if you believe video games are (or should strive to be) art. I have pretty much firmly established myself in the "games are not art" camp so covers don't fucking matter to me. Please just be a fun interactive experience and as long as you don't have loli grossout shit on the cover I won't care. Hell, I won't even care because I buy everything digitally nowadays anyway, so it doesn't matter.

Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich · « **Reply #44 on:** December 10, 2012, 03:56:54 PM »

EA's early covers were pretty slick, I don't know why nobody does these semi-abstract, music album cover-types anymore.

instead they all have to be ACTUAL IN-GAME GRAPHICS* types like this turd: http://cache.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/315442_S/bioshock-infinite-cover-art-revealed.jpg

Himu · « **Reply #45 on:** December 10, 2012, 03:57:29 PM »

let's post goat album covers

i'll start

Stoney Mason · « **Reply #46 on:** December 10, 2012, 04:03:15 PM »

Quote from: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on December 10, 2012, 03:56:54 PM

EA's early covers were pretty slick, I don't know why nobody does these semi-abstract, music album cover-types anymore.

The market moved from a very knowledgeable niche community to a large more mainstream and less informed mass market. The box art now has to be tonally acceptable to the mass market.

edit: Also EA at that time was trying to present their devs as the new rock stars of a new generation. hence "We see farther". That approach isn't really done anymore. The closest would maybe be the GTA guys.

Sho Nuff · « **Reply #47 on:** December 10, 2012, 04:17:28 PM »

Doin' market research at frathouses, sounds pretty boss to me

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #48 on:** December 10, 2012, 05:04:12 PM »

At the end of the day, anything I still get on a disc, I shuck into a binder and stash the box in a box in the garage. How can something I never look at be said to be "good" or "bad"?

Rahxephon91 · « **Reply #49 on:** December 10, 2012, 05:10:14 PM »

No it won't keep me buying a game, but I would love if covers actually looked like someone cared. Of course I'd like some nice art on a cover.

Himu · « **Reply #50 on:** December 10, 2012, 05:40:18 PM »

Quote from: Howard Alan Treesong on December 10, 2012, 05:04:12 PM

(Image removed from quote.)

At the end of the day, anything I still get on a disc, I shuck into a binder and stash the box in a box in the garage. How can something I never look at be said to be "good" or "bad"?

word

and i've never listened to that. how is it?

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #51 on:** December 10, 2012, 05:58:10 PM »

Quote from: Stoney Mason on December 10, 2012, 04:03:15 PM

Quote from: Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich on December 10, 2012, 03:56:54 PM
EA's early covers were pretty slick, I don't know why nobody does these semi-abstract, music album cover-types anymore.

The market moved from a very knowledgeable niche community to a large more mainstream and less informed mass market. The box art now has to be tonally acceptable to the mass market.

bingo. on that note, the game itself has probably been toned down from Bioshock 1, but Ken will just say "gotcha" after everyone buys it to avoid the boycotts and the petitions and the boycotts with petitions attached to them.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #52 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:25:29 PM »

Quote from: Creepy Old Guy on December 10, 2012, 03:42:47 PM

Here's Ken Levine talking about why the cover is so bro

http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/12/bioshock-infinite-box-art/

"Bioshock 1 had good box art, but not good enough to get the frat boy to put down their beer bongs. But that's all changed!"

Himu · « **Reply #53 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:29:00 PM »

I don't get it. Bioshock's cover is pretty fucking "bro".

It tells you about as much as Bioshock: Infinite's cover.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #54 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:35:37 PM »

Quote from: Creepy Old Guy on December 10, 2012, 03:42:47 PM

http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2012/12/bioshock-infinite-box-art/

Can't believe the GAF kids need this justified and spelled out for them. I know some people cringe at the word "entitled" being thrown around to describe gamers, but come on man.

Human Snorenado · « **Reply #55 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:42:25 PM »

I'm lazy and permabanned, someone link me the gaf thread. I need it for research.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #56 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:42:53 PM »

I'm more concerned about the actual content of the game than the whatever happens to be plastered on the box.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #57 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:48:51 PM »

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #58 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:53:19 PM »

D3RANG3D · « **Reply #59 on:** December 10, 2012, 06:53:58 PM »

Quote from: Creepy Old Guy on December 10, 2012, 06:42:25 PM

I'm lazy and permabanned, someone link me the gaf thread. I need it for research.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503519&highlight=cover+art

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Author Topic: Does video game cover art matter to you? (Read 4688 times)