Looking at our latest game, 'Rocket Road!' - I will take you behind the scenes, focussing specifically on the game design process. Although, it may seem like backwards thinking to start by showing the trailer for the game (considering it is part of the creative design process), it is important to provide some context for those who haven't directly been 'hands on' with the game.
(Contains flashing images)
Creating a 'Game Trailer'
As well as designing games, I enjoy crafting creative content, such as the above game trailer. In due course, I will discuss and provide examples for other types of creative content (Part 4), such as app icons, app screenshots and videos for advertising.
As a game designer, it is important to not only create exciting, entertaining and quality games - it was also vital to be able to demonstrate these things to the end user. This can be accomplished in multiple ways (static images, game trailers, creative videos for advertising etc).
Assessing how a game will be perceived by a user, is an essential ingredient when I optimise game development. In the field of 'hyper casual' game design, simplistic game mechanics are received well by the end user (e.g. a swipe or tap). If the game mechanic is complex, it becomes more challenging to demonstrate this to the user via traditional means of video production. This will be discussed in greater detail in part... looking closely at advertising.
Why should I create a trailer for my game?
The simple answer to this is: a trailer is not always needed.
Although it may come as a surprise to hear that I really enjoy creating such content, having a game trailer can be very useful depending on the path you choose to go down. Whether this be pitching to a publisher, an investor, or just getting people's attention on social media.
A trailer can help display a level of professionalism whilst also giving the end user a 'sneak peak' into your game's content.
After all, why should someone download your game?
Sure, you may have spent a long time developing the game - not to mention the countless number of hours/days you spend fixing bugs - but why does your app icon deserve to take up real estate on someone's device?
It is important you ask yourself these questions throughout the game development process.
Making a game trailer
There is a surplus of video editing software on the internet. However, I used both iMovie (if you are one of God's chosen ones with a Mac) and HitFilm Express. Both are free. HitFilm is available on both MacOS and Windows.
I will not be taking you through the entire process regarding creating a game trailer - it is a very personal process, I may also have to increase my website hosting plan. However, I will take you through my thought process when I create such content.
1) Entertaining/Exciting gameplay - It's an obvious one, but who wants to sit through boring/tedious gameplay. I pick scenes which demonstrate how fun the game really is - can you buy new characters? Does the game get harder as you progress? Why not show gameplay where you complete a hard level?
2) Music - Simple. I choose music which will engage the user. For example, I picked a track which I knew people would enjoy listening to. I also knew I could time the cut scenes/transitions with the beat.
This leads me onto the the next point:
3) Satisfying - This can be accomplished in various ways. Whether the cut scenes are in time with the music, or the gameplay itself is satisfying to watch. This will increase the likelihood of your audience watching through to the end.
4) Think about the type of reaction you want to receive - Do you want the user to be blown away by your supreme editing skills, well, yes - but the end goal is to get the user excited about playing my game. Can they compete with their friends? Does the game look simple enough to pick up & play straight away? Is it a good looking game? If so, it is a good idea to show it off!
5) Get creative! - There are various ways you can show off the features in your game. You could make it look as professional as possible, you could include some humour. I tend to appeal to the demographic my game is aimed at.
KEY POINT:
Leave them wanting more - this is the whole point of a trailer.
Thanks for reading!
If you have any questions or require further information, please email me at: rocketfuelgames@gmail.com
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