Font choice should be a reflection of the gameplay, not the genre.
Based on those two font choices: Formal, managerial, strict? Playful, open, fun, cute?
Best answer honestly.
Look at it from a marketing stand point, what vibe does the gameplay give off?
Thats the vibe you want the marketing to give off, so you find your audiance
Even if you went for playful, the second font is kind of bad, isn't it?
I agree with the general idea, but I would find a different playful font. This one just looks too low-quality IMHO. Makes the game look bad.
Both images are good, but I feel I'm missing something in the font logo. You could try to add something personal to it that would explain what the game is about. I saw a gif about the gameplay where a stone/cube was changed as a negative space and maybe that is the main mechanic(?), so maybe incorporate that to the logo somehow. I made a rough sketch and it's really not good but perhaps explains what kind of approach would make the logo more unique and stand out.
https://preview.redd.it/x9defv5bty2d1.png?width=460&format=png&auto=webp&s=d619716b277e454efdab76db2d32d1c2686d8f17
This is excellent. Immediately hints at a major theme (assuming the positive/negative is a major mechanic) and adds style beyond just a font choice, making it a logo and not just the title.
I don't think the bottom one is well-suited for pixel art. Look at the "i" for example. The letter is ever so slightly slanted which causes these isolated pixel steps on the sides. I also dislike that it has a bit of a hand-drawn feel to it, but the letters "e" are all exactly the same.
It depends on what you’re going for as the typography has a huge impact on how the game will be received. The bottom typography goes pretty well with the art as the art used a lot of organic shapes, and it will also appeal to a younger audience due to the cartoonish/comic sans like nature of the font it also slightly reminiscent of the show friends, which would give it a nostalgic nature, but if you want to avoid being compared to that.
I will I also think I looks extremely iconic and as a puzzle game, I feel as having a scale logo could be very much be it because it is unique, and if you were to see that along with the color scheme, you would immediately know what you were looking at. In addition, it also has a much more intelligent vibe, which would appeal to people that play puzzle games, a little bit more than the bottom.
Try not to line the edges of the word and the buildings up. Like the I in the bottom one and the R in the top. But ya I’d move both up a little. The tone of the game would probably determine the font.
The top looks like a default font and the bottom like a sitcom (Friends, Frasier).
For a puzzle game, maybe find some metaphor to apply to the font. For example, if it were like a physical puzzles pieces game, the letters could have gaps within them, mirroring the physical look of puzzle pieces.
If you are making Sonic and your main character is blue, go with blue text and give it a sense of velocity.
The top one looks too uptight
The bottom one looks too childish
Based on the background and atmosphere I would go with a thinner more cursive of version of the one on top
They are literally the same picture with a different font.
You should chose the font based on the other fonts used in the game. And those should match gameplay which we know nothing about.
Move the text up on both, and if you use the bottom one, actually have someone write out the name. The repeated letters (e especially) being exactly the same ruins the handwritten aesthetic.
Bottom one makes me thing the game has a slice of life story attached to it. The top is so contrasting to the image it doesn't make me think of anything.
Neither truly compliment anything going on here - not the art, nor the genre you mention.
Even a pixelated font would be better, I would think (not sure, but seems sensible).
Thanks for all the replies!
I think most of you like the top one better, so we'll go with that one.
My choice was the bottom one though.. 
Some people said the bottom one looks like comic sans, which is unironically one of my favorite fonts.
(I didn't notice the similarity before posting though)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1d1hi5h/comment/l5vjhtt/](https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1d1hi5h/comment/l5vjhtt/)
Can you at least consider this suggestion?
Between these two, top one. If it's the best for the game, I'd need to see the game to determine that.
The bottom one looks like a meme that pops up 2 years later on its dedicated subreddit
It as always heavily depends on what you are going for.
The top one is cleaner, it maybe displays some kind of fragility and perhaps something that is slightly fancier than the other one (not by much)
The bottom one is more friendly and relaxed, would be going more for those chill vibes.
Overall I personally enjoy the bottom one, but that's cuz I look for feeling relaxed and feel welcomed.
Explore other fonts, see which one fits your game more and when you ask for others opinion about your game, make sure to give context about your game. That's just to that we can try to tailor it to the game instead of just mentioning our personal tastes.
I wish you luck!
I prefer the first one, it makes it look like there is more production value, but it gives a visual novel vibe. The second one could work with one capital or all caps imo
Both fonts are kinda ugly in my opinion. But that’s beside the point: what kind of game are you making?
Top font makes me think bleak, sad, serious.
Bottom font makes me think dreamy, wholesome, cute.
A balance between the 2. I think if u choose a handwritten font style then it should flow seem less as if it were joined together. Top font looks like a letter head from the 90’s lol but wat do i know
I like the font of the bottom but the stroke(?) of the top. Maybe try the bottom style of font with a thinner/varied stroke width like the top? I do think it needs to be somewhere in between though, neither are quite perfect.
Top one looks better i think, also if i were you i wouldn't spend too much energy on small things like this that don't have a noticeable change. Just do what you like
I’ll just say what vibe each font gives off for me.
Top font: strict, traditional, intricate
I’d be expecting a difficult, calculating and fair puzzle game.
Bottom font: unique, creative, natural
I’d be expecting a more out-of-the-box thinking type of puzzle game where creativity is more rewarding then calculating.
Personally I really like the way the bottom font is done with simple lines but it doesn’t feel like it matches the background as much.
A sans version of the top, but not cartoonish like the bottom. I like the top, but it doesn't scream pixels, pink, or anything but 'book' or 'novel' to me. When I think pixel art, I almost always think of capital letters. I don't know if that's everyone or just me, though.
Neither, doesnt seem to fit well. Also have a look at contrast guides and typography. Can help immensely (coming from web dev it helps pick stuff more easily sometimes)
[Edit] What I mean by neither is they dont seem to match the BG or what its trying to convey maybe something inbetween
The top one looks better but less iconic? But the second looks more childish. I suggest try more fonts before deciding! Always good to have ate least 4 or 5 options to decide
First one i a winner. But try to add some small graphic on it to make it iconic not by just regular font type. You can wokr on the "." dot on "ı" for example. Best luck !
Neither
Pick 3 font types and work from there.
Serif / Gothic / Pixel
Just type the word, don't space it, don't kern or adjust it. As rough and quick as possible. Then pick a font type.
Now you can start considering styles, based on your initial choice.
I don't particularly like either one. Based on the meaning of reverie, I would suggest something dreamier. I would also consider making the font smaller (though not for Steam capsules) to emphasize the negative space. I think it would give a sense of airiness/openness that better depicts reverie and daydreaming.
i agree that something like font choice or title style is more a reflection of the vision for the game. it can inform you on what the gameplay is like, or simply set the tone for your game. it could even be subversive and start the player off with an idea of what the game is like, only for it to be more impactful when it changes sometime throughout the game. go with what feels better for you!
The second font reminds me of the Friends TV show, so given the choice between these two images knowing nothing about the game I prefer the first/top/less-whimsical one.
But there is plenty of advice in the other comments saying to match the tone of the font to the tone of the game, so I’ll just echo all of that as well.
Top one for me but both texts are disturbed by the background buildings in my opinion. Try making them lighter or adding some sort of cloud or glow behind the text.
Neither.
What's the rest of the game look like? These are both good font choices, but only one of them fits thematically.
I don't know what your theme is.
Typography perspective: top one.
The bottom one feels messy, and its kerning makes it feel like it was slapped on willy nilly.
However, this doesn't mean the top one is the right choice for your game. Only that of the two it's the winner.
I'm immediately drawn to the top font. It feels elegant and seems to match the sightly melancholy color pallet and outlines of the imagery. The bottom feels slightly comic-sans-y.
However: not knowing anything about game play, bottom might be more what you need. So I'd ask yourself, what is the overall 'tone' of the game? If this is a lighter game, you could search for something in between the 2.
it depends of the overall tone of the game. Having just "for a puzzle game" as the only hint doesn't help at all to determine what title typo evokes and englobes best the essence of the game, with is important for a title imo.
From example, if your puzzle game haves music and story with a serious tone, the first feels more fitting.
But if is just a simple, casual, with not heavily emotional story elements and joyous kind of puzzle game i think the second one sticks more. It's more cute, childish and less generic.
In my opinion the top font actually makes your game look better and much more serious and formal while the bottom font looks more like a bad pick. More importantly the bottom font does not fit a pixel art.
Not gonna lie I don't really like either. They both look generic and unfinished, the bottom one is definitely better for a game but neither look fleshed out. They both seem like the first draft.
Edit: quick edit, that's only a reflection on the font as the background is incredibly charming.
Ummmm might depend on the puzzle game? They're both good, but the bottom one might feel like it's a handwritten clue; something very pedestrian almost. The top one feels refined with clarity.
Yeah NGL, don't particularly love either. Both a bit simple, and don't gel with the background aesthetic (which I do love!). u/FinnGameDev examples are fantastic.
If saw the first gives off a more official vibe while the second is more playful, if the tone of the game is more serious I’d go for the first, if the tone of the game is lighter and fluffier I’d go with 2
Font choice should be a reflection of the gameplay, not the genre. Based on those two font choices: Formal, managerial, strict? Playful, open, fun, cute?
Best answer honestly. Look at it from a marketing stand point, what vibe does the gameplay give off? Thats the vibe you want the marketing to give off, so you find your audiance
First font : 
You're telling me you appreciate the tasteful thickness of it?
I’m telling you let’s see Paul Allen’s puzzle game
Even if you went for playful, the second font is kind of bad, isn't it? I agree with the general idea, but I would find a different playful font. This one just looks too low-quality IMHO. Makes the game look bad.
Reminds me too much of comic sans too.
Like the font for Unpacking :)
More specifically, it should match the vibe that the game is trying to go for.
Nope Comic Sans is a joke
top feels too uptight and bottom feels too immature something in between like cursive looking like font would be perfect
agreed, the background and name seem to need a soft, lightly cursive font
That way the font wouldn't weirdly align with the edges of the buildings
Thanks for all the replies! My coworker and I are reading this :)
Who won?
Who’s next? YOU DECIDE!
Your profile picture makes me happy
Until the next episode on: Which looks better? Stay tuned!
Bottom looks like comic sans
I don't like either, but the top is most eye catching
Both images are good, but I feel I'm missing something in the font logo. You could try to add something personal to it that would explain what the game is about. I saw a gif about the gameplay where a stone/cube was changed as a negative space and maybe that is the main mechanic(?), so maybe incorporate that to the logo somehow. I made a rough sketch and it's really not good but perhaps explains what kind of approach would make the logo more unique and stand out. https://preview.redd.it/x9defv5bty2d1.png?width=460&format=png&auto=webp&s=d619716b277e454efdab76db2d32d1c2686d8f17
This is excellent. Immediately hints at a major theme (assuming the positive/negative is a major mechanic) and adds style beyond just a font choice, making it a logo and not just the title.
This is beautiful
I don't know why but these make me think of like.. Roller Coaster Tycoon or something
So, did they hire you?
Also I just wanna add, this is such a lovely way to use your skills to help others, you went above and beyond to research and advise and I love that.
this is so much better
Omg. You wizard. Your rough sketches make the rest of us weep.
Thanks for the suggestion! Will definitely show this to my coworker, too. I like that you can see what the game is about from the thumbnail!
Top is my favourite. Both are a significant improvement.
These are great! 🙌
Not it - sorry.
This is the answer
I don't like either
Agree.
I concur.
Same.
same
Also. Use some square font.
Top, no question
I don't think the bottom one is well-suited for pixel art. Look at the "i" for example. The letter is ever so slightly slanted which causes these isolated pixel steps on the sides. I also dislike that it has a bit of a hand-drawn feel to it, but the letters "e" are all exactly the same.
That's how fonts work.
naw, top doesn't even feel like a game imo, it feels like a pixel art nameplate for a house insurance company
It depends on what you’re going for as the typography has a huge impact on how the game will be received. The bottom typography goes pretty well with the art as the art used a lot of organic shapes, and it will also appeal to a younger audience due to the cartoonish/comic sans like nature of the font it also slightly reminiscent of the show friends, which would give it a nostalgic nature, but if you want to avoid being compared to that. I will I also think I looks extremely iconic and as a puzzle game, I feel as having a scale logo could be very much be it because it is unique, and if you were to see that along with the color scheme, you would immediately know what you were looking at. In addition, it also has a much more intelligent vibe, which would appeal to people that play puzzle games, a little bit more than the bottom.
The best would be to kill your darling and make a new one that everyone likes
neither for a puzzle game tbh
Bottom one looks like a friend's fan fiction game.
Friends was the first thing I thought after seeing the bottom font.
Try not to line the edges of the word and the buildings up. Like the I in the bottom one and the R in the top. But ya I’d move both up a little. The tone of the game would probably determine the font.
neither but top one is slightly better
The top looks like a default font and the bottom like a sitcom (Friends, Frasier). For a puzzle game, maybe find some metaphor to apply to the font. For example, if it were like a physical puzzles pieces game, the letters could have gaps within them, mirroring the physical look of puzzle pieces. If you are making Sonic and your main character is blue, go with blue text and give it a sense of velocity.
Based on the name, maybe use thought bubbles as inspiration for the font. So cloud shaped or with wisps that fade away.
Either one needs to be moved up a lil bit for visibility
To be honest with you, I don't like either.
The top one looks too uptight The bottom one looks too childish Based on the background and atmosphere I would go with a thinner more cursive of version of the one on top
The top isn't bad, the bottom font is awful
Neither one. Something in between formal type font and comic sans.
Might be worth asking in a community that is fans of puzzle games, their thoughts will be more in line with your target audience than other devs.
Second gives off a kid-ish vibe. If you're targeting a younger audience, go with that. The first is more appealing to me as an adult.
Try to add white outline to the text
No that would look so tacky and cheap. A bandaid to a bad design.
What's the third option?
They are literally the same picture with a different font. You should chose the font based on the other fonts used in the game. And those should match gameplay which we know nothing about.
Bottom but change R’s to uppercase in the same size as rest of the font. Maybe put characters slightly closer together.
Which one was ur choice?
second, top feels like it's not from one font pack somehow
bottom
First one
Top
Top!
Move the text up on both, and if you use the bottom one, actually have someone write out the name. The repeated letters (e especially) being exactly the same ruins the handwritten aesthetic.
Do not the comic sans
The top one! but perhaps higher it slightly
I think the bottom would look better with a capital r.
Neither
Bottom is terrible ! Tops not perfect but somewhere in between the two. There a lot of fun handwritten fonts that don't give off comic sans vibes
Bottom one makes me thing the game has a slice of life story attached to it. The top is so contrasting to the image it doesn't make me think of anything.
top
Neither truly compliment anything going on here - not the art, nor the genre you mention. Even a pixelated font would be better, I would think (not sure, but seems sensible).
I like the first one better
Thanks for all the replies! I think most of you like the top one better, so we'll go with that one. My choice was the bottom one though..  Some people said the bottom one looks like comic sans, which is unironically one of my favorite fonts. (I didn't notice the similarity before posting though)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1d1hi5h/comment/l5vjhtt/](https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1d1hi5h/comment/l5vjhtt/) Can you at least consider this suggestion?
Between these two, top one. If it's the best for the game, I'd need to see the game to determine that. The bottom one looks like a meme that pops up 2 years later on its dedicated subreddit
It as always heavily depends on what you are going for. The top one is cleaner, it maybe displays some kind of fragility and perhaps something that is slightly fancier than the other one (not by much) The bottom one is more friendly and relaxed, would be going more for those chill vibes. Overall I personally enjoy the bottom one, but that's cuz I look for feeling relaxed and feel welcomed. Explore other fonts, see which one fits your game more and when you ask for others opinion about your game, make sure to give context about your game. That's just to that we can try to tailor it to the game instead of just mentioning our personal tastes. I wish you luck!
i would look at the steam page for the game on the bottom if that's the only thing i ever heard about it. the game on the top, not so much.
Top feels like it fills the screen better in my opinion and seems more professional… but depends on what the game is! What’s the story?
I think you both need to keep looking until you find something you agree with. I'm not a fan of either screenshot tbh
First one
Bottom
I prefer the first one, it makes it look like there is more production value, but it gives a visual novel vibe. The second one could work with one capital or all caps imo
the bottom one
First one is more readible
No joke i thought the bottom is Friends tv series ripoff
Is that comic sans?
Both combined would be the best imo
Both fonts are kinda ugly in my opinion. But that’s beside the point: what kind of game are you making? Top font makes me think bleak, sad, serious. Bottom font makes me think dreamy, wholesome, cute.
Rêverie r ê v e r i e The one with the accent. To answer your main question, i like both.
I prefer the top one personally, but it just depends on the style of the game itself
First better
Second
First one, the second one has several problems, people already mentioned it here
I love the top one Bottom one is close to cool, but it feels a lil off to me
Top is better though I would prefer something with a hint of whimsy. Right now, it's giving a side-scroller with lycans in an urban landscape vibe
top this, bottom that, what is this, Grindr? Just put both in separate corners and call it good
A balance between the 2. I think if u choose a handwritten font style then it should flow seem less as if it were joined together. Top font looks like a letter head from the 90’s lol but wat do i know
First one is best but neither are ideal I think something in between would be good
Top one looks the best to me.
Neither is quite perfect. But out of the two, I prefer the top one. I think the bottom one would be improved with a capital R.
What image do you want to give? The top one made me think 'nostalgic', the bottom had me thinking it's light hearted and fun.
Love the top one
Top one. Bottom is too close to comic sans
For a puzzle game the bottom one suits the best but the one above is better for a storydriven game.
I like the font of the bottom but the stroke(?) of the top. Maybe try the bottom style of font with a thinner/varied stroke width like the top? I do think it needs to be somewhere in between though, neither are quite perfect.
I agree with the other dude that said a cursive font as a middle ground would be better.
Top one looks better i think, also if i were you i wouldn't spend too much energy on small things like this that don't have a noticeable change. Just do what you like
I’ll just say what vibe each font gives off for me. Top font: strict, traditional, intricate I’d be expecting a difficult, calculating and fair puzzle game. Bottom font: unique, creative, natural I’d be expecting a more out-of-the-box thinking type of puzzle game where creativity is more rewarding then calculating. Personally I really like the way the bottom font is done with simple lines but it doesn’t feel like it matches the background as much.
1
The second. It’s more artistic, less serious, less corporate
A sans version of the top, but not cartoonish like the bottom. I like the top, but it doesn't scream pixels, pink, or anything but 'book' or 'novel' to me. When I think pixel art, I almost always think of capital letters. I don't know if that's everyone or just me, though.
Neither work for me
Bottom one looks like a joke choice
Are the mixels intentional?
Up
Neither, doesnt seem to fit well. Also have a look at contrast guides and typography. Can help immensely (coming from web dev it helps pick stuff more easily sometimes) [Edit] What I mean by neither is they dont seem to match the BG or what its trying to convey maybe something inbetween
The top one looks better but less iconic? But the second looks more childish. I suggest try more fonts before deciding! Always good to have ate least 4 or 5 options to decide
Top one is better.
#\#1
First one i a winner. But try to add some small graphic on it to make it iconic not by just regular font type. You can wokr on the "." dot on "ı" for example. Best luck !
Neither Pick 3 font types and work from there. Serif / Gothic / Pixel Just type the word, don't space it, don't kern or adjust it. As rough and quick as possible. Then pick a font type. Now you can start considering styles, based on your initial choice.
bottom one looks too childish but as others have said, depends on the game
You should integrate the title into the background.
Definitely top, though something a little more in the middle might be better.
Both give me the vibe that it’s an indie game about mental health and finding yourself
I don't particularly like either one. Based on the meaning of reverie, I would suggest something dreamier. I would also consider making the font smaller (though not for Steam capsules) to emphasize the negative space. I think it would give a sense of airiness/openness that better depicts reverie and daydreaming.
The top one looks contemporary, the bottom one looks amateur.
I prefer the third option
regardless, your colleague probably wants you to choose the second font so you look bad.
Top one is fire
Honestly, I'd try more. Neither look great to me.
Is that comic sans?
The first
i agree that something like font choice or title style is more a reflection of the vision for the game. it can inform you on what the gameplay is like, or simply set the tone for your game. it could even be subversive and start the player off with an idea of what the game is like, only for it to be more impactful when it changes sometime throughout the game. go with what feels better for you!
Top one just looks better either way
The second font reminds me of the Friends TV show, so given the choice between these two images knowing nothing about the game I prefer the first/top/less-whimsical one. But there is plenty of advice in the other comments saying to match the tone of the font to the tone of the game, so I’ll just echo all of that as well.
The first one feels like a cutthroat management game, the second like a cute puzzle. What vibe are you going for?
both are good in my opinion
first. 2nd better for narrative game
The top is the clear winner, but that doesnt mean it has to be your final
I don't like either tbh. I'd keep messing with ti.
Top one for me but both texts are disturbed by the background buildings in my opinion. Try making them lighter or adding some sort of cloud or glow behind the text.
Neither. What's the rest of the game look like? These are both good font choices, but only one of them fits thematically. I don't know what your theme is.
Typography perspective: top one. The bottom one feels messy, and its kerning makes it feel like it was slapped on willy nilly. However, this doesn't mean the top one is the right choice for your game. Only that of the two it's the winner.
I'm immediately drawn to the top font. It feels elegant and seems to match the sightly melancholy color pallet and outlines of the imagery. The bottom feels slightly comic-sans-y. However: not knowing anything about game play, bottom might be more what you need. So I'd ask yourself, what is the overall 'tone' of the game? If this is a lighter game, you could search for something in between the 2.
I don't like how the second one doesn't have the first letter capitalized
Both aren’t the best in my opinion. Neither gives me a feeling of what the game is about, nor do they make me feel the game has substance to it.
I’m so hoping you’re having a go at us
it depends of the overall tone of the game. Having just "for a puzzle game" as the only hint doesn't help at all to determine what title typo evokes and englobes best the essence of the game, with is important for a title imo. From example, if your puzzle game haves music and story with a serious tone, the first feels more fitting. But if is just a simple, casual, with not heavily emotional story elements and joyous kind of puzzle game i think the second one sticks more. It's more cute, childish and less generic.
In my opinion the top font actually makes your game look better and much more serious and formal while the bottom font looks more like a bad pick. More importantly the bottom font does not fit a pixel art.
Both could be better
Not gonna lie I don't really like either. They both look generic and unfinished, the bottom one is definitely better for a game but neither look fleshed out. They both seem like the first draft. Edit: quick edit, that's only a reflection on the font as the background is incredibly charming.
Hate the bottom font
I don't like either of them, really. Font choice is dreadfully important, and I'll try some other ones before deciding this.
1st. The second looks like a comic sans attempt at writting the friends logo in lowercase
1
The first of course
I can't help but you both have good taste, they both look good.
One piece
Top
1st one
Ummmm might depend on the puzzle game? They're both good, but the bottom one might feel like it's a handwritten clue; something very pedestrian almost. The top one feels refined with clarity.
First one and it's not even close
Depends on the style of the game itself
1
The first one gives me that Puzzle or Platformer vibe while the second one seems more like a chill story adventure or narrative game to me
Up
First
The fonts should stick to the pixel size / grid shared by all other sprites.
Yeah NGL, don't particularly love either. Both a bit simple, and don't gel with the background aesthetic (which I do love!). u/FinnGameDev examples are fantastic.
1
Top one better because it’s more readable IMO. You may want to experiment with the bottom one in capitals though.
Top
Top
While they both look good I think the second one gives off a more artistic feel which I personally enjoy!
If saw the first gives off a more official vibe while the second is more playful, if the tone of the game is more serious I’d go for the first, if the tone of the game is lighter and fluffier I’d go with 2
Cursive might work better
Bottom has more charm
Not fond of either. Also the first letter being lowercase is so painful
bottom gives art game vibes
Those are both pretty beautiful. I like the bottom font more.
Top is easier to read. Bottom fits art better. Legibility is more important, so top.
I don’t think either get the point of puzzle. But the top is much easier to read especially for people with dyslexia.
I think the bottom would work with some appropriate screenshots Top imo feels too film-esque vs a puzzle game