As game developers, we know that creating an engaging and memorable video game trailer is crucial for attracting players and generating buzz around our upcoming releases. In this article, I’ll explore the reasons behind why video game trailers are so effective in capturing players’ attention and driving sales.

1. Emotional Connection

One of the key reasons that video game trailers are so effective is because they create an emotional connection with the player. By showing off stunning visuals, epic music, and a hint of what the game entails, we can evoke emotions such as excitement, anticipation, and even nostalgia in our audience. This emotional connection helps to build a relationship between the player and the game, making them more likely to want to play it.

For example, the trailer for The Last of Us Part II was a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It showcased a young girl named Ellie, who is struggling to cope with the loss of her loved ones. As the trailer progresses, we see glimpses of what happened to Ellie and how she’s now seeking revenge against those who wronged her. The powerful music and imagery in the trailer created an intense emotional response in players, making them eager to experience the game for themselves.

2. Storytelling

Video game trailers are also effective because they allow us to tell a story. By giving players a glimpse into the world of our game and what it’s all about, we can create a sense of intrigue and curiosity that drives them to learn more. This storytelling approach can be especially effective for games with complex narratives or unique themes.

For example, the trailer for Life is Strange 2 was a great example of storytelling in action. It showed us what had happened to Max Caulfield since we last saw her in Life is Strange, and hinted at the mysterious events that were about to unfold. By giving players a taste of the story, we could generate interest and create a sense of anticipation for what was to come.

3. Gameplay Showcase

One of the most important aspects of a video game trailer is the gameplay showcase. By highlighting key features of the game, such as combat, exploration, or puzzle-solving, we can give players a sense of what they can expect when they play the game. This type of preview can be especially effective for games that have unique or innovative gameplay mechanics.

For example, the trailer for Spider-Man: Miles Morales was a great showcase of the game’s combat and web-slinging mechanics. It showed us how Miles uses his powers to fight off enemies, as well as how he can use his webs to navigate through the city. By highlighting these key features, we could generate excitement for the game and give players a sense of what they could expect when they played it.

4. Brand Building

Video game trailers are also an effective way to build brand awareness and recognition. By showcasing our game’s visual style, themes, and key features, we can establish a unique identity for our game that sets it apart from the competition. This type of branding can be especially important for smaller indie games that may not have as much recognition as larger studios.

For example, the trailer for Papers, Please was a great example of brand building in action. The game’s unique visual style and themes of moral dilemmas and government surveillance helped to establish it as a distinctive and thought-provoking experience. By showcasing these key features in the trailer, we could generate interest and build recognition for the game.

5. Call to Action

Finally, video game trailers are an effective way to drive sales and encourage players to pre-order our games.