Why Game Trailers Need Sound Effects | Video Game Trailer Academy

With a few exceptions, game trailers are better when the sound effects are on, because it gives a better feel for the gameplay. Original blog post - The tl;dr: Sound effects are important to video game design, so it’s only natural to conclude they’re important to feature in the game’s trailers as well. They help flesh out the feel of a game, and can even help the viewer better see and understand the quick cut shots in the game’s trailer. Yes, working sound effects into a game trailer is extra work, and can be a detriment to a game trailer when done poorly, but to not even try to take advantage of them is to miss an opportunity to better represent the game in the trailer. Think of the sound effects as an additional musical score to the trailer, and/or a means to punctuate moments and lines of dialogue. When integrating sound effects, strip out any unnecessary sounds which aren’t related to the primary focus of a shot, and also make sure the sound effects aren’t stepping on any other elements or making them difficult to be heard. Video Chapters 00:00 - Why sound is important in games 01:17 - How sound effects make game trailers better 02:18 - Why working with sound effects is difficult 02:46 - When sound effects are poorly edited into a trailer 03:17 - Sound effects are an opportunity to flesh out the game 04:08 - Sound effects as score and trailer punctuation 04:50 - Tips for integrating sound effects into game trailers 06:50 - Final thoughts Trailers shown (in order of appearance) The Adventure Pals Launch Trailer - Dead Cells Brutal Update Trailer - The American Dream Launch Trailer - Half-Life: Alyx Reveal Trailer - Cybershadow Announce Trailer - Katana ZERO Therapy Session Session Trailer - Final Fantasy VII Remake Trailer E3 2019 - La Mulana 1 & 2 Hidden Treasures Edition Launch Trailer - Subnautica Launch Trailer - Way of the Passive Fist Launch Trailer - Battlefield V - Chapter 4 Defying the Odds Trailer - Battlefield V - Operation Underground Trailer - Cosmic Trip Launch Trailer - Firewatch June 2015 Trailer - Anarcute Launch Trailer - Dead Cells Release Date Trailer - Sea of Stars Summer of Games Trailer - Heaven’s Vault Story Trailer - Ooblets E3 Trailer - Neo Cab Story Trailer - Figment Launch Trailer - Starbear Taxi Launch Trailer - Links All Weapons (Sounds, Relaod Animation, Equipment) - The Last of Us Part II (PS4 Pro) 4K HDR - Maxell Tapes Over 500 Plays TV Commercial HD - — ABOUT ME Hi, I’m Derek Lieu and I’m a game trailer editor! I got my start in the movie trailer industry as an assistant editor at a house which produced trailers for: The Matrix Trilogy, Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean and many more. Over many years I worked as an editor and started making fan trailers for games, until eventually I got jobs at game trailer houses in Los Angeles where I worked on games like Mortal Kombat X, Shadow of Mordor and lots of LEGO games. Independently I’ve helped make trailers for games like: Half-Life: Alyx, Firewatch, Dead Cells, Subnautica, Spelunky 2, Ooblets and BattleBlock Theater. I’m using this channel to teach people about the art of making trailers via video essays, tutorials, reviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at my own work. I think about trailers a lot both for work and fun, so I have A LOT to say about them. #gametrailers #indiegametrailers #trailerediting Website: Twitter: Cats’ Instagram: #indiegametrailers #gametrailersound #gametrailerediting