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Home/r/IndieDev/#8181
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Hire an artist! But also, improve your art direction...

r/IndieDev
8/15/2025

Content Summary

The post shows before and after art directions for a game, seeking feedback. The artist is part of the team, and the game is a dungeon crawler with a cooking mechanic in a dark fantasy retro style. Users provided feedback on the visual improvements, noting that the new design is more readable, engaging, and visually appealing. Some compared it to games like 'Delicious in Dungeon' and 'Darkest Dungeon.' Discussions included opinions on the logo, composition, and how the visuals communicate the game's genre and theme.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream opinion suggests the 'after' version is an improvement, with better readability, visual storytelling, and overall aesthetics. Many users appreciate the warmer tone, clearer logo, and more engaging scene. However, some prefer the 'before' version for its boldness and clearer genre indication. There are debates about whether the new design loses some of the original's uniqueness or if the art direction is truly different enough. Some users also questioned the term 'art direction,' suggesting the changes were more about composition than overall style.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No specific SaaS tools mentioned][N/A][N/A][N/A]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Unclear game genre in initial post
  • Difficulty in identifying the game's focus from visuals
  • Concerns about logo clarity and visual storytelling
  • Need for more contrast and attention-grabbing design

Problems to Solve:

  • Communicate game genre and theme effectively
  • Improve visual composition and readability
  • Enhance logo design for better brand recognition
  • Create a more engaging and story-driven visual style

Potential Solutions:

  • Adjust composition and lighting for better clarity
  • Add more unique elements to the scene to draw attention
  • Refine logo design for better visual balance and appeal

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Iterative design improvements based on user feedback
  • Clear communication of game concept and genre
  • Community engagement through social media and forums
  • Leveraging popular art styles and themes (e.g., retro fantasy, cooking mechanics)

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Building anticipation through visual changes and updates
  • Engaging with fans of similar games (e.g., Darkest Dungeon, Delicious in Dungeon)
  • Encouraging community interaction and wishlist additions

Monetization & Product:

  • Focusing on strong visual identity to attract players
  • Emphasizing gameplay mechanics that differentiate the title
  • Creating a recognizable brand through consistent art direction

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging fan interaction through comments and discussions
  • Building hype around the game through visual improvements
  • Maintaining a clear vision while being open to feedback