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No-text box cover?

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chris_mancini
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Death By Dice! box concept

What do you guys think of boxes with no text on the front? Abyss comes to mind...not sure if there are any other examples.

My thought was that a stark black, white and red box would be a great eye-grabber on the shelf; the cartoon image being the draw and giving the impression of the game without text. The name is prominently displayed on all sides, but there's something about such a stark front that I find alluring.

I know it goes against typical design guidelines...but can it work? Would you pull this box off the shelf to find out more?

radioactivemouse
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Kingdom Death: Monster

chris_mancini wrote:
What do you guys think of boxes with no text on the front? Abyss comes to mind...not sure if there are any other examples.

My thought was that a stark black, white and red box would be a great eye-grabber on the shelf; the cartoon image being the draw and giving the impression of the game without text. The name is prominently displayed on all sides, but there's something about such a stark front that I find alluring.

I know it goes against typical design guidelines...but can it work? Would you pull this box off the shelf to find out more?

Kingdom Death: Monster is pretty much an all black box. But then again, it's a Kickstarted project. so everyone that has it pretty much knows what it is.

A cover should have have at least a title on the front, but then again it does kinda stick out. You should get other opinions on your cover. I personally think it's slick, though I would put the title at least somewhere on the front (like in small letters or something).

Neil Googe
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Studies have shown that a lack of text...

That is a really nice image for the cover... but... as has been shown in many studies, no logo or text of some kind, or hard to read text, amongst other products with text, reduces selling power.

Basically when we scan a shelf we skim read, then image read. So basically we tend to look for the title of the thing and then take in its imagery. While it certainly is an eye catching cover, add a grey, almost white, Death by Dice behind that image at the top, it wont make you cover any less striking, will add the title and make it instantly readable.

Personally, I would avoid no titles, while the numbers things like the mentioned studies show will be negligible in the board game arena giving the people we sell too and the amount of sales, every little bit counts. But I do agree, the cover is very striking without any text... but doesn't look like a cover without text... on the shelf you could equally run the problem that someone scanning doesn't actually see it as a game, but maybe some sort of in store imagery, or promotion, or indicator, where as text, will make it instantly recognisable as a game amongst others.

Great image though ;)

JohnPace
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Joined: 09/20/2015
Love the image

I love the image, it is clear and the nothing but white background really pulls it into focus. For me it is amusing and intriguing and I would pick it up to find more.

That being said the picture you have I can see the front and the side of the box clearly so I can quickly not only see the front image but the wording on the side as well. In a store where it might be shoulder to shoulder with other games that might not be possible, but then again that might be a good thing. The front is so clear and when put along side other games it might really stand out.

I at least would pick it up to find out more.

chris_mancini
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Neil I like the idea of using

Neil I like the idea of using a "ghosted" text on the front; let the black and red art be the attention-grabber, but provide the name in the background. Perhaps a clear "white on white" spot gloss on the text...I'll have to play with it. Panda will be handling the production, so there's no doubt they can make something unique and cool.

I love the "Kingdom Death: Monster" box design; really gives a feeling of isolation and foreboding. The title text really pops even though it's relatively small. Stark, yet complete.

I Will Never Gr...
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chris_mancini wrote:Neil I

chris_mancini wrote:
Neil I like the idea of using a "ghosted" text on the front; let the black and red art be the attention-grabber, but provide the name in the background. Perhaps a clear "white on white" spot gloss on the text...I'll have to play with it. Panda will be handling the production, so there's no doubt they can make something unique and cool.

I love the "Kingdom Death: Monster" box design; really gives a feeling of isolation and foreboding. The title text really pops even though it's relatively small. Stark, yet complete.

Yes, do this! Have a white on white gloss/embossed title. I have seen it done with black on black and it looks great. Subtle yet striking at the same time (if that makes sense).

As others have said, not having the title may look great but you're probably best to find a way to put it there.

ilSilvano
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What about an external "band"?

Hi,
your cover will look very nice on a shelf, but it is actually difficult to sell.
What about putting an external "band" on the cover, like they do for books or CD's?
(this is called "fascetta" here in Italy, but I am not able to find how it is called in English).

Here is an example:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/z/zfgAAOSwU9xURgz6/$_35.JPG

...or think of the stickers they put on the wrapping of latest David Bowie album:

http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/article34368314.ece/ALTERN...

My two cents.

chris_mancini
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I do know what you're talking

I do know what you're talking about ilSilvano. Definitely a good idea to keep the box text-free while still offering a way to have the name present; up to the consumer which "facing" they want in their collection.

It's a safe bet that retailers would want the name on the front, so I think I'll end up putting it on there in some way which fulfills the need. Assuming the game ever makes it, of course!

Thanks all for your opinions!

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