Before I got a fancy 'cube shelf' storage solution for my games, I stored them vertically, as too many games stacked on top of eachother is not good for the boxes longterm.
However, now that I do have good shelving, I store them horizontally as in the picture.
<EDIT> I realize after seeing some of the other posts here, I do have some stored vertically also.
Why horizontally? Most games inserts (even the good ones) do not keep pieces intact if positioned vertically. Also, some box lids can be a bit loose and can slid a bit (or completely) off when stored vertically. I do have some 'game bands' (special bands designed to keep game boxes closed), but only a few and they're mainly for when I transport games.
void_presence 2 months ago |
I haven't really thought about it much, but I suppose It depends on the game.
Now granted, a beautfiul game is more likely to at least catch my eye, and I'm probably guilty of buying one or two games based on the box art! But mostly games are like books in that you can't judge a game based on it's box art.
I certainly appreciate good art in a game, but a point to note is that 'good art' is subjective. Case in point is 'Root', all I hear about is how good the art is in that game yet I well frankly, don't like it (the art). The game itself is fine; I've played it a few times and would play it again, but I think the art is way overhyped.
A game's art should never get in the way, fortunately no game I have comes to mind that I have this issue with, other than in some games the text can be too small--but that's not an art thing per se, just a design choice.
As far as the importance of art in a game....
If a game is heavily themed, well of course there has to be some art to present the them, art is what defines the theme really. Sure some game mechanics might reflect the theme, but I would think that most wouldn't notice it unless the art presented the theme first.
In abstract games, art is ...rare, for the basic fact that as soon as a game includes art in it, it picks up a theme of sorts and is less abstract.