Creating a game trailer is your golden ticket to building hype and showcasing your game in its ultimate glory. But let's be real, gamers today are bombarded with trailers on Steam, YouTube, Twitter, and practically every corner of the internet. A run-of-the-mill trailer won't cut it anymore.
So, how do you make your trailer stand out and stop that relentless scroll? You need something thrilling, something unique. But where to start? How can you tell an epic story in just a few minutes? Buckle up, we're about to dive in.
Know Your Audience
First things first, who are you talking to? Identifying your target audience and the key messages you want them to take away is step number one. Get inside their heads and craft a message that speaks their language.
Game Recognition
Is your game a fresh new IP or a beloved classic? Your approach should vary accordingly. Tailor your content to match the level of familiarity your audience has with your game.
Take, for example, the trailer our creative team at WAYPOINT crafted for an iconic game like PAC-MAN PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle, Launch Trailer
Maximize Your Assets
Time to raid your creative treasure chest! Leverage every available resource—concept art, 3D models, and more. These assets are your secret weapons in creating a visually stunning trailer.
And when it comes to high-quality 3D animation, our expert team at WAYPOINT knows how to make those assets shine—just like in this trailer we crafted Gundam Gunpla W., 3D Trailer. By leveraging all available resources, you can bring your trailer to life in ways that captivate and engage with the audience.
Find the Right Theme & Look
Google the top games in any genre, like First-Person Shooters (FPS), and you’ll see trailers that each have a unique vibe. Some go all out with cinematic flair, while others keep it real with gameplay footage.
Choosing the right approach is crucial. It sets the tone for your story, message, music, and every other element in your trailer. Decide early whether you're aiming for a blockbuster movie feel or an immersive gameplay experience.
Showcase Gameplay
If you peek at trailers for popular games, you’ll notice they often release multiple versions—one focusing on gameplay, another on cinematic storytelling. But if you're rolling out just one trailer, showcasing gameplay is a must. Let potential players see the magic in action!
Use a Storyboard
A storyboard is your best friend for ensuring smooth transitions and perfect timing. It's a sneak peek into the final trailer, allowing for tweaks and refinements early on.
Think of a storyboard as a comic book for your trailer. Each illustration represents a shot, detailing events, dialogues, and visual effects. This visual script helps you see the big picture before diving into production.
Use Sound to Generate Excitement
Sound effects and voice-overs are the secret sauce that adds excitement and drama to your trailer. Alongside stunning visuals, sound elements—background music, sound effects, voice-overs—breathe life into your story, making it resonate with viewers.
Work with an Expert Team
You’ve got the process down, but developing the game is a Herculean task in itself. Adding trailer production to your to-do list might be a stretch. That’s where a video game creative agency like WAYPOINT comes in.
Our team at WAYPOINT excels in 3D modeling, rigging, and animating static key art, bringing your vision to life. We also capture gameplay to vividly illustrate game mechanics, giving you a treasure trove of material for editing. Let the experts handle it and watch your game trailer shine!
Learn more about the entire process and get recommendations from our WAYPOINT experts here.
