Graphic Design - Photopea - DVD Case / Game Case

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Graphic Design - Photopea - DVD Case / Game Case

What makes a great game case?

Identify 3 key design elements that make the game cover appealing.

KO: Using graphic design software to create either a DVD / or Game case.

• Understand the purpose and design elements of DVD/game cases.
• Learn how to set up the correct dimensions and resolution in Photopea.
• Start planning your original film/game scenario.

Choose a scenario

Film: "Chrono Shard" – A sci-fi thriller where a team uncovers an ancient artifact that controls time.

Game: "Shadow Realms" – A dark fantasy RPG where players navigate a world of magic, betrayal, and war.

Product research

Search online for some examples of similar covers to the one you are going to create.

Film: "Chrono Shard" – A sci-fi thriller where a team uncovers an ancient artifact that controls time.

Game: "Shadow Realms" – A dark fantasy RPG where players navigate a world of magic, betrayal, and war.

Setting up our graphic

The first thing we need to do is to set the dimensions (size) and resolution (number of dots per inch).

We are using a high resolution as our cover will be printed and we want to avoid having a pixelated image when we print it out.

Dimensions (Size)

Definition: The physical size of your design, usually measured in millimetres (mm) or inches for print products.

For this project:

Front and back covers: 135 mm × 190 mm.

Spine width: 14 mm.

Why it’s important:

Ensures your design fits the product (DVD/game case).

Prevents distortion or cropping when printed.

Resolution (DPI)

Definition: Dots Per Inch (DPI) measures the level of detail in your design.

Standard for graphic design: 300 DPI for print.

Why it’s important:

Higher DPI means sharper, clearer prints.

Designs with low DPI appear pixelated or blurry when printed.

Web graphics typically use 72 DPI, which is not suitable for printing.

Teacher Demonstration

Demonstrate to the students how to set up the dimensions, resolution, guides and margins for the cover.

Front and back covers: 135 mm × 190 mm.

Spine width: 14 mm

Resolution: 300DPI

Set the document 284mm wide by 190mm.

Add margins & guides as shown - Explain how text should not be placed on the outside of the margin.

During the skill session demonstrate Photopea design skills.

Create your cover in Photopea

Film: "Chrono Shard" – A sci-fi thriller where a team uncovers an ancient artifact that controls time.

 

Game: "Shadow Realms" – A dark fantasy RPG where players navigate a world of magic, betrayal, and war.

Peer Assessment: "Designer’s Eye"

Imagine you are a professional graphic designer reviewing your colleague’s work. Use your "Designer’s Eye" to analyse the case design created by the person next to you.

Follow these steps:

Study the Design: Look closely at the front cover, spine, and back cover.

Provide Verbal Feedback: 

• One thing they have done well. What stands out as creative, effective, or professional?
  
• One improvement suggestion (EBI - Even Better If): What could they change to make it even better?
  
• Share your feedback with your partner and have a quick conversation about each other’s designs.

Success Criteria for Feedback:

• Be specific (e.g., "Your use of colour makes the title stand out" instead of "It looks good").
• Be constructive (e.g., "Consider adding a tagline to the front cover for more impact" instead of "It feels plain").
• Be kind and respectful – you’re helping them improve!

Save your work

Got to file > save as PSD

Save your file into your Year 9 folder (so you can find it next week)

WARNING - Do not close Photopea until the white saving bar has disappeared (or your save will be corrupted)