Tips and Optimizations
Considering the perspective of the users, they will scan a website and click on a thumbnail they
are interested in. This means the art needs to be accurate enough for users to know what to
expect from that game.
Another consideration should be the uniqueness from your game and the art that comes with it.
If users see multiple of the same/similar images on a website, they will be more likely to skip it
or pick the one that’s the most interesting for them. However, there are some rules to go by that
always work for a specific type of game, listed below.
These were results from a thumbnail optimization project supported by a/b testing (fail and
succeed) and data reporting.
Action/Adventure/Racing games
Games that require different sorts of movement, therefore it could be interesting to portray this
as well in your thumbnail as it will help with the engagement.
Do’s
● Movement
There might be different kinds of speed in your game, like speed from vehicles, smoke
from vehicle engines or wheels, motions or a character in action. You can convey this in
your thumbnail/image.
● Close-up action
Showing the main character or vehicle in action with a bit of detail (hierarchy, know the
eyecatcher of the design and the most important element of the game). Make sure not to
overdo this by adding too many details/elements, as this will make the image unclear.
● Recognizable names/characters
When a game is based on a real popular brand, the engagement could improve by
including this in your design.
Don’ts
● Using static images
Refrain from using main characters, vehicles or objects without any movement as this
would be less engaging
● Not a visible focus of the game(play)
Make sure not to use dark images,too much of the same color (flat image) or small
characters.
● Showing only the character
Close-up from the character (no visible action) could portray other sorts of games; make
sure to convey what type of game it is. For example, for a racing game, include cars in
the background and/or make the main character wear a racing helmet.