When a Horse Stole the Spotlight in Atelier Lulua’s Box Art
Behind the Cover Art for Atelier Lulua
The original artwork for Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland by Mel Kishida looked quite different from what players eventually saw. The box art used for the 2019 release on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC was cropped significantly before launch. Kishida later explained that the horse in the background had been drawn with such intricate detail and realistic texture that it unintentionally pulled focus away from the game’s main character, Elmerulia Frixell, also known as Lulua. To make sure the heroine remained the center of attention, the design team decided to crop the horse almost completely out of the final artwork.
The Original Artwork Revealed
Kishida’s first version of the illustration showed Lulua standing in front of a detailed carriage horse. The animal’s anatomy, lighting, and expression made it stand out in the composition. During internal reviews, the team noticed that the horse became the dominant visual element, which risked distracting players from the main character. To correct this, the team cropped most of the horse out, leaving only subtle background hints in the final printed cover.
Fan Reactions Across Southeast Asia
When Kishida revealed the uncropped version, fans across Southeast Asia responded with humor and creativity. Social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) quickly spread jokes about how the horse almost became the star of the show. Some even replaced the logo of Atelier Lulua with that of popular horse-themed games as a playful nod to the situation. Others admired Kishida’s detailed artistry but agreed that the final version made sense from a marketing perspective.
Why the Crop Makes Sense
A game’s box art must instantly capture its essence. For Atelier Lulua, the focus needed to remain on its young alchemist heroine rather than an intricately drawn horse. By simplifying the composition, the art team ensured that the cover reflected the game’s tone and identity more clearly. The decision may have removed some artistic flair, but it strengthened the game’s presentation and brand clarity across the Southeast Asian market.
THIS IS our take
It is amusing how a beautifully drawn horse nearly took the spotlight from an alchemist and changed the course of a game’s visual design. This moment reminds us that even small artistic choices can shape how players perceive a story before they play it. Somewhere out there, that horse remains a silent legend in the world of game box art.
origin: automaton
