So to answer your quesitons:
The C with the roots infront of it, is it too intrusive to the point of making it less legible or does it achieve the intended visual depth?
- No, i think this works
- I HATE instructive "behind image" text because it no longer vibes to me as "oh hey text?! my brain must instantly start tyring to read this" and becomes more "art" which is fine sometimes but usually its done terrible and doesnt work
- I think what you've done is KEPT legitbility while makignthe text seem part of the scene, which WORKS!
The border around the thumbnail, would a higher opacity be better for setting it apart from the videos around it or is it good as is? Or perhaps foregoing the border all together.
- Both work, it's good as, a darker/more opace version could work too.
- It's not distracting or taking away, it doesnt add much but its nice and it is adding a lil but of "this was specifically worked on" vibes. so good either way!
The video is intended to be a cinematic exploring of the titular game, does the thumbnail give off that cinematic vibe?
- Ignoring the fact that I dont know what the game is or anything about the video beyind this (i might change my mind if I knew more) i'd say you nailed it
- its cinematic, scenic in that "dramatic yt video" style, and is very very very clearly about the game (to people who know what the game is)
- the only problem i'd say is its a bit too flat for me, but thats bias. I'd argue this works for most VESTED/ALREADY INTERESTED audiences
- but this probably WONT get the attention of those who DONT know the game, theres nothing of pull or curisosity to get those who know nothing about the video, you, or the game to click. This could be fine though, especially if this is a popular game or you're already working with a vested audience!!
little kernel
stoic halo
raven prairie
gritty fern
mental oyster