Game Trailers: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Successful Marketing
Game trailers, nay, trailers, are one of the most impactful marketing tools in the digital world. A world dominated by social media platforms and the sheer amount of time - millions of users spend on popular video hosting sites such as YouTube and Twitch.
Why simply look at the trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home – it racked up nearly 350 million views within a single day! And in the video game industry, if the current gaming trends hold water, then you can rest assured that game trailers are equally important. Including companies and developers looking to boost their game’s marketing campaign.
For the video game community, game trailers make up a large part of which game the users will choose to buy or even continue to play. As per a survey by Google, 60% of gamers watch trailers of the games they would like to purchase. It doesn’t matter if it’s one of the upcoming games or if it has already been released in the market.
They keep tabs on sites like YouTube just to discover new gaming titles. And rely on the various trailers they watch to get informed about what they want to play.
Video Game Showcase: Types of Game Trailers and Aspects
Trailers are like mini-movies for video games. They play a role, in showcasing captivating visuals, impressive soundtracks, gameplay mechanics and the narrative it unfolds.
When individuals come across these trailers they become enthused and intrigued by the game igniting a desire to experience it firsthand. For instance, Nielsen Holdings found in a study that nearly 75% of gamers watch video content online from within the gaming industry. Of that, the most popular content was video game trailers.
Here are some of the different aspects or types of game trailers that we see in a showcase:
Gameplay
A game trailer that highlights the gameplay gives you a glimpse, into the gaming experience. It provides a representation of how the game will appear and feel when you're playing it. You'll witness the movements of the characters maneuvers you can execute and breathtaking locations to explore.
Sometimes game developers may even explicitly state in the trailer whether what you're seeing is gameplay or scripted sequences. Nevertheless, trailers do have a role in showcasing the gameplay as a whole. It's akin, to watching a video that allows you to get a taste of the game before diving into it!
Game Story
Game trailers that focus on the storytelling in video games, give you a glimpse of the game's exciting and captivating story. They are similar to movie previews but for video games.
In this preview you are presented with glimpses and indications of the characters exciting journeys the obstacles they will face and the enigmas they are set to unravel.
This trailer has been crafted to pique your curiosity and ignite your eagerness to delve into the game uncovering the captivating events that lie ahead. If you have a fondness, for narratives this teaser will certainly capture your interest and entice you to embark on a gaming journey immersing yourself fully in the storyline.
"Are you also eager to develop your own game? Let's embark on this journey together and bring your creative vision to fruition."
Game Features
Features are the special and interesting things that make a game stand out and differ from others. Consider these as capabilities or extraordinary attributes that a game possesses.
For instance, a game could feature a mode allowing you to form alliances with friends for the purpose of battling formidable creatures.
Or it could allow you to customize your character's appearance, like changing their hairstyle, clothes, or armor. These features are designed to create a fun pleasurable gaming experience. They are crucial, in making a game appealing and attracting players who seek a fresh and thrilling gaming adventure.
Graphics and Visuals
You'll notice how realistic and stunning everything appears when you see game trailers that focus on graphics and visuals. The 3D character animation, colors, textures, and shadows all work together to create a fantastic and immersive world.
That’s because game developers use advanced technology and artistry to make the graphics as eye-catching as possible. Rest assured, nothing is as exciting as rotoscoping in 2D animation, but when potential players see these amazing visuals in the trailer, they get excited and intrigued.
It makes them want to experience the game themselves, and they expect to be wowed by the same stunning visual experience when they play.
Music and Sound
When you play a game, you see what's happening on the screen and hear the sounds that go along with it. Music and sound play a role, in bringing the game to life and setting the desired mood or atmosphere.
As you watch the trailer, the music, and sound effects you hear are carefully chosen to give you a sense of what the game will be like. They are meant to draw you into the game's world and make you feel like you are part of the action.
A crafted game trailer can have an impact, on its success. It has the ability to attract buyers by showcasing the fun and awe-inspiring aspects of the game.
Moreover, a captivating trailer can make the game gain popularity within the gaming community sparking conversations, among players and encouraging them to share it with their friends.
And that’s why they are super important when it comes to game marketing strategies. It helps generate buzz and hype about the title and reaches many people. Sometimes even those who may not have heard about it before!
Marketing and Hype: Promotional Video Game Trailers
As per a report published by Statista, the global video game market is expected to reach $522 billion by 2027. Presently there are over 3 billion individuals who actively participate in the gaming community. It's worth noting that two-thirds of gamers prefer to watch game trailers before making a purchase decision.
Consequently, it comes as no surprise that game trailers hold importance as marketing tools and vital components of 3D game development. Let's delve into some reasons, behind this significance:
• It's all about the Buzz
A crafted trailer, for a PC game or even trailers for games has the potential to generate buzz and excitement for the upcoming title. It provides a glimpse, into the game's content. Sparks curiosity, motivating players to delve and consider making a purchase.
• What the game’s saying
Game trailers serve as showcases of a games elements. They provide developers with an opportunity to showcase gameplay mechanics, graphics, and unique features that make the game stand out.
That’s why watching a trailer is much more exciting and understandable than reading long descriptions about the game. They are a fantastic way for developers to communicate the important bits to the players.
• Soaring to new audiences
Videos, especially on YouTube, have a big chance of becoming popular and spreading quickly to many people. When a trailer becomes viral, it reaches many more viewers than just the gaming community.
In effect, a captivating game trailer can be so interesting that it gets shared a lot. And not just among gamers but also with people who might not usually play games or were just searching for something innocuous like 3D animation tips and happened to stumble on the content.
• Setting the tone for players
Whether a game is full of action and excitement, a scary and thrilling horror atmosphere, or a touching story that warms the heart, game trailers give players a taste of what to expect.
The scenes and music are carefully chosen to create the right atmosphere and emotions. And it helps players decide if the game is the type they would enjoy playing!
• Pre-orders and Early Sales
Often, trailers may also succeed in bringing in pre-orders, especially if their target audience is sold on the concept and the visual showcase. Pre-orders are good for developers and publishers because they get money in advance, even before the game is finished.
This early revenue can help with the game's development and marketing. Moreover, pre-orders provide insights into the level of anticipation, among gamers. They serve as an indicator of the game's popularity. Gauge the demand, within the gaming community and market.
• Coming back for more
For players who already love the game, game trailers for sequels or updates to the existing title can be reassuring and exciting. They see the developers working hard to make the game even better and more fun.
Also, it keeps them interested and eager to continue their gaming journey, especially if it’s multiplayer. At the same time, these trailers also attract new players who may not have tried the game before. When they see the improvements and fresh features, it makes them curious and interested in trying the game.
Pressing the ‘Play’ button on Success with Video Game Trailers
The gaming industry, from all angles and metrics, is booming. The revenues are increasing, the user base is skyrocketing, and new types of games, such as blockchain-based titles, are taking root owing to NFT game development.
As such, in a sea that’s saturated with old and new gaming titles, along with remasters and remakes, it is quite important to be able to stand out. And a well-crafted game trailer can make a significant difference in a game’s success, based on what we’ve learned here today.
At EDIIIE, we understand the impact game trailers can have on your project’s marketing success: What it takes to create a compelling and visually stunning showcase for your audience and fans of your brand’s content.
And you can count on our resourcefulness to plan ahead and engage creatively with your game’s overall campaign. So that you have an effective and engaging video game trailer in your arsenal that doesn’t necessarily break the bank!
