Our "Inside XR Design" series dives into the world of immersive design, and today we’re focusing on how to craft an incredible VR trailer using only in-game footage. Forget about mixed reality setups and complex compositing; it’s all about smart planning and a tried-and-true approach. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through some key technical aspects that will elevate your trailer, along with an example video that ties everything together beautifully.
Check out the video below, or read on for a more detailed breakdown.
First things first—why are trailers so crucial? Let’s get on the same page.
Here’s what you need to know: It’s not your game per se that does the selling; it’s your trailer. You might have an amazing game, but if you can’t convey why people should give it a try, most won’t bother. It’s essential, therefore, to integrate marketing into your game development process from the start. Spending years crafting a game only to spend a short time on the marketing piece is not a wise use of resources.
So, how do you create a compelling trailer without relying on mixed reality capture? Let’s keep it simple with three key lessons.
The Hook
First up, and perhaps the most critical point: the hook. This is the feature that makes your game stand out from the crowd. It’s that unique aspect that grabs people and makes them think, "I need to play that."
Think of it as your game’s unique signature—it might be distinctive combat, a one-of-a-kind art style, or an innovative mechanism other games don’t offer. It needs to be compelling enough to make people choose your game over others in the same genre. And yes, that means you should be familiar with what’s already out there. If your game doesn’t have a hook yet, figuring that out comes before you even start working on the trailer.
For a practical example, let’s take a look at the trailer for Hellsweeper VR (2023) by Mixed Realms. See if you can spot the hook:
So, did you catch it? If you said "unique combat," you’re spot on. Right from the get-go, we’re treated to ten thrilling seconds of innovative VR combat, complete with cool weapons and powers, set against a backdrop of dynamic action.
The trailer keeps the focus on this unique gameplay element, avoiding any boring lore dumps or needless exposition. It drives home the message: "This is why you want to play our game."
Show, Don’t Tell
Which brings us to the next point: show, don’t tell. A great trailer demonstrates the game’s appeal. Especially in VR, the fun needs to be visually evident, so potential players feel compelled to don their headsets and explore.
Boneworks (2019) by Stress Level Zero is a perfect example of this. Let’s take a look:
This trailer effectively showcases a series of distinctive moments, stringing them together to create a clear mental image of what playing the game will be like.
Story Structure
Now on to the third lesson: tell a story.
Keep in mind, telling a story does not mean laying out your game’s narrative. Instead, focus on portraying what players will do and how they’ll feel during gameplay.
It’s better to have a game plan for your trailer, identifying those key moments you want to highlight beforehand. Arrange these in a narrative arc comprising an introduction, rising action, and a memorable climax.
That’s the approach developer Respawn Entertainment took when crafting the trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020). As you watch, notice the carefully choreographed moments that paint a picture of the emotions and experiences players will encounter in the game.
Continue on Page 2: Technical Checklist & Final Example »
