How to Create a Game Trailer: Tips for Indie Developers

Contents:

• Capturing Game Fragments
• What You Need to Know Before Editing
• Editing and Order of Fragment Distribution
• Game Categories in the Context of Trailer Presentation
• How Do You Know if Your Trailer Is Successful?
• Final Recommendations

Trailers are one of the most effective marketing tools in the gaming industry. Creating a high-quality trailer often requires the participation of entire teams of professionals, especially in the AAA segment. However, if the budget is limited, there are several ways to create a memorable video that will attract the audience's attention. It is important to focus on the key elements of the game, such as unique gameplay, a gripping story, and visuals. Effective use of music and sound effects can also significantly enhance the trailer's impact. In addition, it is worth paying attention to creating an emotional connection with potential players so that the video generates interest and a desire to learn more about the project.

During the gamedev.world online conference, held on December 9-10, 2023 on the Twitch platform, trailer producer Derek Liu gave a presentation on how indie developers can create an effective trailer for their game and avoid common mistakes. Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team shares key points from the specialist's presentation.

The speaker has significant experience in his field and is an expert in the topic that will be discussed. His professional work covers many aspects, including the practical application of knowledge and participation in various projects. The speaker actively shares his experience and knowledge at events, conferences, and seminars, making him a valuable source of information for listeners. His approach to teaching and sharing experiences promotes a deep understanding of the topics discussed and helps participants apply their acquired knowledge in practice.

Derek Lieu has been creating video game trailers for eight years. Before founding his studio, Derek Lieu Creative, he worked in video editing for 15 years. His portfolio includes trailers for such famous games as Sifu, Half-Life: Alyx, Spelunky 2, Sea of ​​Stars, The Almost Gone, Among Us, The Long Dark, Firewatch, Subnautica, and many others. Derek's experience in video editing and his creative approach make his work attractive and effective for promoting games.

There are many types of trailers, each serving its own purpose. This could be a project announcement, a gameplay demo, launch information, or a story overview. For indie projects, a single trailer is often sufficient, especially on limited budgets. Such a trailer should convey the essence of the game and be suitable for the Steam page. Creating a trailer doesn't require extensive video editing skills. The key is to convey the key moments and atmosphere of the game to attract the attention of potential players. A well-written trailer can significantly increase interest in your project and improve its visibility on the platform.

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Capture Game Fragments

Derek recommends using specialized programs to capture gameplay fragments. These tools allow you to effectively record gameplay and save high-quality video footage. Choosing the right software will not only help you save important moments but also improve the quality of content for further editing or publishing. The choice of programs depends on your needs and the capabilities of the system you play on. Using high-quality software for capturing video from games can significantly increase the attractiveness of your content and improve interaction with your audience.

• NVIDIA ShadowPlay - for NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards.
• Radeon ReLive - for AMD Radeon graphics cards.
• OBS is a universal option.

All of the listed screen capture tools are free. However, for more convenient and functional use, we recommend considering the paid Action! program. The current price for a commercial license is $33.

Before choosing recording software, it's important to pay attention to the settings and check several key parameters. This will help ensure optimal recording quality and prevent potential issues during the process. Settings may include file format selection, volume level, and microphone and headphone settings. Carefully checking these items will ensure a higher-quality result and simplify further work with the recorded material.

For successful screen recording, it is recommended to disable the operating system cursor in the capture program. In OBS and Action!, this can be done through the corresponding settings. In Radeon ReLive, the cursor is disabled automatically when recording full-screen applications from the library. In Nvidia ShadowPlay, hiding the cursor requires additional steps. Disabling the cursor will improve the quality of your recordings and make them more professional, which is especially important when creating training videos and streams.

When setting the bitrate, it is important to consider the video resolution. To achieve good quality, you should set a minimum of 10 Mbps. The optimal value for 1080p video is around 20 Mbps, and for 4K resolution, a bitrate of around 50 Mbps is recommended. Choosing the right bitrate ensures clarity and high image quality, which is key to successful content perception.

Set up the replay function in hotkeys to quickly save the last 30 seconds of gameplay or another time interval of your choice. This greatly simplifies the process of selecting exciting moments from the game, since you do not have to record lengthy video footage and then search through it for interesting frames. The replay function is available in all of the previously mentioned applications, but its name may differ depending on the software used.

• OBS - Start a replay (Replay Buffer).
• ShadowPlay - Instant replay (Replay).
• ReLive - Instant Replay.
• Action! — Time-Shift.

When capturing gameplay footage, it's important to consider a few key recommendations to achieve the best recording quality. First, ensure you have sufficient system resources: your processor and graphics card should be powerful enough to avoid impacting game performance while recording. Second, choose suitable video capture software that supports high resolutions and frame rates. Third, adjust recording settings, including bitrate and codec, to achieve the optimal balance between quality and file size. Finally, it's recommended to conduct test recordings to fine-tune the settings and ensure the captured content meets your expectations. These tips will help you create high-quality and engaging footage from your gaming sessions.

Before recording gameplay, be sure to disable music in the game menu settings. Otherwise, you won't be able to record sound effects and dialogue without unwanted overlays. Music should be added to the footage separately during the editing process. This will ensure clear audio and improve the quality of your content.

Record as much interesting content as possible throughout the gameplay. This labor-intensive process requires a significant amount of time, which can be critical if the developer is doing it themselves. However, having memorable moments at various stages of the game will be extremely beneficial. This will not only improve the quality of the content but also make it more appealing to the audience, which in turn can positively impact search engine visibility.

Keep in mind that the gameplay of certain games may seem less spectacular, and this does not make them bad. However, to draw attention to the uniqueness of your project and convince potential buyers of its value, it is necessary to pay special attention to the editing. High-quality video editing can highlight the strengths of the game, demonstrate its features, and engage the audience. Creating compelling content will help you stand out from the competition and generate interest in your project.

What You Need to Know Before Editing

Before editing, it's important to remember that visual presentation takes precedence over style. Derek emphasizes that one common mistake clients make is trying to create a trailer that adheres to film industry conventions. For example, many start with a logo and title card stating "Studio N presents...." However, such elements are meaningless if the developer and their project aren't known to a wide audience. Furthermore, following this structure can take up too much time at the beginning of the video, which can be off-putting to viewers. They are primarily interested in the gameplay and graphics and are more likely to skip to the middle of the video. Therefore, it's important to focus on content that will attract and hold the attention of potential players from the very first seconds.

Many developers believe that a trailer must include voiceovers or title cards. However, before making this decision, it's worth considering the necessity of such elements for your project. Perhaps the essence of gameplay can be conveyed without the use of additional editing techniques. This can allow you to focus on the gameplay itself and draw the audience's attention to the unique features of your game. It's important to remember that a trailer should be informative and engaging to most effectively convey the essence of your project to viewers.

Ultimately, developers create trailers for a potential audience, not for themselves. Therefore, it's important to use only those techniques that clearly demonstrate the idea of ​​the game. The faster you can convey the main information, the more effectively you will attract the attention of even those who initially did not plan to be interested in your game. This will expand your audience and increase the chances of successful sales.

We present a list of the most common questions that viewers often have while watching a game. A trailer should provide answers to these questions to increase audience interest and engagement.

A game belongs to a specific genre, which determines its core mechanics and gameplay style. Genres can range from action and adventure to role-playing and strategy. Understanding a game's genre helps players better navigate its features and choose games that match their interests and preferences. Each genre has its own unique characteristics and attracts a specific audience. Therefore, it is important to know the genre of a game to assess its potential and appeal.

A game's uniqueness lies in the features that distinguish it from similar offerings. This could include an original design, high-quality materials, unique features, or innovative technologies. Every detail is thought through to create a unique user experience. These differences make the product not only attractive but also functional, allowing it to more effectively meet the needs of the target audience. Thus, it becomes not just another option on the market, but a truly valuable proposition for consumers.

It attracts attention due to its uniqueness and relevance in the modern context. This aspect attracts interest from a wide audience, as it offers new perspectives and ideas. Its value lies in its ability to inspire and provoke thought, making it important for discussion and study. It can become a starting point for in-depth research and analysis, opening new horizons for understanding and perception. Thus, its importance and relevance make it a subject of discussion and research in various fields.

The player will face a variety of challenges that will test their skills, strategic thinking, and ability to adapt to changing conditions. These challenges can range from complex puzzles and combat missions to team battles and exploration quests. Each stage of the game requires the player not only to react quickly but also to make informed decisions, which makes the gameplay more engaging and intense. Successfully overcoming challenges not only brings pleasure but also opens up new opportunities for character development and unique rewards.

The goal of the game is to achieve a certain result, which depends on its type and mechanics. Typically, players aim to score the maximum score, complete a level, or complete specific tasks. The length of the game varies depending on its format. Some games can last only a few minutes, while others require players several hours or even days to reach the end. It is important to keep in mind that the duration can also depend on the player's skill level and the chosen strategy.

What is this thing called and where can I find it?

Editing and arranging fragments

For video editing, Derek recommends using the free program DaVinci Resolve, which offers a wide range of tools and features for professional video editing. He also mentions Adobe Premiere Pro, available with a subscription, as another powerful tool for creating high-quality content. Both applications are suitable for both beginners and experienced users, providing high-quality work and plenty of opportunities for creative expression.

Note: This text may be used for SEO purposes. It is important to consider keywords and phrases related to the topic to increase visibility in search engines. It is also important to pay attention to the structure and readability of the text to ensure the information is accessible and understandable for users. Make sure the text answers key questions and provides valuable information, which helps increase user time on the page.

You can learn the features of video editors on the YouTube platform. The basics of working with DaVinci Resolve are covered in detail in the playlist of the channel Casey Faris, and Premiere Pro is covered in a series of tutorials by Valentina Vee. These resources will help you better understand the capabilities of the programs and master them for creating high-quality video content.

Before you begin editing the video in the editor, we recommend creating placeholder blocks on the timeline with brief descriptions of the content that will be presented in the trailer. In addition to descriptions, it is a good idea to include related questions. As you edit, these placeholders can be gradually filled with clips from the game, which will allow you to organize the editing more efficiently and improve the end result.

Derek recommends organizing the content in the following order:

• 5% - Definition of the game genre.
• 40% - How this game is different from others.
• 40% - Why it is interesting or worthwhile and what challenges the player will face.
• 14% - The goal and length of the game. You can also add fragments demonstrating various skills, power-ups, and character equipment options here.

A note is an important element used to clarify, supplement, or clarify information in the text. It allows readers to better understand the context and meaning of the information presented. Notes can occur in many forms, from footnotes in academic papers to commentary in literary works. Their use contributes to a deeper understanding of the material and helps avoid misunderstandings. Properly formatted notes enhance the quality of the text and make it more informative. It's important to remember that notes should be relevant and on-topic so as not to distract the reader from the main content.

If cosmetic items don't affect gameplay, the trailer should focus on gameplay moments. In this case, footage of such items can be excluded, as the main goal is to demonstrate the gameplay experience.

• 1% - the name of the game and how to find it. This includes the final frames with the project logo, call to action (e.g. "Add to wishlist"), and logos of supported platforms.

Note:

This text contains important information that should be considered. Please pay attention to key points, as they may affect the further perception and use of the presented data. It is necessary to carefully read the content and take into account all the nuances to avoid misunderstandings. If you have questions or need additional information, we recommend contacting experts in the field. This will help you use the provided materials more effectively and avoid errors.

If your game is announced on multiple platforms, it is important to follow established standards when placing console logos. We recommend familiarizing yourself with these requirements on Derek's website to ensure correct display and compliance with branding standards. This will help avoid licensing issues and maintain a professional image of your project.

Gameplay at the beginning of the game may seem slow and not very exciting to players due to the gradual increase in dynamics. To attract attention and increase interest in the game, we recommend using a trailer with a three-act structure. Before publishing it on social media or a Steam page, you can add a six-second teaser, which includes bright and dynamic moments from the gameplay. This will help build anticipation and generate interest in the project.

Music plays a key role in creating the atmosphere of a video. At the beginning of the video, the composition should build tension, gradually increasing the tempo and reaching a climax at the end. If the game already has a high-quality soundtrack, this significantly simplifies the task. It is not recommended to use tracks intended for background accompaniment, as this can make the trailer monotonous and repetitive. Instead, consider modifying the existing soundtrack, adding vibrant sound accents to enhance the dynamics and attract viewers' attention. The right music will not only enhance the perception of the video, but also help create a unique atmosphere that promotes your product.

Game Categories in the Context of Trailer Presentation

Trailer content depends on the game's features and requires a unique approach. If a game has spectacular elements and a high-quality musical score, creating an engaging visual experience becomes a relatively simple process. However, if these factors are insufficient, other ways to attract attention to the project must be found. It is important to emphasize key game features, such as the plot, characters, and gameplay, to engage potential players. Effective presentation of information in a trailer can significantly increase audience interest and contribute to the successful promotion of the game.

A developer must first define their game's category. Is it innovative with unique mechanics, or does it develop an existing genre with an original approach? Will the plot be a key element of the trailer, or will its essence only become clear after playing the game? For convenience, Derek categorizes games into four types.

Games such as Papers, Please, Unpacking, Superhot, Portal, Card Shark, and Baby Steps are unique examples of interactive art. Each of these games offers players an original gaming experience, combining engaging gameplay with deep themes and innovative design.

Papers, Please immerses players in a world of bureaucracy, where difficult decisions must be made that affect people's destinies. Unpacking offers a relaxing process of unpacking and organizing, allowing players to explore the character's story through objects. Superhot stands out for its unique time mechanism, where time moves only when the player moves, creating a captivating strategy experience.

Portal is a classic puzzle game that uses portals to solve problems and progress through levels, making it one of the most popular games in the genre. Card Shark offers players a unique take on card games, where deception and strategy are key elements. Baby Steps, meanwhile, showcases physics and interaction in gameplay, offering players hilarious and sometimes challenging situations.

These games are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking about social and psychological aspects, raising important questions. They exemplify how video games can be more than just entertainment, but also a means for self-expression and critical understanding of the world around us.

When a game offers unique and unusual gameplay that may be unfamiliar or unknown to the target audience, it is important to clearly communicate the essence of the new mechanics in the trailer. For example, in the simulator Papers, Please, the player must work with documents and add stamps. Without a visual representation of this process, it is difficult to understand how exactly it is implemented and how engaging it can be. Therefore, the videos of such games emphasize fragments of gameplay, demonstrating interactive elements, the mouse cursor, and character control. This allows potential players to better understand the uniqueness and appeal of the gameplay, which in turn can increase interest in the game.

To prevent the trailer from appearing monotonous due to a lack of dynamism, it is important to focus on the core game mechanics. It is necessary to highlight the key processes that players will regularly repeat during the game. After this, it is worth introducing elements with more complex tasks and challenges. An example of this approach is the trailer for Papers, Please, which effectively demonstrates the progression and variety of gameplay.

The gameplay may seem simple at first glance, but over time and as the documentation is verified, more and more interesting nuances are revealed, creating a tense atmosphere. The key to a successful trailer for such games is skillful use of timing, when it is worth showing more difficult challenges to avoid a boring perception of the gameplay. It is important to avoid abrupt transitions, as this can confuse the viewer and make it difficult to understand what is happening on the screen. The right combination of simplicity and complexity allows you to hold the audience's attention and emphasizes the dynamics of the gameplay.

Hollow Knight, Loot River, The Wandering Village, Skate Story and Moonstone Island are bright representatives of indie games that attract attention with their unique concepts and gameplay mechanics. Hollow Knight immerses players in a captivating world with platformer and RPG elements, offering engaging exploration and challenging combat. Loot River combines roguelike and puzzle elements, allowing players to manipulate locations to achieve objectives. The Wandering Village simulates village building on the back of a giant creature, creating engaging tactical challenges. Skate Story offers a unique take on skateboarding, combining art and sport in a single game. Moonstone Island immerses players in island adventures with exploration and crafting elements, appealing to those seeking creative solutions. These games showcase the diversity of genres and approaches within the indie industry, offering players unique experiences and new gameplay mechanics. Despite their connections to popular genres, Metroidvania games always possess a unique element that significantly impacts the experience and demands attention. For example, Hollow Knight and Haiku, the Robot belong to the same genre, but each offers a distinct approach and atmosphere that sets them apart from similar titles. These differences not only enrich the gameplay experience but also make each game memorable for players.

In game trailers, it's important to quickly define the genre, preferably in the first five seconds. This allows viewers to immediately get an idea of ​​the game's gameplay features and atmosphere. A clear definition of the genre helps attract the target audience and increases interest in the project.

It's important to clearly demonstrate how the current project differs from other games in its genre. Explaining the essence of the genre in a trailer is impractical, as the audience is already familiar with its basics. Instead, focus on highlighting the unique aspects of your project. Show key fragments that highlight features of the gameplay, graphics, or storylines. This will allow potential players to see what makes your game unique and appealing and will also help you stand out from the competition.

Unusual gameplay mechanics, a gripping story, a unique visual style, and high-quality sound design can be the key to a successful project. The combination of these key features makes the game truly engaging for players. As the game progresses toward the end, the sequences should become increasingly dynamic to maintain attention and build tension.

Game moments can be enhanced with title cards that highlight key aspects of gameplay. For example, "Explore the vast world," "Use powerful power-ups," "Fight enemies," "Unlock various weapons," and "Battle bosses." These cards help players better understand the game's features and draw their attention to important elements, improving overall engagement and interest in the gameplay.

Firewatch offers a unique, immersive wilderness experience and an intriguing story. Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical combines role-playing elements with musical aspects to create an engaging gaming adventure. Cart Life focuses on time and resource management, offering players a glimpse into the lives of street vendors. Venba immerses players in the world of Indian cuisine, combining culinary elements with emotional storytelling. We Are OFK is a compelling music project that explores the lives of young artists. Spiritfarer invites players to become a guide of souls, exploring themes of life and death in a magnificent world. These games stand out not only for their original approach to gameplay but also for their deep stories that leave a lasting impression. In these projects, the plot and overall message become key features that draw viewers into the game. Although gameplay mechanics play a less prominent role, it is important to immediately identify the genre in trailers for story-driven games, as in the previous categories. This is essential, as the narrative relies heavily on gameplay mechanics, which influences audience perception and interest. Defining a game's genre helps players quickly understand what to expect from the game and how it fits their preferences.

A trailer should establish the key idea of ​​the plot and provide answers to important questions through the footage.

• What is happening in the world?
• What situation are the characters in?
• What problem are they trying to solve?
• What obstacles do they face?

Creating a video game trailer is a challenging task that requires attention to both the story and the gameplay. It is important to focus on the most vivid and clear fragments of the story, avoiding random snippets of dialogue. All character lines should be logically connected so that viewers can grasp the main idea. It is important to avoid revealing the entire plot to avoid spoilers. For example, when developing the trailer for Firewatch, Derek emphasized the game's key theme of isolation, reflecting it in the dialogue, while leaving the main plot elements hidden. This not only attracts attention to the game, but also maintains intrigue for future players.

To further develop the storyline, gameplay footage and dialogue need to build dramatic tension. As the video approaches the end, emotionally charged moments should become more intense, while avoiding abrupt transitions. For example, in the attached trailer, the tone is initially light: we hear funny conversations over the radio and see the game's picturesque locations. However, towards the end, the plot takes a tense turn when someone cuts the wires and infiltrates the observation tower. This plot structure effectively holds the viewer's attention and builds anticipation for the ending.

Games such as Vampire Survivors, Among Us, Knights of San Francisco, Dwarf Fortress, and Mask of the Rose, as well as visual novels, are gaining popularity among players thanks to their unique mechanics and engaging stories. These games offer a diverse gaming experience that appeals to different audiences. Vampire Survivors offers exciting roguelike gameplay, while Among Us focuses on social interaction and deduction. Knights of San Francisco combines adventure and strategy elements, and Dwarf Fortress is known for its deep simulation and complexity. Mask of the Rose represents an interesting approach to visual novels, offering players engaging stories and choices that influence the development of the plot. Visual novels, in turn, have gained popularity due to their ability to immerse players in captivating narratives. These games not only entertain but also serve as platforms for creative expression.

The last category includes games whose essence and uniqueness may not be obvious even from gameplay snippets. For example, visual novels are static works, and it's difficult to convey their merits in a trailer with slides and brief lines. This makes it difficult to emphasize a compelling story. Games with an abstract visual style can also be difficult to comprehend, and players may not understand what's happening on screen. Some key mechanics require detailed explanation, which takes up a lot of time and space in the trailer. Creating trailers for such projects is a complex task, as it requires advanced editing skills and a creative approach.

To enhance the audience's experience, it's recommended to include certain elements in the video footage. These could include animations that demonstrate key mechanics and gameplay features. It's also worth adding text cues explaining goals and objectives, animated scene transitions to create dynamism and engagement, and visual effects that highlight important moments. Including these elements will help viewers better understand the game's concept and its unique features, which in turn will increase interest and engagement.

• Title cards describing the player's key actions. They should be concise and succinct. For example, at the very beginning of the Vampire Survivors gameplay trailer, you can see the phrase "Be the Bullet Hell."
• Voiceovers with a detailed explanation of the game's mechanics. It can be used in conjunction with title cards.
• A dense montage (aggressive editing) of gameplay fragments that compensates for the overall static nature of the game: demonstrating characters, objects, locations, or striking shots of the game without spoilers. You can also use zooming in or slowing down individual segments to give the viewer time to notice certain details.

How do you know if a trailer is successful?

First, it's important to show your work to other people: friends, acquaintances, and anyone who can objectively evaluate your work. If you have the opportunity to review the final material with them, it will help you look at your editing from a new perspective. You will be able to spot flaws that require correction and eliminate them before the final version. This approach will not only improve the quality of your work, but also provide an opportunity to gain valuable advice and ideas for future projects.

Another effective verification method is to analyze the trailer frame by frame. Write down all the information that each fragment should convey and try to voice it. This approach will help identify key points and improve the perception of the material.

Every word you read should sound like a compelling verbal pitch for the game. The key to success is to present the information in the trailer in a structured manner. This will help the viewer immediately grasp the essence of your message. A clear presentation of information attracts attention and allows for a better understanding of the game's concept. Make sure your text includes key elements such as plot, characters, and unique features to create a complete picture of the project.

Derek gives an interesting example that illustrates important aspects of the topic. He demonstrates how certain factors influence the situation and emphasizes the need for careful analysis. This example serves as a visual aid that helps deepen understanding of the subject matter and identify key points. Using this approach, you can solve problems more effectively and make informed decisions.

Spelunky is a unique game in which players use a jetpack to rob stores, escape ghosts, and search for treasure. Each level is randomly generated, making every game unique. Players will battle the god Olmec, fight bats with a whip, and use bombs and ropes to overcome obstacles. The game also offers the ability to purchase various items. Spelunky combines elements of a side-scrolling platformer, providing players with an exciting and dynamic gameplay experience.

While elements are arranged in a haphazard manner, information could be presented in a more structured and sequential manner. This will improve the perception and comprehension of the content. Proper organization of data promotes more effective information absorption and increases reader interest. Optimizing text for SEO is also important, as it helps attract more users and improves visibility in search engines. Ensure keywords and phrases flow naturally into the text to keep it readable and informative.

Spelunky is a unique side-scrolling platformer where levels are randomly generated each time you play. At the beginning of the adventure, your character has only a whip to fight enemies, three bombs, and three ropes. Players can purchase various items, such as a jetpack, or take a risk and attempt to rob a local merchant. The main goal is to collect as much treasure as possible and avoid encounters with a ghost that appears if you linger too long in a level. The goal of the game is to defeat the Olmec god and survive this dangerous and exciting world. Spelunky offers players an engaging experience that combines elements of strategy, risk, and chance, making each game unique.

The structure of trailer segments is as important as the structure of a spoken or written presentation. The key to a trailer is its use of visual content, sound effects, music, and editing to effectively communicate with the viewer. It's important to think of your audience as a potential partner to whom you plan to demonstrate your game. The trailer you create should reflect the key ideas of your pitch, ensuring clarity and appeal. A well-structured trailer will help attract attention and interest from potential partners, which is critical to the successful promotion of your project.

Final Recommendations

A short trailer is perfectly acceptable. The optimal length of a video sequence is around 60-90 seconds. If your trailer is shorter than this, avoid artificially inflating its length by adding repeated scenes from the same locations. Too many repetitive fragments can reduce interest in your project and create the impression that the game has less content. Instead, focus on making each moment of the trailer unique and memorable, emphasizing the key features and atmosphere of your game. This will help grab the viewers' attention and leave them with a positive impression.

Don't try to fit all the information about the game into the trailer. Choose three key features that truly make your project stand out, and make sure they're unique and compelling. For example, Untitled Goose Game isn't memorable for its stealth mechanics, the number of levels, or NPC interactions, but for the fact that the player takes on the role of a seemingly harmless goose actively causing chaos around itself. This creates an interesting contrast and draws attention, making the game memorable.

Focus on core gameplay mechanics rather than briefly showing off all the key features. If an important feature appears only once in a trailer, viewers may not remember it. Reintroduce interesting mechanics, but limit each to three. This will increase the likelihood that viewers will remember and be interested in your product.

If you're having trouble choosing highlights for your trailer, refer to the feature pyramid shown in the image below. Even if the opening section of the video ends up being too long, following this diagram will help you identify key moments that highlight the game's strengths and determine which shots can be cut. This will help create a more dynamic and engaging trailer that will grab your audience's attention and effectively present your product.

References for creating your future trailer can be found in Derek's spreadsheet. This is an extensive database of trailers for various games, which is constantly updated. Here you can find a suitable example for any purpose and budget. However, it is important to remember that the more spectacular and large-scale your content is, the more resources it will require. Therefore, if you are just starting out in game development, it is worth postponing the creation of trailers in the style of Hades 2 or Elden Ring until a later stage.

Remember that your main goal is to show off the game and its essence, not to demonstrate your video editing skills. Focus on what makes the game unique and convey its atmosphere, mechanics, and features. This will help viewers better understand what exactly makes a game interesting and attractive.