Inside XR Design is a journey into the heart of immersive experiences, and today, we’re diving into what makes an unforgettable VR trailer using nothing but in-game footage. No need for flashy mixed reality setups or intricate compositing. It’s all about smart planning and relying on a tried-and-tested approach. Stick around, because at the end, there’s a handy checklist of technical must-dos to make sure your trailer hits the mark, along with a standout trailer that showcases these tips in action.
You can watch the complete video below, or keep reading for a detailed rundown.
First off, let’s ensure we all understand why trailers are crucial. Your game alone won’t sell itself. It’s your trailer that does the selling. Even if you craft the best game ever, without a stellar trailer to showcase its allure, potential players might just walk on by. This is why marketing should not be an afterthought but an integral part of your game development process. Spending years perfecting a game only to devote a few rushed weeks on its promotional content isn’t a wise allocation of resources.
So, how do you create a trailer that grabs attention without the complexity of mixed reality capture? Here are three straightforward steps.
The Hook
The first, and perhaps the most crucial lesson, is the hook. This is what makes your game stand out—a unique element that makes viewers instantly think, "I want to do that." It might be innovative combat, a distinctive art style, a quirky weapon, or a gameplay mechanic unlike any other. Whatever your hook is, it needs to shine as exciting and fresh, particularly when compared with other games in the same genre. And yes, this means you should know your genre inside out from playing other games in it. If your game doesn’t have a clear hook, that’s the first thing to develop before even considering the trailer.
To see this in action, let’s examine the trailer for Hellsweeper VR (2023) by Mixed Realms. Can you spot the hook? It’s the eye-catching VR combat, featuring dynamic weapons and powers, with players whizzing through the air—all within the first few seconds. The entire trailer emphasizes this combat, without bogging viewers down with lore or exposition. It’s a clear statement of "this is why you’ll love our game.”
Show, Don’t Tell
This brings us to the second point: show, don’t tell. Exceptional trailers demonstrate why a game is great rather than explaining it. In VR, this is crucial because potential players need to see the excitement to envision themselves immersed in the experience. Boneworks (2019) by Stress Level Zero illustrates this perfectly, with gameplay moments that vividly portray the game’s feel.
Story Structure
Finally, let’s discuss storytelling. A great trailer weaves a narrative—not by detailing your game’s plot, but by illustrating what players will do and feel. That’s the story your trailer should tell. Rather than capturing generic gameplay and attempting to piece it together afterwards, it pays off to pre-plan the key scenes. Decide which moments are essential and then arrange them in a structured narrative arc. This means setting an introduction, building excitement, and climaxing with a memorable payoff.
That’s how Respawn Entertainment executed their trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020). It’s a masterclass in how carefully choreographed scenes can convey the thrilling emotions players will experience.
Next: Technical Tips & A Final Example »
