One of the most effective game trailer marketing strategies is creating a game trailer. Let’s examine the various video formats for game trailers and check out a couple of other game trailer creative tips
Creating an engaging and playable video game is quite a feat. The next challenge is marketing your game. One of the most effective game trailer marketing strategies is creating a game trailer. Let’s examine the various video formats for game trailers and check out a couple of other game trailer creative tips.
Picking the right video format for your game trailer
Here are some common video formats for game trailers, with a look at where each may be the most effective.
- Announcement trailer – Announcement trailers introduce your game to prospective players. The trailer doesn’t need to go into a lot of details. Introduce the game, show a few cutscenes of the game in action, and present the release date. Keep it simple!
- Launch trailer – Your launch trailer expands the announcement trailer format, including more gameplay, positive feedback, and reviews, and includes information on how to buy the game right away.
- DLC release trailer – When your game evolves and you’ve got new scenarios, modes, and levels, it’s time for a DLC (downloadable content) trailer. Introduce the audience to the new game features, and include player and developer reactions and interviews. Your goal is to convince the player it’s time to upgrade.
Choosing content for your game trailer
Make your trailer visually engaging by using a variety of different types of content. Some types of content are well suited for particular types of trailers, while some are versatile enough to use in several trailer formats.
- Gameplay – Gameplay video can be one of the most compelling selling points for your game. Try to avoid lengthy gameplay sequences unless you have a particular point to make, for a DLC gameplay improvement for example.
- Animation – Gameplay is a type of animation of course, but in this case we’re referring to specifically created animated sequences created specifically for your trailer. These are best used for announcement and launch trailers, situations where you’ll be concentrating on presenting the game backstory and setting.
- Live action and interviews – Live action footage is unusual in game trailers, but it can be a good way to introduce your developers talking about game features or new DLC content.
- Voiceover – A professionally voiced voiceover track can be a compelling way to tie your trailer’s narrative flow together. Don’t skimp on this – be sure to employ professional voice talent and try several different approaches to find the one that’s most powerful.
- Text elements – The addition of text to your trailer can be an excellent way to emphasize certain points of your gameplay or information like release dates and reviews. Use sparingly, and be sure that the style of your text overlays matches the game’s style.
Enter and leave your trailer with a strong impression
All of the decisions you’ve made about your trailer will be for naught if you don’t capture the attention of your audience right away. Be sure you create an introduction that will grab the attention of your audience. Some useful strategies are to jump right into the gameplay if the audience is already familiar with the game concept or incorporate brief animated sequences to create a short set-up for the game trailer.
When your trailer is done, be sure you place a call to action at the end. Your viewers shouldn’t have any questions about when the game will be available and where they can get it at.
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