Story Submission Clarification

[RFKramer]

I wasn’t sure where to put this so hopefully the general category works fine!

I was hoping to learn more specifics about the submission process itself – I’ve read through the “Write a Hosted Game” page fully, but I’m still a bit confused about what’s required of me. I did look to see if there were any other threads asking this, but it looks like none have been posted recently.

I have two main questions and would appreciate guidance for either:

1. Since story submission is now email only – are you still required to have all artwork ready when submitting files? The website itself only says to email the game files, link to the public beta, and the title
2. What is required for artwork when submitting? The paragraphs under “Hosted Games Publishing Process” mention cover art (which isn’t repeated later), and the “Required Assets” portion mentions a game icon, splash screens, promotional art, and Steam capsules.

I apologize if the answers are clear elsewhere, but it looked like there was some conflicting information since the process has changed over the years. I appreciate any help!

[ChanceOfFire]

@RFKramer

Since story submission is now email only – are you still required to have all artwork ready when submitting files? The website itself only says to email the game files, link to the public beta, and the title

In addition to the game files, you need to submit all art and textual assets. (See below)

• Art (as .pngs unless otherwise noted)
  • Icon: This will be displayed at several sizes, so consider a simple design for the icon.
    • 1024×1024 icon, which is intelligible at 72×72
  • Splashscreens: These should NOT have the title on them; it should just be the art.
    • 2732×3648
    • 1242×2208 .jpg
    • 480×800
    • 640×960
  • Promo Art: These should have the game’s title.
    • 408×272
    • 480×320
    • 1024×500
    • 1400×560
  • Steam Capsules: These should have the title on them but include no other writing (not even your name).
    • 462×174—Steam will put a banner on this for the demo, so make sure your title is not in the upper left corner.
    • 748×896
    • 920×430—Steam will put a banner on this for the demo, so make sure your title is not in the upper left corner.
    • 600×900
    • 1232×706
    • 800×450
    • 3840×1240 without title (the title will be overlaid on the left or center of this image)
    • 1280×720 title only (on a transparent background)
  • All examples linked above were created by Adrien Valdes for the Heart’s Choice game Their Majesties’ Pleasure.
• Textual
  • Descriptions
  • Screenshot scene
  • Credits (including art credits)
  • Brief author bio
  • Genre Tags (look at the genres in the Search feature of the Hosted Games app)
  • Similars (other games published by Hosted Games whose players might like your game)
  • Steam Tags (excluding default ones: CYOA, Text-Based, Single-Player, Interactive Fiction)

That said, if you have difficulty obtaining art on schedule, you can try to submit placeholder art first and change it later. Check with HG about this.

@RFKramer

What is required for artwork when submitting? The paragraphs under “Hosted Games Publishing Process” mention cover art (which isn’t repeated later), and the “Required Assets” portion mentions a game icon, splash screens, promotional art, and Steam capsules.

See the full list above. Click the links for an example of what the art could look like.

Do you have art for your game already? Or is this something you’re trying to work out at the moment?

[RFKramer]

@ChanceOfFire

Do you have art for your game already? Or is this something you’re trying to work out at the moment?

I’m still in the process of trying to work it out which is why I wanted to clarify exactly what was needed before talking to some illustrators; I appreciate the help!