Epic Video Game Trailer Tips: Make Yours Unforgettable

When it comes to debuting your game to discerning players and press, first impressions are everything. Your first trailer must murder.  It needs to convey gameplay, graphics, narrative, and the overall vibe in less than three minutes. So, what separates the good from the bad? Let’s dive into it.

Unlocking the Power of Video Game Trailers

Why is it so important to have a killer trailer in 2024?  In our media-inundated culture, video is king. A great trailer is your golden ticket to hook potential players. It’s your chance to say, “Hey, look at this awesome game! You need to play this NOW!” But more than that, it’s about giving players a taste of what’s to come. Will they be diving into an epic fantasy world, racing through futuristic cities, or maybe solving mind-bending puzzles? Whatever it is, the trailer is where you set the stage.

Crafting the Perfect Trailer: Key Elements for Success

1. Clear Purpose: A good trailer knows what it wants to be. It gives you a glimpse into the heart of the game, whether it’s the story, gameplay, or even just the overall mood. You should finish watching a good trailer and immediately want to know more about the game.
2. Engagement: A good trailer hooks you in the first 10 seconds. Maybe it’s an epic shot, a killer soundtrack, or just something that grabs your attention. From there, it keeps you glued to the screen until the end..
3. Emotion: A strong emotional hook can make a trailer unforgettable. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of a high-speed chase, the eerie suspense of a horror game, or the nostalgia of revisiting a beloved franchise, emotion is key.
4. Visual and Audio Appeal: Let’s face it, we all love pretty visuals and awesome soundtracks. A good trailer uses high-quality graphics and sound to create a sensory experience that sticks with you. The visuals and audio should complement each other, creating a cohesive and memorable experience.

Spotting the Signs of a Bad Trailer

1. Lack of Clarity: Ever watched a trailer and thought, “Wait, what’s this game about?” That’s a clear sign of a bad trailer. If the trailer doesn’t give you a good sense of what you’ll be doing in the game or what’s to come, it’s missing the mark.
2. Overuse of Cinematics: Cinematic trailers can be beautiful, but they can also be misleading. If you’re showing all cutscenes and no gameplay, players might feel duped when they realize the actual game looks nothing like the trailer. Gameplay is king—never forget that.
3. Poor Pacing: A bad trailer might drag on too long or rush through key moments. Either way, poor pacing can leave viewers bored or overwhelmed (they’re gonna click away). The best trailers know how to build anticipation and lead you through the experience.

Let’s take a look at two trailers that completely miss the mark. Watch these and see if you can pinpoint what’s lacking:

Life of Black Tiger:

Duke Nukem Trilogy:

The Anatomy of a Good Video Game Trailer

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down the anatomy of a good video game trailer.

1. Clear Introduction

A good trailer starts with a bang—or at least with something that sets the tone. Whether it’s an intense action sequence or a quiet, atmospheric scene, the beginning should immediately give viewers a sense of what they’re in for. A prime example is Elden Ring, where a story-driven, cinematic-heavy trailer with excellent pacing shows just how powerful a captivating intro can be.

2. Showcasing Gameplay

This is where many trailers either shine or fall flat. Players want to see what they’ll actually be doing in the game, not just a montage of flashy cutscenes. A great approach is to feature gameplay by having streamers and friends play your game, then compile a “best of” reel that showcases different moves and abilities. Using various streamers Sky Noon demonstrates how effective this tactic can be.

3. Strong Visuals and Audio

A trailer should be a feast for the eyes and ears. High-quality graphics and a fitting soundtrack can elevate the trailer, making it more engaging and memorable. This doesn’t mean it has to be all flash and no substance, though. The visuals and audio should match the game’s tone and style. When the visuals and audio elevate a compelling story, magic happens—just like in The Last of Us Part 2. This trailer showcases masterful editing, creating a cinematic experience that truly resonates.

4. Pacing and Structure

A well-paced trailer knows how to build anticipation and excitement. It might start slow, gradually ramping up the tension, or it could throw you straight into the action before winding down with a cliffhanger. Whatever the approach, the pacing should keep the viewer hooked from start to finish. 8-Bit Adventure Anthology nails this by using a strong audio track and voiceover to set the pacing and tone perfectly.

Common Mistakes in Bad Video Game Trailers

Even with the best intentions, some trailers just don’t hit the mark. Here are a few common mistakes that can turn a potentially great trailer into a forgettable one:

1. Overhyping: It’s tempting to promise the world in a trailer, but overhyping can backfire. If the final game doesn’t live up to the lofty expectations set by the trailer, players will feel let down.
2. Misleading Content: Showing off features or scenes that aren’t in the final game is a big no-no. Players want to know what they’re actually getting, not a fantasy version of the game.
3. Repetitiveness: Repeating the same scenes or gameplay elements over and over can make a trailer feel stale. Variety is the spice of life—and of trailers, too.
4. Lack of Focus: Trying to cram too much into a trailer can result in a cluttered and unfocused mess. It’s better to highlight a few key aspects of the game rather than overwhelm viewers with too much information.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a good video game trailer is about balance. It needs to be visually appealing, and emotionally engaging, and, most importantly, it needs to give players a clear sense of what the game is all about. A bad trailer, on the other hand, can be confusing, misleading, or just plain boring. So, next time you’re watching a trailer, take a moment to think about what works—and what doesn’t. And if you’re a developer, remember: your trailer is your game’s first handshake with the world. Make it unforgettable! Want some expert advice? Reach out for a free consultation—just fill out our contact form or shoot us an email at hello@reverbinc.com.