Game packaging
Paul Sauberer
German/euro/designer (or whatever they are called) games is that they have
different game boxes than those of USA produced games. Their boxes are
textured, giving them more of a matte finish. American games, by and large,
come in games with a smooth, glossy finish.
Does anyone know if there is a particular reason behind this? Is it just a
convention? Personally, the textured boxes seem more substantial nad more
"serious" in appearance than the slick boxes.
Paul Sauberer
Scott Alan Woodard
"Paul Sauberer" <spamgr...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:WZ9b8.104946$th4.29...@news02.optonline.net...
I'm guessing that the "smooth" and "glossy" boxes of American games are
simply cheaper to manufacture.
Scott Alan Woodard
ogm...@earthlink.net
Brady Severns
The texture that I think you are referring to is called a "linen" finish
in the printing industry. American games, as you've noticed, often have
artwork that is printed on a smooth, coated sheet. I've noticed, too,
that my German game boxes with art printed on linen are also glued over
a cardboard sheet that seems to be of a heavier (or at least more
rigid) stock than most American games. Games Workshop game boxes, on the
other hand, are something of the opposite: colorful printing on a coated
stock with a very glossy finish-- all glued to a cardstock base that is
often a lighter weight than standard game boxes.
Here's some background on the use of real linen for package design:
Sometimes, fine artwork (like prints) are stored in boxes or folios that
have real linen to grace their exteriors that is glued over and around
very heavy cardboard. I knew of several graphic designers and
printmakers that used such boxes to showcase their skill and finished
work and, at the time, it never failed to impress prospective employers
and clients.
On the other hand, the route Cheapass takes with their games seems to
stand the whole production-value aesthetic on its head. James Earnst,
IMO, is both a keen game _and_ graphic designer who understands that an
inexpensive product made inexpensively need not _look_ cheap. Some other
game designers that have followed his lead don't understand the subtle
difference, I think, and use inexpensive production means as an excuse
to also use muddy art and poor typesetting. Cheapass Dames doesn't fall
into that trap-- again, in my opinion.
I don't know if there is a particular reason behind these differences in
paper choices and printing techniques. Price may be a factor, but I
don't know if it is a deciding factor since cost is significantly
affected by volume. Part of it may be ignorance, part of it may be
simple tradition, part of it may be an attempt to subtly distinguish
some "German" games from the rest.
In short, the impression I receive when I see such boxes with faux linen
finishes is that the publisher is trying impart a sense of quality about
the product that is indirectly transmitted to the consumer when they
hold their product. Considering that games are often a real test of the
designer's, the publisher's, and the printer's attention to detail, I
think it a fine parallel to draw. Because inside many games you can find
excellent examples of foil stamping, die-cutting, four-color printing,
model-making (sculpting and casting in pewter and plastic), abstract art
(for the selection, coloring, and cutting of abstract wooden
components), and packaging (for parts storage).
It's fun to open and play with games that have such lavish detail and
attention given to them. A positive joy when the game is a good one.
Brady
Brady Severns
>
> <snip> Cheapass Dames doesn't fall into that trap-- again, in my opinion.
Geez... Cheapass GAMES! (So much for MY attention to detail!)
Brady
Jeff Spencer
>
>Geez... Cheapass GAMES! (So much for MY attention to detail!)
>
Hey, don't discount the appeal of Cheapass Dames! That company has been putting
fine product on the street for years. And usually at a substantial savings as
compared to your pricier versions from companies like Exclusive Escorts and
Damn She's Hot.
Jeff Spencer
"There's nothing like siege guns to brighten one's day."