In my ongoing series, Inside XR Design, we delve into the nuances of immersive design, shining a light on the art of crafting outstanding VR trailers using solely in-game footage. No need for mixed reality setups or complex compositing techniques—just clever planning and a reliable strategy. Stick around, because towards the end of our discussion, I’ll be sharing a checklist of crucial technical details to help your trailer dazzle, along with an exemplary trailer that embodies all the principles we’re about to explore.
You can watch the full video below, or keep reading for an adapted text version.
First off, let’s align on why trailers are critically important.
Here’s the crux of it: your game itself isn’t what grabs initial attention—it’s your trailer that does the heavy lifting. You might have created the most amazing game ever, but if you can’t convey why it’s worth checking out, many potential players might simply overlook it. Therefore, don’t treat your game’s marketing as an afterthought—it’s an integral part of the development process. If you invest years crafting your game but only devote a few weeks to its promotional material, you’re not dedicating your resources efficiently.
So, how do you conjure up a compelling trailer without resorting to the intricacies of mixed reality capture? Let’s break it down into three straightforward lessons.
The Hook
Let’s kick off with arguably the most crucial aspect: the hook. The hook is what makes your game catch the eye. It’s that one standout feature that piques interest and makes people say, "I have to try that."
It could be innovative combat mechanics, a distinct art style, a novel weapon, or a unique gameplay mechanic absent in other titles. It’s essentially your game’s signature.
The hook must be uniquely enticing or interesting, distinguishing your game from others in the genre. This means you should be immersing yourself in the other games within your genre. Without a standout hook, potential players won’t see why they should choose your game over a similar one.
A fundamental insight: to feature a hook in your trailer, your game must possess this hook. If you haven’t pinpointed your game’s unique attraction yet, prioritize that before embarking on trailer production.
Now, let’s witness a hook in action. Check out the trailer from Mixed Realms’ game, Hellsweeper VR (2023). Watch closely and identify the hook:
So, what stood out as the hook? If you thought "unique combat," you’re spot on. Before any logos appear, the viewer is treated to 10 seconds of distinctive VR combat, featuring players wielding intriguing weapons and executing aerial maneuvers.
The combat remains a focal point throughout the trailer. It doesn’t pause to bore with lore or abstract storytelling—the trailer emphasizes the hook, sending a clear message: “This is why you want to play our game.”
Show, Don’t Tell
Our next point is all about the mantra: show, don’t tell. A great trailer demonstrates why a game shines; it doesn’t just say so. In the realm of VR, this is vital—people need to visually grasp the excitement before donning the headset and diving in.
The game Boneworks (2019) from Stress Level Zero perfectly encapsulates this approach by letting the gameplay visuals do the talking. Here’s a look:
This trailer weaves together a series of unforgettable moments players can experience, painting a vivid picture of what playing the game feels like.
Story Structure
The third key lesson: tell a story.
Now, when I mention "tell a story," it’s not about explaining your game’s narrative.
Instead, the objective is to convey to viewers what they will do and how they’ll feel during gameplay. That’s the story your trailer should unfold.
While there might be a temptation to capture random gameplay footage and worry about piecing it together later, it’s more effective to determine in advance which key moments you want to highlight.
Furthermore, you should organize these selected moments into a coherent narrative arc. This essentially involves creating an introduction, building up action, and culminating in a climax that leaves a lasting impression.
This approach is masterfully executed by Respawn Entertainment in their trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020). As you watch, notice how they meticulously planned and performed specific scenes, weaving a cohesive story that conveys the emotional journey players will embark on.
Continue on Page 2: Technical Checklist & Final Example »
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the technical aspects and showcase a final exemplar of what makes an excellent VR trailer.
