How to Create Eye-Catching Game Trailers

So you’ve put your heart and soul into creating a fantastic game that’s super fun to play and looks amazing. Perhaps you’ve even used one of our OccaSoftware assets to make it even better?

Now that your game is ready, it’s time to spread the word out there and get people in your community excited about your latest project. One of the best ways to do that is by creating an engaging game trailer that you can share on social media and other platforms.

As indie game developers, we understand that the costs of making a great trailer can seem daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve put together some actionable tips to help you create a fantastic game trailer without burning through your budget.

1. Tailor your trailer to your objective

Your game trailer’s objective determines its format. Whether it’s an announcement, launch, or DLC release, align your trailer’s length, content, and call to action with your goals. Remember, the goal is to excite without giving away too much.

2. Diversify your content

To create a trailer that captures the attention of your audience, it’s important to incorporate visual variety. You can achieve this by blending different elements such as gameplay, cutscenes, animations, live-action, interviews, and text. Don’t hesitate to use live-action footage as it can be a unique and impactful choice that sets your trailer apart from others. With a combination of these elements, you can keep your audience engaged and interested in your content.

3. Create an engaging introduction

Those first few seconds count! Grab your audience’s attention by either starting with gameplay, a short animated introduction, interesting titles, or a detailed plot description. It’s important to understand your audience’s preferences to make a wise decision. You can also consider using a branded animation (bumper) to enhance the overall quality of the video without losing viewers’ attention.

4. Enhance gameplay

Add excitement to your gaming videos with zooms, freeze-frames, slow-motion, and lens effects. Professional editors are good at choreographing visuals to a catchy soundtrack, building intensity, pace, and rhythm. But, remember, moderation is key – don’t over do it.

5. Make it better with a soundtrack

It’s important to choose a soundtrack that matches your game’s theme. By synchronizing the music with your trailer, you can make the overall experience more enticing for your audience. So, make sure the music resonates with them. Additionally, incorporating sound effects can intensify the experience and make it even more engaging.

6. Double down on sound FX

Incorporating additional sound effects can make a significant difference. By adding low rumbles and impactful sounds to your media content, you can intensify the dramatic effect and keep your viewers engaged from start to finish. These sounds can also help to create a more immersive experience, making the content more memorable and enjoyable for your audience.

7. Optimize your trailer for different devices

Many viewers will watch your trailer on small screens, be it their phones or iPads. Use legible fonts, avoid static camera angles, and incorporate close-ups and panning to maintain engagement, even on smaller devices.

8. Organize your assets

When preparing for your game trailer, or any other creative project, it’s important to keep your assets organized so you can use them for a variety of purposes. These assets can include anything from gameplay footage, cutscenes, sprites, 3D models, layered files, game sound effects and music.

By grouping them in one location, you can easily access them and work on your project more efficiently and effectively.

9. Executing the final product

Now that you’ve answered key questions and organized your assets, it’s time to create your trailer. There are different ways to do this. You can choose a DIY pathways and edit the trailer yourself. You can also hire freelancers. Platforms like Fiverr or Videopixie are great places to find freelance video-makers at different budgets. Otherwise, you can also collaborate with a video production company if your budget allows. Whichever you choose, pick the approach that aligns with your vision and budget.

Conclusion

Crafting a game trailer is a separate art in itself. It lets people know about your project and when done strategically well, it doesn’t have to drain your resources. With your captivating trailer, you can attract your target audience and create excitement within your community, leaving them eagerly anticipating the release of your game project.