Design Guide
Follow this guide to craft the perfect first impression for your game.
Steam Capsule Design Best Practices
Essential principles for creating effective capsule art
1. Visual Hierarchy
Organize elements to guide viewer attention through the capsule in a clear, intentional way. A strong visual hierarchy ensures viewers can quickly understand and engage with the key elements.
Clear title integration
DREDGE is positioned prominently against the dark sky, ensuring perfect readability
Effective depth layering
Background (sky), midground (lighthouse), and foreground (boat) create natural depth
Subtle supporting elements
Dark clouds and birds guide the eye through the scene without overwhelming the main elements
Scattered attention
Multiple characters and elements compete for focus
Lack of hierarchy
No clear primary element to anchor viewer gaze
Cluttered arrangement
Equal emphasis on all elements dilutes visual impact
Weak visual direction
Layout fails to guide viewer attention effectively
2. Title Readability
Ensure the game title is instantly readable and recognizable at any display size. Clear typography and proper contrast are essential for effective brand communication across all Steam store locations.
Strong contrast
White text on darker elements creates clear separation and visibility
Strategic placement
Title positioned against a controlled background area
Balanced spacing
Letters and words properly spaced for optimal readability
Poor contrast
Text blends into the background, reducing visibility
Decorative font
Stylized typography compromises legibility at smaller sizes
Insufficient emphasis
Title fails to stand out as the key branding element
3. Focal Point
Create a clear center of interest that immediately draws and holds viewer attention. A strong focal point helps guide potential players to the most important elements of the capsule.
Dramatic centerpiece
The tornado creates a powerful, unmistakable focal point
Natural eye flow
Supporting elements like the car and landscape guide attention to the central storm
Balanced composition
Secondary elements frame the main focus without competing for attention
Scattered attention
Multiple characters and elements compete for focus
Lack of hierarchy
No clear primary element to anchor viewer gaze
Cluttered arrangement
Equal emphasis on all elements dilutes visual impact
Weak visual direction
Layout fails to guide viewer attention effectively
4. Color Contrast
Use color effectively to ensure all elements are clearly visible and distinct. Proper contrast is crucial for visibility on the dark Steam interface and helps the capsule stand out.
Stark value contrast
Cyan and purple palette creates clear distinction between elements
Effective silhouettes
Character and environment shapes are instantly readable
Strategic lighting
Bright elements pop against dark backgrounds for maximum impact
Limited value range
Similar mid-tones make elements hard to distinguish
Muddy silhouettes
Characters blend into the background due to similar values
Weak lighting separation
Lack of contrast between foreground and background elements
Insufficient definition
Important details get lost in the monotone palette
5. Genre Communication
Visually communicate the game genre through appropriate art style and elements. Clear genre representation helps players quickly identify if the game matches their interests.
Theme-specific elements
The image immediately conveys an industrial, factory-building theme with machinery, conveyor belts, and robotic arms
Challenging mechanics
The intricate, busy design showcases the complexity of factory management, hinting at deep gameplay mechanics
Unclear gameplay type
Art style fails to effectively communicate soccer theme
Mixed messaging
Visual elements send conflicting signals about game genre
6. Brand Identity
Maintain consistent visual branding that helps build recognition and memorability. Strong branding across all Steam assets helps establish a professional market presence.
Iconic character design
Instantly recognizable protagonist with a distinct silhouette and personality
Recognizable branding
The minimalistic background keeps the focus on the character and logo, ensuring brand recognition without unnecessary distractions
Weak brand cohesion
Visual elements lack unified brand identity
Generic presentation
Lacks distinctive visual elements that would make it memorable
Missing genre expectations
Absence of iconic yellow color scheme expected in Backrooms games hurts recognition
7. Composition Balance
Arrange visual elements to create a harmonious and professional composition. A well-balanced layout enhances the perceived quality of the game and improves overall presentation.
Strong central focus
Main character positioned prominently in the center creates a solid anchor point
Balanced framing
Supporting elements distributed evenly to complement the central focus
Effective space usage
Every area of the capsule contributes to the overall composition
Dead center space
Empty void in the middle creates an awkward visual gap
Poor title placement
Text pushed to bottom edge feels disconnected
Wasted space
Ineffective use of prime real estate diminishes impact
8. Art Style
Develop a unique and cohesive art style that helps the game stand out. A distinctive visual approach can help capture attention in the competitive Steam marketplace.
Perfect representation
Capsule directly mirrors the unique medieval woodcut aesthetic
Gameplay preview
Shows actual in-game elements like potion crafting setup and UI style
Visual honesty
Accurately sets player expectations about the distinctive look
Mismatched aesthetic
Simple vector art fails to represent the actual gameplay visuals
Lost complexity
Does not showcase the intricate puzzle mechanics and interface
Missed opportunity
Could better highlight the true technical and visual sophistication
9. Unique Selling Point
Highlight what makes the game special through visual storytelling. Effectively communicating unique features helps attract interested players and drive wishlist additions.
Core mechanic focus
Motorcycle silhouette immediately communicates the main gameplay element
Character integration
Rider stance suggests both action and survival elements
Environmental context
Moody atmosphere hints at the open-world survival experience
Generic theme
Space setting shown without highlighting any unique gameplay aspects
Missing mechanics
No indication of what makes this space game different from others
Vague presentation
Title and visuals fail to communicate any standout features
10. Emotional Impact
Create an emotional connection with viewers through compelling visuals. Emotionally resonant artwork can create a lasting impression and motivate players to learn more about the game.
Sense of Wonder and Adventure
The vast landscape, soft lighting, and distant planet create a sense of exploration and curiosity, evoking a peaceful yet mysterious atmosphere
Emotional Connection
The small companion walking beside the protagonist adds companionship and emotional depth, suggesting a shared journey of trust
Dreamlike Aesthetic
The hand-painted, soft color palette and minimalist composition give the image a storybook quality
Flat presentation
Dark visuals fail to create emotional connection or intrigue
Limited atmosphere
Basic text treatment and background miss opportunity for mood setting
Weak narrative hook
No clear story elements or emotional cues to engage viewers
Missing personality
Generic presentation fails to evoke any particular feeling or response
Steam Asset Technical Specifications
Required dimensions and formats for Steam assets
Store Assets
These are the capsules and assets needed when constructing your Steam store page.
| Asset Type | Status | Dimensions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Header Capsule | Required | 920px × 430px | Just your game logo and artwork |
| Small Capsule | Required | 462px × 174px | Just your game logo and artwork |
| Main Capsule | Required | 1232px × 706px | Just your game logo and artwork |
| Vertical Capsule | Required | 748px × 896px | Just your game logo and artwork |
| Screenshots | Required | 1920px × 1080px+ | Minimum size, 16:9 ratio required |
| Page Background | Optional | 1438px × 810px | Subtle artwork, not too bright |
| Bundle Images | Optional | Required for bundles | Only needed if setting up a bundle |
Community Assets
These are the capsules and icons needed for the Steam Community and Client presentation of your game.
| Asset Type | Status | Dimensions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Icon | Required | 184px × 184px | Small game logo or representative icon |
| Client Icon | Required | 32px × 32px | Just your game logo and artwork. The .ico file should also include other resolutions. |
Library Assets
These are the capsules and graphics needed for the Steam Library presentation of your game.
| Asset Type | Status | Dimensions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library Capsule | Required | 600px × 900px | Just your game logo and artwork |
| Library Hero | Required | 3840px × 1240px | Just your game artwork |
| Library Logo | Required | 1280px × 720px | Just your game logo. Will be displayed on top of Hero Graphic. |
| Library Header Capsule | Required | 920px × 430px | Just your game logo and artwork |
Event Assets
These are the capsules and graphics needed for any event or announcement you post within Steam.
| Asset Type | Status | Dimensions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event Cover | Required | 800px × 450px | Artwork and marketing copy for your event or announcement |
| Event Header | Optional | 1920px × 622px | Event artwork and logo. See template for clipping requirements. |
Stay updated with official guidelines
While we strive to keep this guide current, Steam asset requirements may change over time. Always refer to the official Steam documentation for the most up-to-date specifications and requirements.