Today’s dive into Inside XR Design focuses on mastering the art of crafting VR trailers using solely in-game footage. No need to bring in mixed reality gimmicks or sophisticated compositing skills. What you need is strategic planning and a well-thought-out approach. Stick with me till the end, where I’ll provide a checklist of technical essentials to give your trailer that polished look, along with an exemplary trailer that covers all the bases.
You can catch the full video below, or stick around for a detailed text overview.
Let’s start by reinforcing why trailers are crucial to your game’s success. Here’s the deal: while your game may be fantastic, it’s the trailer that pitches your game to potential players. No matter how amazing your game is, if the trailer doesn’t convey why people should give it a shot, many simply won’t. Marketing isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral component of game development. If you dedicate years to making a game but rush through creating an engaging trailer, you’re not using your time wisely.
So, how do you create a compelling trailer without resorting to mixed reality capture? Let’s simplify it into three key lessons.
The Hook
The foremost lesson in crafting an impactful trailer is establishing a compelling hook. The hook is what makes your game distinctive and memorable. It’s that enticing feature that makes viewers think, "I want to experience that."
Your hook could be anything—dynamic combat, a standout art style, an inventive weapon, or a novel game mechanic. It’s the hallmark of your game. Whatever it might be, it needs to be identifiable and appealing compared to other games in your genre. This means playing other games in your genre to understand how yours stands out. Remember, if your game lacks an inherent hook, nailing that down is your first task before trailer production.
Let’s consider an example. Check out the trailer from the game Hellsweeper VR (2023) by Mixed Realms. Can you pinpoint the hook?
What stands out? If you guessed something like “distinctive combat,” you’re spot on. Before any logos flash on screen, we see ten seconds showcasing exceptionally captivating VR combat with intriguing weapons and dynamic aerial action.
The trailer keeps the focus on these elements, avoiding unnecessary narrative complexities. It persuasively illustrates why the game is a must-play.
Show, Don’t Tell
Our second point emphasizes the principle of showing rather than narrating. Effective trailers don’t blabber about what makes a game great—they demonstrate it. This is pivotal in VR, as prospective players need to see the gameplay excitement that will make them don the headset.
Boneworks (2019) from Stress Level Zero exemplifies this by allowing the gameplay to convey the experience. Let’s take a look.
This trailer sequences multiple unique scenarios within the game, piecing together an image of what playing it feels like.
Story Structure
Our third lesson focuses on storytelling.
Critically, “telling a story” doesn’t mean recounting your game’s plot. Instead, show potential players what they’ll do and feel when immersed in your game. Your trailer should visually narrate that experience.
Rather than haphazardly collecting gameplay footage and figuring out the sequence later, identify the pivotal moments you intend to showcase in advance.
Additionally, organize these moments in a narrative arc. Essentially, this means structuring your trailer with a beginning, a build-up, and a climactic peak, giving the audience something to remember.
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020) by Respawn Entertainment provides an excellent template. Notice how it meticulously stages and acts out sequences, weaving them into a cohesive story that encapsulates the player experience.
Continue on Page 2: Technical Checklist & Final Example »
Stick around for the technical checklist and a sample trailer that illustrates these strategic elements perfectly.
