Inside XR Design takes us on a journey through the peaks of immersive design, and today’s focus is all about crafting a spellbinding VR trailer purely with in-game footage. Forget complex mixed reality setups or intricate compositing techniques; with the right strategy and an effective game plan, creating an exceptional trailer is within reach. Stick around until the end, where I’ll highlight key technical tips to elevate your trailer and showcase an exemplary trailer that encapsulates all we’re about to unpack.
You can dive into the complete video below, or continue reading for a detailed text version of our discussion.
Let’s start with a brief reminder of why trailers are crucial in the gaming world.
Your game isn’t the thing that sells your game; it’s the trailer that does the heavy lifting. You might have the most incredible game ever, but if you can’t effectively convey why players should give it a shot, you could easily go unnoticed. It’s vital to integrate marketing with your game development process, rather than treating it as an afterthought. Spending years developing a game only to invest a few weeks in marketing its appeal isn’t an ideal strategy.
So, how do you put together a standout trailer without the complexity of mixed reality capture? Let’s break it down into three straightforward lessons.
### The Hook
The first and arguably most critical lesson is understanding “the hook.” What is it that makes your game unique? It’s the standout feature that compels people to say, “I need to try that!” Whether it’s stunning combat mechanics, a distinct art style, a cool weapon, or an innovative gameplay aspect, this is your game’s signature move.
The hook must be something exceptionally fun or intriguing compared to other games in its genre (which means you should be playing other similar games to stay informed). Without it, potential players might not have a compelling reason to choose your game over others.
And here’s a crucial point: for your trailer to have a hook, your game needs to embody that hook. If you’re unsure of what makes your game unique, identifying that should be your priority before delving into trailer creation.
To illustrate the hook concept, let’s look at a trailer from Mixed Realms’ “Hellsweeper VR” (2023). Observe closely—what stands out as the hook?
In those initial 10 seconds, even before any logos materialize, you’re treated to a snippet of uniquely captivating VR combat. The character is wielding intriguing weapons, unleashing powers, and soaring through the air, underscoring the game’s combat throughout. The trailer’s message is clear: this is why you’ll want to play.
### Show, Don’t Tell
This brings us to: show, don’t tell. The best trailers don’t list what’s great about the game; they demonstrate it. In VR, this is even more critical because prospective players need to visualize the fun to understand why wearing a headset and diving in is worthwhile.
Stress Level Zero’s “Boneworks” (2019) is a masterclass in this area, allowing gameplay to take center stage. Let’s take a look:
By stringing together a series of unique in-game moments, the trailer paints a vivid picture of what playing the game will feel like, tantalizing the imagination.
### Story Structure
Finally, our third lesson emphasizes the need to tell a story through your trailer.
To clarify, “telling a story” doesn’t mean outlining your game’s narrative. Rather, it involves showcasing what players will do and how they’ll feel while playing. Your trailer’s story should revolve around this experience.
Instead of randomly capturing gameplay and figuring out how to piece it together later, a more effective approach involves pre-planning. Decide the key moments that you want to highlight beforehand.
Arrange these moments into a cohesive narrative arc with an introduction, rising action, and a climax to leave a lasting impression. This is exactly the method used by Respawn Entertainment in their compelling trailer for “Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond” (2020). Watch how they weave together staged moments to craft a narrative about the player experience.
### Continue on Page 2: Technical Checklist & Final Example »
Stick around for more insights, where we’ll delve into the technical checklist that can elevate your trailer from good to great, along with a final example that ties everything together.
