Book chapter title spreads, Bannerstands

Alpha Omega the Game

Challenge

Ottawa's Mind Storm Labs introduced Alpha Omega to the role-playing game market in early 2007 aiming to revitalize a lethargic table-top game industry with a fresh new rule system. In order to compete in a tightly-packed market, Mind Storm Labs knew the Core Rulebook design would have to reflect their game's unique and engaging qualities.

Early on, it was decided that the 400+ page book needed to stimulate the reader's imagination while performing as a functional game reference.

Solutions

Choosing a landscape orientation was Royama Design's first move, offering the reader spectacular two-page, full colour, artwork. Expansive chapter title illustrations avoid clich�s, opting for rich narratives that explor the Alpha Omega world and reflect the story-telling nature of the role-playing game.

In addition to the immersive quality of the artwork, the Rulebook's role as guide and reference, makes for long periods of reading. The text was laid out in short, narrow, columns for faster reading; while large section titles and numbering provid easy page scanning. Dewey Decimal pagination and iconic navigation bars give the reader a truly unique experience.

Results

The completed design positions Alpha Omega's Core Rulebook as truly unique; providing a complete reading and viewing experience that is unrivaled amongst industry competitors. Since it's release in early 2008, the Core Rulebook has been turning heads and was nominated for 3 ENnie Awards including Best Production Values and Best Interior Art.

The orientation, layout of text, and navigation ensure the book is enjoyable and easy to use in both print and digital format:

"...what really blew me away is the fact that its so easy and gorgeous on a computer screen! The landscape [orientation] is one of the most marvelous strokes of genious to happen to an RPG since Gygax started the whole industry! No more scrolling, resizing or putting the laptop on the side. The book read perfectly at full page...it's a pleasure to actually read this pdf."
Noirfatale, Alpha Omega Forum