Inside XR Design is a series that dives deep into the artistry of immersive design. Today, we’re focusing on crafting an outstanding VR trailer using only in-game footage. No need for mixed reality setups or complex compositing—just thoughtful planning and a reliable approach. Stick around, because at the end, I’ll share a list of essential technical tips to enhance your trailer, along with an example video that embodies all the principles we’re about to discuss.
First of all, let’s align on why trailers are crucial. Your game alone isn’t what captures attention; it’s the trailer that does. Imagine having developed the most phenomenal game—if you don’t effectively show potential players why they should give it a shot, many will simply overlook it. It’s critical not to let marketing be an afterthought. It should be integrated into your game development process from the start. Spending years on creation while only dedicating a few weeks to its promotion isn’t the best use of time.
So, how do you design a trailer that garners attention without resorting to complex mixed reality capture? Here are three straightforward lessons.
The Hook
The first, and possibly most crucial, point is the hook. The hook is what makes your game memorable. It’s that one distinct feature that catches a viewer’s eye and makes them think, “I want to try that.”
This could be anything from innovative combat, a distinctive art style, a novel weapon, or a gameplay mechanic that sets your game apart from others. It’s your game’s signature element.
Your hook should be something uniquely entertaining or intriguing in comparison to other games in your genre. This requires actively playing other games within your niche. Without a hook, there won’t be a compelling reason for players to choose your game over others.
It’s vital to understand that for a trailer to have a hook, your game must first have one. If you’re unsure what your game’s hook is, identifying it should be the first step before proceeding with trailer creation.
Let’s look at an example of a hook in action. We’ll examine a trailer for the game Hellsweeper VR (2023) created by Mixed Realms. Watch it and see if you can identify the hook:
So, what’s the hook? If you guessed “unique combat,” you’re spot on. Right from the start, without any logos, we get ten seconds of imaginatively distinctive VR combat, showcasing the player wielding intriguing weapons and powers, and moving fluidly through the air.
The trailer continually highlights the combat, avoiding any dull breaks with lore or abstract details. It maintains focus on the hook, driving home why you’d want to play the game.
Show, Don’t Tell
This leads us to the next point: show, don’t tell. Exceptional trailers don’t merely tell you a game is great; they demonstrate it. Especially in VR, viewers need to see the enjoyment in action to understand why they should grab a headset and dive in.
Boneworks (2019) by Stress Level Zero exemplifies this by allowing its gameplay to speak for itself. Let’s have a look:
The trailer adeptly strings together a series of unique moments that players can experience, painting a vivid picture of what playing the game might feel like.
Story Structure
Our third lesson is about storytelling.
Now, when we say “tell a story,” we’re not suggesting you explain your game’s narrative.
Your aim is to show potential players what they’ll be doing and how they’ll feel while playing. That’s the story your trailer should convey.
Though it might be tempting to capture general gameplay and figure out the editing later, it’s more effective to plan what key moments you want viewers to see in advance.
Beyond selecting specific moments, arrange them along a narrative arc. This involves setting an introduction, building tension, and culminating in a climax that leaves viewers with a lasting impression.
Developer Respawn Entertainment achieved this beautifully with their trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020). As we watch, note how they meticulously choreographed and executed pivotal moments to weave a compelling narrative about the player’s journey in the game.
Continue to Page 2 for the Technical Checklist & Final Example »
