Why Games Need Striking Logos
Branding consists of any activities that create an awareness among the general public about a company, a product, an individual, or a service. It is also the process of continuously managing brands, positioning them to influence consumers’ perceptions in a positive light.
Brand identities also includes consumer awareness about the company. When people hear or see a company’s name or logo, they remember their personal experiences with said brand.
Game Logo Policies for Each Platform
Each gaming platform has different recommendations on the size used for profile and banner images. Therefore, to use logos on each platform, adjustment are needed based on the recommended size for that platform. To use the logo across different platforms, designing a logo using a square canvas where a circle can fit would be best. This is especially useful when applying it to multi-platform products such as Discord, League of Legends, or Apex Legends. However, keep in mind that if the logo applied to the platform is too small, it may be hard to recognize.
The recommended size for each gaming platform is as follows:
Twitch
Twitch requires channels to have profile images and banner graphics. Banners are only displayed when offline.
Profile pictures on Twitch are referred to as ‘avatars.’ To change your avatar, an image must fit in a square the size of at least 256 x 256 pixels. Since it will be displayed in a circle once applied, be sure the logo design also fits the circle.
The recommended size for a profile banner is 1,200 x 480 pixels, with 1,920 x 480 pixels most commonly used. Upload an image in JPEG, PNG, and GIF format that is at most 10 MB.
Steam
You can also set a profile picture ‘avatar’ and customize the avatars for your games on Steam. When setting up your avatar, using an easily recognizable logo or illustration is recommended. Changing your avatar on Steam requires, at a minimum, a square image with 184 x 184 pixels.
YouTube
On YouTube, you can create an account, upload videos, or livestream videos. A logo can be placed on the account’s profile picture, channel banner, and thumbnail of each video.
The recommended sizes are as follows:
– Channel Icon: 800 x 800 px
– Channel Banner: 2,560 x 1,440 px
– Video Thumbnail: 1,280 x 720 px
Features of Eye-Catching Logos
What do these appealing logos have in common?
Unique game logos catch the users’ attention. What features are needed for a logo to stand out? The answer: attention to detail. An intriguing design that tells a story is favorable than something that is commonplace.
Qualities That Make Game Logos Stand Out
Bright Colors & High Contrast
If you want your logo to stand out among all the vibrant game logos, bright colors are key. Using high-contrast color combinations, such as black with a bright neon green or deep blue with a bright yellow, can be very effective. Creating three-dimensional effects using layering or shading techniques is great, but make sure it does not get too complicated.
Unique Characters & Individuality
If you plan to use a mascot, an animal, or an avatar, a distinctive character is suggested. For better storytelling, using unique accessories to emphasize characters is a good idea.
Unique Shapes
While it is recommended to design a logo to fit into a circle, it does not mean the design always has to be circular. Give the logo a unique shape. Also, consider checking to see whether the logo works well in both black-and-white and multicolored backgrounds.
Trendy Logos
An appealing logo is one of the most important elements in a game. Staying on-trend is the foundation when it comes to creating a game logo.
Let’s look at some of the logo designs trending in 2023.
1. Negative Space in Game Logo Designs
Negative space is a term referring to the empty space behind a logo. This design element traditionally gives off mesmerizing and fun vibes and has become a fresh approach to users as well as a new industry trend. In this design, the background is utilized as design art.
Negative space logos can bring back a retro feel to younger audiences. Make your logo even more effective by adding other design elements.
2. Character Logos
There are several popular online games that incorporate characters into their logos. Games such as PUBG, Project I.G.I., Clash of Clans use their characters to represent the theme of the game. Even gaming companies that develop and publish various games often use characters most popular among their young audience as their mascot.
3. Retro Game Logo Designs
Nowadays, there is a resurgence of retro-style designs incorporating the latest trends. Retro designs have been beloved throughout time. Furthermore, these retro-style logos can appeal to a wide range of gamers.
In addition, companies that constantly change their logos may lose their credibility or fail to leave a lasting impression on users. With all these considerations in mind, when it comes to creating a game logo, a retro-style design could be a great option.
4. Uncomplicated Game Logo Designs
For logos, a minimal approach is emphasized rather than the banal. Simple logos are the most recognizable and are easy to remember.
When it comes to simplistic logos, which colors you choose is very important. A clean logo with four colors will pack more of a punch if the image is exclusive to that game.
A minimalistic game logo has the advantage of being perceived as an elevated brand. The logo also allows for easy recollection in association with the game.
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