Multilingual Capsule Typography Safe-Zone Pass for JP KR Store Overrides Before October - 2026 Art Workflow

September 2026: string freeze is GREEN, Supported languages list JP and KR, and someone pastes English main-capsule typography into the Japanese store override. At 1232×706 the English wordmark clears margins. At Japanese override length, glyphs collide with the right-edge steam chrome and crush into a solid block at 616×353 library thumb. Soft-launch ads already used the broken override. October Next Fest traffic does not wait for a font redesign.

This Game Art & Design workflow is the CJK title survival pass after localization freeze—distinct from Summer Sale sticker crush (badge kill zones), gradient banding (HDR ramps), and screenshot safe zones (gallery HUD). File multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt_v1.json with gates Z1–Z6, run ImageMagick/FFmpeg squint packs on EN/JP/KR variants, latch BUILD_RECEIPT multilingual_capsule_typography_ok: true.

Non-repetition note: Sale-sticker Z owns badge/ribbon overlay crush. Gradient B owns banding. Screenshot five gates own in-shot HUD. Freeze evening owns string latch, not capsule art. This URL owns glyph overflow / CJK title safe zones on Steam store overrides before October.

Pair localization freeze evening, soft-launch windows, sale-sticker safe-zone, gradient band, Guide #51 / Resource #55 / Help #57 forward.

Why this matters now (September → October 2026)

1. Freeze unlocks store overrides. Languages claimed in freeze must appear readable on capsules—not only in Preferences.
2. CJK strings are not EN scaled. Kanji/hangul density and vertical metrics break EN kerning assumptions.
3. Library thumbnails are merciless. 616×353 is where overflow becomes a grey mush.
4. Soft-launch already showed EN. Dual-locale overrides that look fine only on English fail East Asia CTR during fest.
5. October has no redo week. Upload queues punish “we’ll fix JP capsule later.”

Direct answer: After freeze locks locales, rebuild or resize title treatments for JP/KR overrides, keep glyphs inside safe margins at full and half-res, composite store-chrome squint overlays, pass Z1–Z6, latch multilingual_capsule_typography_ok.

Who this workflow is for

Time: ~75–90 minutes first multilingual pack; ~25 minutes per locale variant after templates exist.

Prerequisites: Main capsule 1232×706 (or documented size); JP/KR title strings from frozen locale_manifest; ImageMagick and/or FFmpeg; optional access to Steamworks store override upload.

Format ladder

Order: Freeze locales → this typography pass for claimed CJK overrides → sale-sticker if Sale chrome applies → soft-launch / fest upload.

Beginner path — 5–10 minute CJK squint

1. Export EN main capsule and JP/KR override masters at full size.
2. On each, draw a title box around the localized wordmark.
3. Require ≥4% width margin left/right and ≥5% height margin from top/bottom of capsule (studio prior—not Valve glyph law).
4. Downscale to 616×353.
5. Arm’s-length read: can a teammate name the title in that language in under two seconds?
6. If JP/KR fail while EN passes, do not ship EN art in the override slot.

Copy:

# Multilingual capsule typography pass 2026
locales: en, ja, ko
capsule_main: capsule_en_1232x706_v3.png
override_ja: capsule_ja_1232x706_v1.png
override_ko: capsule_ko_1232x706_v1.png
freeze_receipt: release-evidence/localization/.../localization_freeze_receipt_v1.json

Gates Z1–Z6

Kill zone note: Sale-sticker kill zones are badge corners. This pass’s kill zone is glyph overflow—edges, dense stroke fill at half-res, and loco title length. Do not merge receipts.

Full-size layout principles (working art)

1. Prefer a logo lockup designed for CJK, not EN letters resized with Track.
2. If using live text layers, choose fonts with JP/KR coverage and check vertical metrics.
3. Avoid ultralight Latin fonts for KR/JP wordmarks—they disappear at thumb size.
4. Leave optical room for longer JP titles; stacked two-line titles often beat single-line crush.
5. Keep critical contrast: light glyphs on busy backgrounds fail before dark EN did.

Outbound: Steamworks graphical asset dimensions evolve—confirm current capsule sizes in Steamworks documentation before exporting finals.

ImageMagick / FFmpeg squint pack

Half-res squint (Z4)

magick capsule_ja_1232x706_v1.png -resize 616x353 capsule_ja_616x353.png
magick capsule_ko_1232x706_v1.png -resize 616x353 capsule_ko_616x353.png
magick capsule_en_1232x706_v3.png -resize 616x353 capsule_en_616x353.png

Chrome risk overlay (Z5 — studio prior overlays)

Create translucent edge bars representing conservative store UI risk (not official chrome):

# 8% width translucent bars left/right as visual “chrome risk”
magick capsule_ja_1232x706_v1.png -fill "rgba(255,0,0,0.35)" \
  -draw "rectangle 0,0 $[1232*8/100],706" \
  -draw "rectangle $[1232-1232*8/100],0 1232,706" \
  capsule_ja_edge_risk.png

Review: if JP glyphs sit mostly under red bars, Z5 fails.

FFmpeg phone mock (optional)

ffmpeg -y -i capsule_ja_616x353.png -vf "scale=360:-1,pad=360:640:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2" ja_phone_mock.png

multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt_v1.json

{
  "schema": "multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt_v1",
  "created_utc": "2026-09-08T18:30:00Z",
  "freeze_receipt": "release-evidence/localization/2026-08-25/localization_freeze_receipt_v1.json",
  "locales": [
    {
      "id": "en",
      "file": "release-evidence/marketing/capsules/capsule_en_1232x706_v3.png",
      "sha256": "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa",
      "half_res": "release-evidence/marketing/capsules/capsule_en_616x353.png"
    },
    {
      "id": "ja",
      "file": "release-evidence/marketing/capsules/capsule_ja_1232x706_v1.png",
      "sha256": "bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb",
      "half_res": "release-evidence/marketing/capsules/capsule_ja_616x353.png",
      "title_source": "weblate:store-copy/ja@a1b2c3d4"
    },
    {
      "id": "ko",
      "file": "release-evidence/marketing/capsules/capsule_ko_1232x706_v1.png",
      "sha256": "cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc",
      "half_res": "release-evidence/marketing/capsules/capsule_ko_616x353.png",
      "title_source": "weblate:store-copy/ko@a1b2c3d4"
    }
  ],
  "gates": {
    "Z1": "PASS",
    "Z2": "PASS",
    "Z3": "PASS",
    "Z4": "PASS",
    "Z5": "PASS",
    "Z6": "PASS"
  },
  "multilingual_capsule_typography_ok": true,
  "notes": "Two-line JA lockup; KO condensed slightly; EN unchanged."
}

BUILD_RECEIPT:

{
  "multilingual_capsule_typography_ok": true,
  "multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt": "release-evidence/marketing/capsules/multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt_v1.json"
}

verify_multilingual_capsule_typography.sh

#!/usr/bin/env bash
set -euo pipefail
R="${1:-release-evidence/marketing/capsules/multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt_v1.json}"
test "$(jq -r .multilingual_capsule_typography_ok "$R")" = "true"
for g in Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z5 Z6; do
  test "$(jq -r ".gates.$g" "$R")" = "PASS"
done
jq -r '.locales[].file' "$R" | while read -r f; do test -f "$f"; done
echo "multilingual_capsule_typography_ok"

Proof table

Scenarios A–G

A - EN capsule pasted into JP override

Fail Z2/Z4. Build real JA lockup.

B - Freeze lists KO; no KO capsule

Fail Z1. Remove store claim or ship KO art.

C - JA passes full-size, fails 616×353

Fail Z4. Prefer two-line title or thicker strokes.

D - Sale sticker pass GREEN, JP mush remains

Expected—different kill zones. Run this pass separately.

E - Soft-launch used EN-only visuals with JP store language

Fail soft honesty; complete Z before more JP soft ads (soft-launch).

F - Translator changes JA title after Z6

New freeze evening + re-run Z2–Z6. Do not edit receipt hashes in place.

G - Traditional Chinese also claimed

Extend locales array; same Z gates—do not invent a second schema.

Common mistakes

• Scaling EN PSD text layer with Track for JA.
• Checking only 1232×706 on a cinema monitor.
• Shipping library icon readability without main capsule check (different asset—document separately).
• Treating PO freeze as capsule OK.
• Merging sale-sticker Z receipts with multilingual Z.
• Using fonts without KO/JA glyphs (tofu boxes).
• Ignoring Soft-launch ads that already cached wrong override.

Troubleshooting

“JP string is longer than EN.” Redesign lockup; do not shrink below Z4 legibility.
“Steam override upload rejects size.” Confirm current asset docs; pad/crop correctly—do not squash.
“Designer has no ImageMagick.” Manual half-res export + printed edge margins still serve Z3–Z4; automate later.
“Only KR fans care.” Still ship readable override if store claims KR.

Schedule pairing

One-evening walkthrough (75–90 minutes)

Use this when freeze is already GREEN and you have at least JP and/or KR store claims. Pair with freeze evening only if locales are still open—do not redesign titles while translators are still editing.

Minutes 0–10 — Inventory. Copy freeze locale IDs into a scratch checklist. List every capsule asset size you publish (main, library hero if separate, vertical if you use it). Note which sizes already have JP/KR overrides vs English fallback.

Minutes 10–25 — String pin (Z2). Export JA and KO title strings from the frozen source (Weblate path, PO, or spreadsheet locked at freeze). Paste into a title_source note. If marketing wants a “prettier short title” that is not in freeze, stop—that is a freeze breach, not an art request.

Minutes 25–50 — Layout pass (Z3). Open EN master and duplicate for JA/KO. Replace live text or baked title art with frozen strings. Prefer redesigning for density: two-line lockups, slightly heavier weight, higher contrast plate behind glyphs. Export 1232×706 (or current documented main size) PNGs with unique filenames (…_ja_…_v1.png).

Minutes 50–65 — Half-res squint (Z4). ImageMagick resize to 616×353. Project or print. Pass rule: non-native speaker teammate can still point at the title region and say “that’s the title block” in under two seconds; native reader (or contractor LQA) confirms characters are not fused into mush. Fail → enlarge or restack—never just “trust the 4K export.”

Minutes 65–80 — Edge-risk overlay (Z5). Composite translucent side bars (or reuse sale-sticker corner overlays if Sale week overlaps—but record which overlay PNGs you used). If most CJK ink sits under risk fill, move the lockup toward optical center of the safe middle band.

Minutes 80–90 — Receipt + latch (Z6). Hash files, write multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt_v1.json, set BUILD_RECEIPT latch, run verify_multilingual_capsule_typography.sh. Only then upload Steamworks store overrides.

Producer SOP — block upload without latch

1. Steamworks UI shows JP/KR override slots empty or EN-cloned → art ticket blocked until Z6.
2. Soft-launch calendar names JP Twitch/YouTube creatives → require typography OK beside soft-launch window gates (soft-launch playbook).
3. Marketing swaps a “brighter” EN sky under JA title without re-run → invalidate Z3–Z5; new receipt version.
4. Do not accept “we’ll fix KR after fest signup” if store already claims KR—that is Scenario B.

Font and outsourcing notes (honesty, not legal advice)

• Coverage check: Open KO/JA strings in the candidate font. Tofu (□) means fail Z2/Z3 before aesthetics.
• License: Commercial store marketing use is often a different SKU than “desktop.” Clear separately; receipt notes can store font_license_ticket ID without claiming legal review here.
• Contractor handoff: Send frozen strings + EN capsule + Z checklist. Require return of full-size + half-res + annotated margin PNG. Do not accept “PSD only.”
• Variable fonts: Axis tweaks for weight help half-res; extreme optical size that looks premium at 200% often dies at 616 wide.

What changes vs Summer Sale sticker Z (same letter, different kill)

Both workflows use gates labeled Z1–Z6 and ImageMagick squints. That is intentional studio rhythm—not the same receipt:

Publish both when Sale week overlaps CJK soft ads. Do not merge JSON.

Gradient and screenshot cousins

• Gradient band: sky/ground ramps after HDR. A beautiful ramp under crushed JA type still fails Z4.
• Screenshot safe zones: gallery shots, not store capsule titles. Screenshot HUDs in JP builds are a different QA path (engine UI localization)—out of scope for this receipt.
• 14 screenshot tools: capture bookmarks; this pass still needs typography-specific overlay packs.

Evidence folder layout

release-evidence/marketing/capsules/
  capsule_en_1232x706_v3.png
  capsule_ja_1232x706_v1.png
  capsule_ko_1232x706_v1.png
  capsule_en_616x353.png
  capsule_ja_616x353.png
  capsule_ko_616x353.png
  annotations/
    ja_margins_v1.png
    ko_margins_v1.png
    ja_edge_risk_v1.png
  multilingual_capsule_typography_receipt_v1.json

Link the freeze receipt path from the typography receipt so audit can prove Claim → String → Art in one graph.

Upload and cache discipline

1. Upload overrides only after Z6.
2. Note Steamworks change ID or upload timestamp in receipt notes.
3. Hard-refresh store preview and capture phone/desktop screenshots into annotations/.
4. If CDN or client cache shows old EN in JP locale for hours, document wait window—do not “fix” by uploading a second unhashed variant without receipt bump.
5. Soft-launch creatives should use the same hashed files or a documented derivative; mismatched creative vs store is a trust failure for East Asia traffic.

Micro-studio capacity plan

Do not staff infinite variants. Claim only locales you can keep readable through October.

Failure modes that look like “art polish”

• Marketing prefers shorter unofficial JP title → freeze violation; fix freeze first (freeze challenge keeps strings closed).
• Trailer end card uses EN only in JP trailer → not this receipt; still schedule separately before soft launch.
• Wishlist widget on partner sites crops differently → optional extra half-res crops; core Steam main + library still required.
• Dual-SKU itch page uses EN art only → different channel; if you claim JP on Steam, Steam still needs Z6 even if itch stays EN (dual-SKU dress rehearsal does not cover capsule glyphs).

FAQ expanded — producer questions

Can we latch typography_ok from EN pass alone? No. Z1 requires locales ⊆ freeze store claims with matching files.

What if KO title is shorter than JA? Separate layouts are fine; still run Z3–Z5 per file.

Do age ratings belong here? No—IARC packet tools own rating evidence.

Help article overlap? Short-description CJK char counts live in help—see related 300-char CJK. Capsules are pixel geometry.

Key takeaways

1. JP/KR overrides need a typography geometry pass after freeze—not EN paste.
2. Z1 ties art to freeze manifest claim list.
3. Z2 pins title strings to frozen sources.
4. Z3–Z4 demand full-size margins and 616×353 squint.
5. Z5 uses chrome-risk overlays (priors, not official specs).
6. Z6 latches multilingual_capsule_typography_ok.
7. Distinct from sale-sticker badge crush and gradient banding.
8. Two-line CJK lockups often beat crushed single lines.
9. Soft-launch JP ads without Z6 poison fest CTR.
10. Forward Guide #51 / Resource #55 / Help #57 for one-step / tools / fixes.
11. Re-run after frozen title string changes.
12. Confirm Steamworks asset sizes via official docs before final export.

FAQ

Do we need this if we only claim English?

No—Z1 fails closed only for claimed CJK (or other complex-script) overrides. English-only stores skip this latch.

Is this legal font advice?

No. Clear font licenses separately; this pass is readability geometry.

Same as screenshot composition gates?

No. Screenshots are gallery HUD; this is capsule title override art.

Must we use ImageMagick?

Preferred for reproducible overlays; manual half-res + margin sketches can bootstrap Z3–Z4.

What about Chinese (Simplified)?

Treat like JA/KO in the locales array when store_claim is true.

How does freeze challenge fit?

Challenge keeps strings closed; this pass proves art matches those strings.

Library capsule vs header capsule?

Run the same Z logic on each asset size you ship; receipt may list multiple file entries per locale.

When is the pass done?

Z1–Z6 PASS, hashes match uploaded overrides, BUILD_RECEIPT latched.

Related reads

• Localization String Freeze Receipt Before October PO Import
• 5-Day Localization Freeze Gate Challenge
• August 2026 Soft-Launch Windows Before October Next Fest
• Summer Sale Capsule Sale-Sticker Safe-Zone Pass
• Summer Steam Capsule Gradient Band Readability Pass
• Steam Store Screenshot Composition Safe Zones
• 14 Free Steam Screenshot Capture and Safe-Zone Tools
• Steam Short Description 300-Char CJK Help

Closing

October will not forgive an EN wordmark wearing a JP store badge. After freeze locks languages, run the multilingual typography safe-zone pass: margins, half-res squint, chrome-risk overlay, receipt latch—then upload overrides.

Badge crush, banding, and CJK overflow are three different art failures. Keep three receipts. Ship one readable title per claimed language.