The Playbook for Making Great VR Trailers Without Mixed Reality Capture – Inside XR Design

Crafting an Outstanding VR Trailer Using Only In-Game Footage

Our series Inside XR Design delves into the world of immersive design, focusing today on creating an impactful VR trailer using solely in-game footage. No need for complex setups or editing techniques—just strategic planning and a tried-and-true approach. Stick around till the end for a checklist of essential technical considerations to elevate your trailer, along with a prime example that embodies the principles we’re about to discuss.

You can watch the full video below or read on for a text version.

First and foremost, let’s emphasize the significance of trailers in the gaming industry.

Here’s the bottom line: your game doesn’t sell itself; your trailer sells it.

You could have an exceptional game, but without effectively showcasing its appeal, many potential players may never discover it. Therefore, it’s crucial to integrate marketing strategies into your game development process from the outset. Spending years perfecting your game but neglecting the promotional aspect is a missed opportunity.

So, how can you create a trailer that grabs attention, even without the complexities of mixed reality capture? Let’s break it down into three key lessons.

The Hook

The first and arguably most critical lesson is the hook. The hook is the unique aspect of your game that captivates viewers and compels them to engage.

Whether it’s innovative combat mechanics, a distinctive art style, or a novel gameplay feature, the hook sets your game apart and piques interest. It should offer a distinct and appealing experience compared to other titles in the same genre. Identifying your game’s hook is essential before embarking on trailer creation.

Let’s examine a prime example of a hook in action with the trailer for Hellsweeper VR (2023) by Mixed Realms. Can you pinpoint the hook?

By showcasing unique combat sequences right from the start, the trailer immediately grabs attention and maintains focus on the game’s standout feature. It effectively communicates the essence of the game and entices players to explore further.

Show, Don’t Tell

Transitioning to our next point: show, don’t tell. Exceptional trailers demonstrate the game’s appeal through visual storytelling, rather than verbal exposition. This approach is particularly crucial in VR, where showcasing the gameplay experience is paramount to drawing players in.

Boneworks (2019) by Stress Level Zero exemplifies this principle by letting gameplay speak for itself. Let’s take a look:

The trailer effectively weaves together captivating gameplay moments to convey the immersive experience awaiting players. It paints a vivid picture of the game’s dynamics and entices viewers to step into its world.

Story Structure

Our final lesson focuses on storytelling within the trailer.

When we talk about telling a story, it’s not about narrating the game’s plot but showcasing the player’s journey and emotional engagement. The trailer should communicate what players will experience and feel while playing the game, creating a compelling narrative through visual elements.

Instead of piecing together random gameplay clips, plan ahead to highlight key moments and structure them into a cohesive narrative arc. This deliberate approach ensures a memorable and impactful trailer, as demonstrated in Respawn Entertainment’s trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020).

Continue on Page 2: Technical Checklist & Final Example »