Quick answer
An effective capsule presents one clear visual promise first, keeps the title readable at a small size, and adapts the composition to every aspect ratio while still looking like the same game.
Define a simple visual hierarchy
Choose which element should be noticed first, which information follows, and what only plays a supporting role. When characters, scenery, effects, and the logo compete at the same intensity, the eye cannot find an entry point. A clear hierarchy can begin with the logo or a central element that represents the game's core fantasy.
Protect title readability
The name must remain recognizable when the capsule is reduced. Avoid placing the logo over areas with inconsistent contrast, excessive detail, or very similar colors. Test the artwork near the smallest sizes displayed by Steam. If thin letters and ornaments disappear, simplify the treatment or strengthen its separation from the background.
Use contrast to separate elements
Contrast is not limited to opposite colors. Differences in brightness, scale, sharpness, and negative space also help separate the logo, character, and environment. A limited palette and areas of rest can create a faster read than adding more glow, outlines, and effects everywhere.
Communicate genre and premise
The capsule does not need to explain every mechanic, but it should accurately suggest the type of experience. Silhouettes, environment, lighting, and character poses can indicate action, horror, strategy, or a cozy experience. The goal is to attract the right audience without creating a visual expectation far removed from the actual game.
Maintain a consistent identity
Different aspect ratios do not need to repeat the exact same composition. They should feel like parts of the same identity. Repeat important typography, palette, finish, and recognizable element decisions while adapting position and scale for each format instead of simply cropping one image.
Follow Steam's text rules
Base capsules may present the game's artwork, name, and official subtitle. Reviews, scores, awards, discounts, and other promotional text should not appear in these images. Promoting updates and events with additional text requires temporary Artwork Overrides and must follow Valve's localization requirements.
Test the set, not only one image
Review the Header, Small, Main, Vertical, and Library Capsules together. Check whether the title remains readable, the focal point survives the aspect-ratio changes, and no version looks like it belongs to another game. Almatter's checker can confirm dimensions and formats, but visual readability still requires human review.
Review exercises from Almatter
The three-second read
Reduce the capsule to roughly the size seen in a store list and look at it for three seconds. Without enlarging it, answer: which element appeared first, was the name readable, and what kind of experience did the image promise? If the answer depends on tiny details, the hierarchy still needs work.
Adapt instead of only cropping
In a horizontal version, a character may occupy one side while the logo uses negative space on the other. In a vertical version, the same elements need new scale and positioning. Repeating the palette, typography, and symbol preserves identity; keeping exactly the same framing usually weakens both versions.
Questions to ask before exporting
- Can the title be read quickly at a small size?
- Is there a clear focal point?
- Does the image accurately suggest the game's genre and atmosphere?
- Do the main elements have enough contrast?
- Do the different aspect ratios maintain the same identity?
- Does the capsule avoid prohibited reviews, awards, discounts, and promotional text?
An effective capsule does not need to tell the entire story. It needs to present a clear, recognizable visual promise that matches the experience the player will find.