Thread by @GailSimone

Dear games publishers, I have a bit of a question.

You know I love you and you have been lovely to me, but I have a question about many of your websites. Maybe I’m wrong, and if so, I would love to hear the rationale.

All friends, just curious.

1/

I have mentioned that on some websites, even for big companies, sometimes jargon is used which noobs might not understand. I get it when that space is limited, but on your own website? Some people might not know what ‘legacy,’ ‘drafting,’ and other terms mean. HOWEVER...

2/

On some sites there is something that is even more confusing. I like to buy games with a beautiful design, or gorgeous components. Yet I find a LOT of publisher sites don’t even show the back of the box. Just the front and a brief description.

3/

I am using this for an example (this is a vintage game, for one thing) but say the game is called Haunted House, it’s $50 bucks, and all that the publisher’s website shows is the front cover, no idea what the interior looks like.

I have no idea what is inside.

4/

So it means if you live in the boonies like I do, you have to look elsewhere for information about what the game actually looks like, and I am curious about that.

Is the idea that games will do that automatically?

Not judging, just wondering,

5/

Only asking because the art and design are such huge factors for me, and many others...and the designs are so feels like they are a major selling point.

Just curious if there’s a time factor, or if it is just understood gamers will research before purchase?

Just wonderin’!

6/

It's just something I have come across a lot. Even with the #MagicPorch, I have still bought a lot of games recently and it's odd to shop with so little information at times.

Is it just me?

I will also say that a lot of the marketing folks I have met in gaming are among the best I have ever seen, I wish ALL the stuff I am involved with had people that dedicated.

This is NOT AN ACTUAL EXAMPLE, I have not checked their website. But here's a very attractive game box, it's one of the better ones, really, for a game called Photosynthesis.

Looks great, right? I would consider on the box alone.

BUT!

8/

Look how attractive and appealing this simple shot of the game surface and components is!

That looks REALLY purchasable.

9/

Maybe I am missing something, maybe showing the interiors makes the games look intimidating.

In any case, that's my random gaming thought for the day.

I LOVE THE GAMES YOU MAKE...I just would like to see the design beyond the box front. :)

That's it, thanks!

10/

Again, I am very new to this hobby, everyone has been wonderful to me. It's just a thing I keep seeing, these games with BEAUTIFUL art on the cards and great miniatures and beautiful boards...

It's like having Greg Capullo draw your Batman comic and not mentioning it. :)

Anyway, I love the companies I have been talking with, I love the work they do, and I don't want to seem critical.

A bunch of you have explained why it may happen, and I know you know your business. So don't mind my curiosity!

Thanks for listening!