In this installment of our Inside XR Design series, we delve into the art of crafting an exceptional VR trailer using just in-game footage. Forget the hassle of complex mixed reality setups or intricate compositing. With some strategic planning and a tried-and-true method, you can achieve fantastic results. Stay with me, because I’ll be offering a checklist of crucial technical elements to enhance your trailer, along with a stellar example that showcases exactly what we’re discussing.
Below, you’ll find the complete video, but let’s dive into the adapted text for a closer look.
First off, let’s ensure we’re aligned on the significance of trailers. Here’s the bottom line: it’s not your game that sells itself; it’s your trailer that does the heavy lifting. You might have developed the most amazing game in the world, but if you can’t convey why people should give it a shot, it’s likely to be overlooked. Marketing should not be an afterthought in your development process. It’s integral to it. Spending years on your game but only a few weeks on the trailer that entices people to buy isn’t the best use of your time.
Now, how do you put together a trailer that captivates an audience, even without the bells and whistles of mixed reality capture? Let’s simplify it into three straightforward lessons.
The Hook
The first, and arguably the most crucial point, is the hook. This is what makes your game stand out. It’s the thing people see and can’t resist saying, "I want to try that." Whether it’s a unique art style, cool combat, or an innovative mechanic, it’s your game’s distinctive feature.
Your hook should clearly be more fun or intriguing than similar games in the genre—which means it’s wise to play other games in your field. Without a hook, your game might not stand out against the competition.
And here’s the key takeaway: for your trailer to have a compelling hook, your game must possess one. If you’re uncertain about what your hook is, identifying it should be your primary focus before even contemplating the trailer’s creation.
Let’s examine an example where the hook is effectively integrated. The game Hellsweeper VR (2023) by Mixed Realms offers a perfect case study. Watch and see if you can pinpoint its hook:
So, what’s the hook? If you guessed "unique combat," you nailed it. Before any logos appear, the trailer presents a dazzling 10 seconds of innovative VR combat, featuring intriguing weapons and powers, and even aerial maneuvers.
Throughout the trailer, these combat elements take the spotlight. There’s no room for dull lore or abstract backstories—just consistent showcasing of the hook, communicating to viewers, "Here’s why you’ll love playing our game."
Show, Don’t Tell
This naturally leads us to our next principle: show, don’t tell. A great trailer should demonstrate what makes a game exciting, not just talk about it. In VR, this is particularly vital—viewers need to witness the fun to feel encouraged to don their headsets and give your game a go.
Boneworks (2019) by Stress Level Zero epitomizes this strategy by allowing its gameplay to take center stage. Let’s take a look:
The trailer brilliantly strings together various unique experiences available in the game, giving us a clear mental image of how engaging gameplay will be.
Story Structure
Our third lesson revolves around storytelling.
Now, when I mention "tell a story," I don’t mean recounting the game’s narrative. The focus is on showing potential players what they will experience and the emotions they’ll encounter while playing. That’s the story your trailer should convey.
Resist the temptation to record random gameplay footage and piece it together later. A more effective technique is to decide beforehand what key moments you want to capture.
Beyond selecting moments, arrange them into a narrative arc. This involves an introduction, followed by rising action, leading to a memorable climax.
Developer Respawn Entertainment nails this approach with their trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020). As you watch, notice the deliberate choreography and enactment of scenes to craft a cohesive storyline that encapsulates player experiences.
