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Inspiration 11: Quickhit Football
Football season is about to get going again, so what better way to get inspired than by looking at football based websites! (now that i think about it, there’s tons of better ways…hmmm)
Here’s what I like about this design.
1) It funnels you to either play the game, or sign up for the game
This may not be the “designer’s choice” way of how to design “Call to Actions”, but for a game that is relatively new that’s success as a company is going to depend on how many people are playing/sign up
2) Consistency in the UI
When you jump from the site to the actual game, there’s no jarring jump in terms of the look.
3) Well design psychologically pushes to the user
When i logged in today, here’s the first thing I saw
Yeah, yeah, there’s banner ads, but there’s also positive re-enforcement to be a return visitor. I got points just for logging in (much like how achievements work).
Also, notice that the colors or that area are different than the color scheme everywhere else in the site. SMART. I’m GOING to see this, hopefully come back, and then Quickhit has more returning visitors, to barter for more “Cash for Ads” from their advertisers.
There’s a ton more I like about this site (and the game itself! It’s awesome!), but I’ll shut up now and let you enjoy it for yourself.
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Inspiration 10: Web Design: Kane and Lynch 2
Wowzers. I didn’t expect this from the Kane and Lynch 2 site. From a designer’s perspective, I’m gonna say whoever did this was either very brave or just insane. The use of video is cool, and may end up bringing players in, but I’m not sure if it captures the grity feel of the game. Users on the web may feel that it’s just crappy video (I could be wrong).
They definitely get the point across that they want you to download the demo “NOW” and they want you to preorder “NOW”, and the higher quality video embedded within the menu area itself is smart, as it pulls attention to the nontraditional menu itself, and almost forces the user to use it.
For those that like something a little more conventional, they were clever enough to embed a secondary tree like menu towards the bottom of the site.
I do think it’s kind of “odd” (not bad mind you) that there’s so many clean lines and geometric based design for a game that’s supposed to be so gritty, but hey, it works. I would have loved to see them play around with digital artifacts and censor bars.
But anyways, it’s got pink. And pink in design is always cool. So there’s your inpsiration. 
Kane & Lynch 2 :: Dog Days – KaneAndLynch.com
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Inspiration 9: Web Design: StarCraft 2
Starcraft 2 isn’t the most visually impress site ever made, and to be honest, there’s nothing really flashy or bleeding edge about it. But it’s simple, and works really well.
1) They want to sell copies of the game. Home page offers multiple ways to purchase the game NOW, and doesn’t confuse the customer with other paths. Those options are the primary funnels they want you to go through. Notice how to even continue to the community site, you must click a much smaller and out of the way button on the top.
2) The “secondary” homepage is set up like a portal. One of Starcraft’s strengths has always been it’s community. And this design is set to capitalize on that strength.
3) This layout also enables easy updates (that can happen extremely often) and searchable content.
4) The design is consistent with the brand.
Overall, I like it. What do you think about it?
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Inspiration 8: Web Design: Muramasa
This site holds a special place in my heart, as it’s one of the first video game based social media projects I was fortunate enough to work on. I love the little pre-rendered pieces, and the fact that it declares the reviews as soon as you reach the homepage. I even like the way the flags frame the content centered inside.
One thing I am gonna knock on it is not using the iconic characters on the homepage. The fanbase completely fell in love in Momohime and Kongiku.
But overall, cool site. Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments below. Or say “Hi” if we talked when the game released.
Muramasa The Demon Blade
Muramasa Wallpapers
Muramasa on Facebook (my old social media baby!)
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Inspiration 7: Web Design: Red Dead Redemption
I could go on and on on how the whole marketing campaign for Red Dead Redemption has been amazing (and I will at another time ), but this is just a look at their site.
Even from the age verification page, you’ll see that this site carries a consistent theme and art direction that flows with the game. It loads quickly, the art/graphics are beautiful, the typography is on point, everything is extremely easy to find…I LOVE IT. Great job.
Red Dead Redemption
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Inspiration #6:Web Design: Flash and New Super Mario Bros
I might be a little biased, but I love this site.:) Great use of music and video (the game itself is running in the background of various sections of the site), and it’s just plain fun. The kind of site that would get a kid to constantly annoy his parents until they get the game. 
I’m a little disappointed by the lack of social integration, but hey, it’s an older site (but still a good one.)
Check out the screenshots below, or better yet, visit it for yourself and let me know what you think,
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Inspiration #5: Web Design: Flash and Arrested Development
I’m a huge Arrested Development fan. To this day, I’ll go back and rewatch it on DVD, just to see how many more jokes they stuffed in each scene, that I still manage to miss.
Anyways, I think I blindly love Arrested Development, because I’m listing this as an inspirational choice. It inspires me to watch the show, and to draw. Two inspirations! Wowzers! Check out the site and all the quotes, you’ll get a kick outta it.
P.S. – Who’s YOUR favorite Arrested Development character? I’m torn between Jobe and Lucille…and Pop Pop. They’re all so good!