How to build a logo for the video game industry?
Today we are going to do a special exercise. First of all, we are going to discuss the important points that are crucial to consider when it comes to a logo in the video game industry. On top of that, we will see how we implemented these same tips for one of our clients. These points are of course to be put in perspective with the previous blog on “How to build a logo design from scratch“. Here, we’ll talk more specifically about the video game industry, as mentioned above. So don’t hesitate to have a look at it for more information on how to create a logo in general.
Let us start at the beginning: the beginning of a story
It all starts with a phone call where a potential client explains that they are starting a twitch channel for the Apex Legends video game and want a logo. This is followed by a discussion to understand the client’s personal objectives. Indeed, in the creation of logos, there are global objectives and personal objectives.
In this kind of discussion with the client, it is important to understand things that may seem as useless as favorite colors, animals or objects that inspire him, what exactly interests him in the game and in creating content for this game…
In parallel to this discussion, it might be interesting to look at the atmosphere and the type of game we are talking about.
Client's personal goals
The client, a video game content creator named “Jinzu”, likes the color burgundy/purple, a color that goes very well with the video game Apex Legends (a point that will be brought up again later).
In addition to the color, the client also feels particularly inspired by the fox, an animal that is cunning, discreet and fearsome. Qualities that are necessary in the kind of game that is Apex Legends.
With regard to the fox, it is then a question of asking the client if he likes a particular design. It’s also interesting to look at nature itself and other logos or drawings of a fox, so that we can understand what we want to emphasize and what we don’t want to emphasize.
Overall objective N ° 1: Easy, memorable and unique
In addition to these 2 personal objectives, it is important to keep in mind the objectives that are generally attributed to this kind of logo.
Here are the first ones: The logo must be unique and very easy to remember.
In addition to that, it must also be easily identifiable (more than readable) and recognizable at first glance. Here, originality comes first. In this sector, you can be a little more crazy and perky than in another sector and can let your imagination and creativity run wild! The freedom you have, as well as the direction your logo will go, depends mainly on your client but not so much on the video game industry. In some cases, it’s about opting for an dynamic design, opting for a fantastic design or in other cases, opting for a sober and/or neutral design. (Not that a fantasy logo cannot be sober.)
Just remember is that this sector is really free in terms of style!
Overall objective N ° 2: Stick to the video game represented
As mentioned earlier, do some research on the game.
1 Look at the atmosphere of the video game in question.
2 Check the codes surrounding the theme.
3 Do not under-estimate regularly used colors in the game, as well as the secondary colors.
4 Even the objectives of the game are essential for our exercise of the day.
This research can inspire you to create a 100% unique and creative logo.
Be careful though: Before creating a logo that is too specific to one game, ask your client if they intend to exclusively represent that game or if they would like more flexibility. If the customer wants exclusively a logo to represent a game, the question is quickly answered. In the second case, often the case for content creators, you can still draw inspiration from the game but keep in mind that the logo should above all represent the content creator himself.
And this, without forgetting that the logo must above all be easy to remember for the target of the content that will be created (see Objective N ° 1).
Overall objective N ° 3: Focus on colors! (and typography)
Colors are often avoided or rare in logos of other sectors. In the video game sector, it is still not a question of making tons, however, here more than elsewhere, the color is very important and its presence is required. Contrary to a luxury sector such as in perfumes with Gucci or Chanel for example. The colors thus make it possible to support the dynamic, attractive and fun part of the game. Depending on the game, one set of colors may apply more than another.
In general, you can still aim for a maximum of 3 colors, with one main and two secondary.
In addition to color, the representation of fun and dynamism can also be done via the volume of the logo that you can exaggerate or spread.
To do this, check the type of game and what is done in other games of the same type.
1 Are the colors bright or soft?
2 Are the colors warmer or colder?
3 What type of typography is generally used the most?
For our client, we had the base of the game’s name and our client’s favorite color. So we went to find out which colors could then go well with burgundy/purple, while still thinking about the game Apex Legends.
We then came across an assortment of colors from wedding tips.
Result: it worked perfectly!
(For the police, we wanted something sober, fairly flat and sans serif.)
Overall goal N ° 4: Take sizes into account
Flexible, Adaptable, Scalable
More than anywhere else, the logo we want to create really has to be adaptable to different sizes.
Indeed, a video game logo is very likely to end up in different formats: web banners, hoodies, e-sport posters…
And even on video game covers!
So you should definitely be careful about the level of detail of the logo and really emphasize the adaptability of the logo.
Twitch and/or Youtube option:
When your logo is clearly intended for use in a Twitch or YouTube channel, it is important to test the readability of the chosen font on mini formats.
The most important point is also to make sure that the logo is easily contained in a round shape.
After taking all these parameters into account, we tried some variations of the logo and then offered 2 logos to the customer.
We will add the link to his channel as soon as possible.
Just a little hint for you: You can see that the “J” from Jinzu is the fox, and the “U” has been finally replaced by the pause sign, as a reference with YouTube and Twitch that will be used by our client.
"I had the pleasure to work with Desuals for the logo of my project related to video games. At first, I wanted to do the logo design by myself. However, when I reached out to Desuals, they helped me to identify the key informations I wished to show and I was able to rest on them, knowing that I was in good hands. To my amazement, they grabbed the main characteristics so well that the logo had everything. We were still able to exchange on it so they could explain all the things the logo included and how it was thought specifically for me. They then delivered a high-quality result.
I would recommend them and their services without hesitation. " - Jinzu
