Shameless plugging, really. We're beta-testing our games site, and wanted some opinions. It's skimpy. There are typos. We're working on it. Let us know what you think. We're going live - officially - by week's end.
--Shola
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Shameless plugging, really. We're beta-testing our games site, and wanted some opinions. It's skimpy. There are typos. We're working on it. Let us know what you think. We're going live - officially - by week's end.
--Shola
I visited the site before with comics but the game parts are equally awesome, good stuff.
I think it lacks focus to be brutally honest.
For example - the first thing that greets you is a list of two previews.
what would compel me to read them above any other previews out there?
what is your game agenda? What sort of gamer would read them?
You have to communicate who YOU are to be able to make the judgements you do.
Is this game content for comic fans? If so feature more games with comic book heroes.
This may sound harsh - but you've certainly got the talent to pull it off well - it just needs a bit of focus.
...And something my partner and I are going to have to think about and tweak. Basically, we're trying to make a culture site that game fans AND comic fans can dig. The thinking is that the fans are one and the same. As it fills out, the sites *should* be coexist independantly; the front page serving little more purpose than a magazine's splash page.
But you're right. Games needs an identity. Comics, too. I'm working on a regular piece (stolen from Next Gen, actually) that focuses on game philosophy, or, What we want games to be. Escapist sci-fi, really. Ideally, fans will send in their suggestions. Developers see the rough ideas. Inspiration breeds creativity. Popcultureshock.com becomes one of those 'left-field' big ideas gen X sites....
...And the Washington Wizards make the playoffs, too. To dream.
Phew. I'm glad you took that well - I wasn't just trying to rain on your parade.
somehow on the splash page you have to point out that you are about comics AND games.
I think the best way to do this is through artwork.
Ditch the 'list' motif of everyother site and do something graphical.
Don't think I don't know what I'm on about I work on a mag and have freelanced for many more. Readership and design can be extremely tricky.
Actually, looking at it again you've pretty well - the game selection is good - but you definitely need more artwork.
Maybe a comicbook panel style layout - slightly more stylised and less formal approach to layout so that people have to discover more about the site and what it is about.
Oh yeah,
And checkout www.comxcomics.com
They have some seriously good titles:
Puncture, cla$$war, sunlight through branches and bazooka jules. Quick frankly they make Marvel look very stale.
And I get free copies 'cos of my job.