In our Inside XR Design series, we delve into the art of immersive design. Today, we’ll explore the art of creating an awe-inspiring VR trailer using only in-game footage. There’s no need for a mixed reality setup or complex compositing—just strategic planning and a well-honed approach. Plus, stick around as I’ll share a checklist of key technical considerations to make your trailer truly stand out, and I’ll highlight a trailer that embodies the very strategies we’re about to discuss.
You can watch the full video below, or keep reading for an adapted text version.
Let’s start by understanding why trailers are crucial in the first place.
Here’s the reality: it’s not your game that sells itself; it’s your trailer that does. You might have developed the most amazing game out there, but if you fail to convey why players should try it, many simply won’t. So, let me emphasize this—marketing shouldn’t be a mere afterthought in your game development process. Instead, consider it an integral part of development. Spending years crafting your game and just a few weeks making the trailer won’t optimally utilize your efforts.
Now, how can you create a trailer that captures attention—without the hassle of mixed reality capture? Let’s break it down with three straightforward lessons.
### The Hook
Our first, arguably most important lesson today concerns the hook. This aspect makes your game unique and compelling. It’s that specific element that makes people think, “I want to try that.” Whether it’s extraordinary combat, a distinct art style, an inventive weapon, or a playful mechanic, this is your game’s signature offering.
Your hook must be uniquely fun or interesting when compared to other games in the genre. This involves actively exploring other games in your genre. Without a strong hook, people might not see a compelling reason to choose your game over another.
It’s crucial to realize this: for your trailer to feature a hook, your game itself needs one. If you’re still uncertain about your game’s hook, identifying it should be your top priority before starting on a trailer.
Let’s see an example of the hook in action. The first trailer we’ll review is for Hellsweeper VR (2023) by Mixed Realms. Watch it and try to pinpoint the hook:
Did you catch it? If you spotted something along the lines of “innovative combat,” you hit the nail on the head. Before any logos even appear, we witness 10 seconds of truly unique VR combat, showcasing intriguing weapons and powers, with the player soaring through the air.
The combat remains a focal point throughout the trailer. They avoid bogging us down with lore or abstract exposition, instead continually showcasing the hook. The message is clear: “this is why you want to play our game.”
### Show, Don’t Tell
This leads us to our next point: show, don’t tell. Exceptional trailers don’t narrate what’s great about a game—they demonstrate it. In VR, this becomes crucial, as people need to visually grasp the fun factor to understand why they should don a headset and check out your game.
Boneworks (2019) by Stress Level Zero exemplifies this concept by allowing the gameplay to speak for itself. Let’s take a look:
This trailer successfully weaves together a series of unique moments players can experience, crafting a vivid mental image of what playing the game feels like.
### Story Structure
Our third lesson is about storytelling.
When I say “tell a story,” I’m not referring to explaining your game’s narrative.
Your aim is to depict what players will do and feel when engaging with your game. This is the story your trailer should convey.
While it might be tempting to capture general gameplay footage and worry about editing later, a more effective approach is to plan in advance what key elements you want viewers to see.
Decide on the exact moments you wish to showcase, and arrange them in a narrative arc. This essentially means providing an introduction, building up tension, and delivering a climax that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Developer Respawn Entertainment achieved this with their impressive trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020). Watch how they meticulously choreographed and acted out scenes to create a coherent story about the player experience:
### Continue on Page 2: Technical Checklist & Final Example »
