Creating Compelling VR Trailers: A Guide to XR Design Without Mixed Reality Capture

Let’s delve into the intriguing world of immersive design through our Inside XR Design series. Today, we’re diving into the art of crafting an engaging VR trailer using solely in-game footage. Forget about complicated setups and mixed reality equipment; it’s all about strategic planning and following a time-tested approach. Keep reading, because by the end, I’ll share a handy checklist of crucial technical factors to ensure your trailer really pops. Plus, there’s a trailer example that beautifully illustrates everything we’re about to discuss.

You can check out the full video below, or stay with me for the text version if you prefer reading.

Before we start, let’s make sure we’re clear on why trailers are so essential.

Here’s the bottom line: your trailer is what sells your game.

Creating an outstanding game is a fantastic achievement, but it won’t gain traction unless you effectively communicate why it’s worth playing. Many brilliant games fail simply because they’re not marketed well. In the world of game development, creating your game and marketing it should go hand in hand. If you spend years developing a game but rush the trailer in a few weeks, you’re not using your time in the best way possible.

So how do you craft a trailer that captivates audiences without the bells and whistles of mixed reality? Let’s discuss three straightforward lessons.

The Hook

Let’s start with the most crucial lesson: the hook. The hook is what makes your game unforgettable. It’s that one element that people see and instantly think, "I need to play that."

Whether it’s an intriguing combat system, an original art style, an innovative weapon, or a unique mechanic that sets your game apart, it’s your game’s trademark feature.

Your hook needs to stand out as uniquely fun or captivating compared to other games in the genre (which is why playing other games in your field is so important). A game without a hook doesn’t provide potential players a compelling reason to choose your game over another.

And here’s a fundamental point: for your trailer to effectively highlight a hook, your game must have one! If you’re unsure about your game’s hook, identifying it needs to be your priority long before trailer production.

Let’s examine Hellsweeper VR (2023) by Mixed Realms as an example. Watch the trailer and see if you can spot the hook:

So what’s the hook? If you guessed “distinctive combat,” you nailed it. Before any logos appear, you see a brief but impactful sequence of unique VR combat featuring players with fascinating weapons, powers, and dynamic movements.

The trailer consistently highlights this combat aspect, avoiding tedious storylines or abstract summaries. It’s all about displaying the hook, clearly conveying why players will love this game.

Show, Don’t Tell

This brings us to our next point: show, don’t tell. Exceptional trailers demonstrate what makes a game great rather than explaining it. This is even more vital for VR games—people need to visualize the excitement to understand why they should get into the headset in the first place.

Boneworks (2019) from Stress Level Zero executes this flawlessly by showcasing gameplay in a way that allows it to speak for itself. Let’s take a look:

The trailer strings together numerous unique in-game experiences, allowing potential players to imagine what it’ll be like diving into the game.

Story Structure

Which brings us to our third lesson: narrate a story.

Now, when I say "narrate a story," I’m not implying that you should explain the game’s plot.

The aim here is to convey to viewers what they’ll experience and feel while playing your game. That’s the story your trailer should share.

While you might be tempted to capture random gameplay footage and assemble it later, it’s more productive to pre-determine the key moments you want to showcase.

Decide not only on what scenes to include but also arrange them within a narrative framework. That means leading with an introduction, building up to a climax, and leaving viewers with a lasting impression.

This strategy is perfectly executed by Respawn Entertainment in their trailer for Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (2020). Notice how they meticulously curated and staged scenes to present a narrative about the player’s journey.

Continue on Page 2: Technical Checklist & Final Example »