This review of Mongoose Traveller 2E says "The art and production values have come forward decades", and "MGT2 looks modern, with a great layout and adequate art".
I've heard that in order to court a market, one uses market-based production.
So, set aside content for the moment.
Without stating any categorical imperatives, what might a Traveller5 Player's Guide look like, which appeals to the modern game player?
What constitutes a great layout and great art, which also captures the essence of Traveller?
UPDATE: Here's what I've gleaned so far from you-all (thank you for replying):
[FONT=arial,helvetica]Strategic Art that Accomplishes Many Things at the Same Time
Art Requirement
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I've heard that in order to court a market, one uses market-based production.
So, set aside content for the moment.
Without stating any categorical imperatives, what might a Traveller5 Player's Guide look like, which appeals to the modern game player?
What constitutes a great layout and great art, which also captures the essence of Traveller?
UPDATE: Here's what I've gleaned so far from you-all (thank you for replying):
[FONT=arial,helvetica]Strategic Art that Accomplishes Many Things at the Same Time
- to self-advertise
- to brand the game
- to illuminate difficult text (sometimes this also works with brand: for example, portraits of the various major races and variants of humaniti).
- Flashy full-color "branded" professional graphic. (For example, the Beowulf getting its ass shot off by a Corsair.)
- Inside cover & 1st page-spanning graphic, as well. (For example, a professional modern re-do of the cover of the MT Referee's Companion.)
Art Requirement
- Professional and "Branded" in a Consistent style.
- FEWER "cute, little pictures" in the books.
- No border ("full bleed") full-page "that carries themes and ideas across clearly". Full-color (but can it be successful in greyscale?)
- "Illuminates the fantasy portrayed by the text" = Reflect the actual text, equipment, weapons, armor, ships, vehicles etc.
- Showcases the Races, various humaniti, etc.
- Showcase archetypal images of careers.
- Showcase the standard personal weapons and armor.
- Showcase the standard ships players will use or encounter.
- Engages the reader.
- A subtle, branded background "texture". What would work here? A subtle tech pattern comes first to mind, but I think that Traveller is not really about the tech. A starfield is next, but that seems "cold". The shallow arc of a mainworld from low orbit might capture more drama and warmth than both of the other two. But maybe there's a better choice.
- Glossy full-color.
- Port of Call-like entries for major worlds that the players should know.
- Tables spartan and mixed in: it only takes a gentle alternate row shading to indicate a table, and a table can break up text nicely.
- Graphic "widgets" used not-very-often to illuminate difficult text (for example, target numbers, damage calculation, or characteristic effects).
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