Research into Boxarts

By using the same video games as I have studied for my print advertisements, I hope to spot similarities between the graphics used and therefore help the continuity and syncronistity of both my advertisements and box arts when I come to create my own. I also plan on looking at key features of the front cover, but most importantly what is on the back in the form of content within the blurb, required specs and legal information as this is actually more vital on the box art than the graphic is. NOTE: All games are available on all consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, PSP, DS, and Wii), so the image will only represent one hardware.

Assassins Creed: BrotherhoodIt is firstly important to note that it is a pre-released cover for the game, as can be seen by the ‘Display Only’ notice along the front and the ‘Reserve Now’ heading, however the graphics, layout and content is equal to what is on the actual case. The front demonstrates the same hooded figure seen in the print and televised advertisements, an important focus and recognisable point for audiences to match semiotically. It contains the title, certification and developer upon the front as well, as these are often the 2nd option a potential buyer will look at when considering making a purchase. On the back, a very detailed yet non-spoiler blurb is on the back giving the jest of the games narrative plot lines, with corresponding game play images. Once again, throughout very hyperbolic modifiers are used to amp the excitement of the game and entice a reader to feel enthusiasm towards playing it. Potentially because this is a pre-released cover, no console and game play requirements specs are listed but the address of developers as well as legal information such as the date and trademarks declarations are in small print at the bottom.

Castlevania: Lords of ShadowThis is a better representation of how a complete and released box art cover looks like at it contains far more information on the back page. The front once again contains the recognisable graphic identical to its print advert, and the title, development company and certification. On the back sleeve, the tagline from the magazine advert is placed across the top as an introduction to the following blurb which again outlines the basic narrative story in the game. On this cover, the specs are present and define what is needed or available to do within the game (e.g. ‘Players 1-4’, ‘Xbox Live Multiplayer’, etc) as well as using images to represent game play as well. Interestingly, at the very bottom, the sleeve has a warning about photosensitive sight as the content is featured in 3D effects, this clears up any legal issues with players suffering pain or illness from playing the game. This now also features logos for Microsoft as this cover is taken from an Xbox 360 copy of the game as well as companies involved with sound and distribution. It is important to note that less than half of the back is dedicated to content within the game; the rest is taken up by legal declarations and important technological information.

Call of Duty: Black OpsMuch like the other covers, the recognisable advertised graphic is featured on the front sleeve of the box art, as well as the title, certification and development company logo. This back however features larger images and less textual blurbs, potentially because of popularity surrounding the game, not a lot actually needs to be said to entice its potential buyer. Again it features technological specs (e.g. ‘Players 1-4’, ‘Network Playing’, ‘No Video Output’) and it also features a warning for players as a lot of the scenes contain brutal amounts of explosions and flashing lights. Lastly, legal logos and declarations are made at the bottom in small text.

Halo: ReachI could not find the full sleeved image of the box art anywhere on the internet, but the front sleeve demonstrates the point I aim to make by looking at all my research images. The front cover still displays the iconic image as advertised and published months before its release. By using this graphical emblem, players upon entering a store can instantly recognise the game they want and are aware of its content and its representation. All covers are simply designed, with the title across the top, developer in the bottom right corner and certification in the bottom left corner, leaving the graphic to take up its maximum potential space as this is what catches the audience’s eye. The specs as seen along the top this time however demonstrate some of the key technological information you could read later on the back sleeve of the box art, portraying the game as ‘Only on Xbox 360’ and ‘Xbox Live’, meaning it is playable online. The main goal of the front sleeve is to attract the audience, give it key purchasing information such as the certification and allow the audience to make their mind up about turning over to the back and finding out more, or simply putting the game back on the shelf.