What makes a great announce trailer?

The Game Awards is upon us, and with it comes a tidal wave of new video game trailers. Geoff Keighley’s annual spectacle has become the go-to platform for game announcements, filling the void left by E3. Among the sea of trailers, there will be many that fade into obscurity, a few that resonate, and one or two that leave us utterly spellbound—reminding us why we fell in love with gaming.

Every so often, a trailer transcends marketing. It grips you emotionally, sparks wonder, and demands to be rewatched and shared. So, what does it take to create one of these unforgettable game announce trailers?

The Elements of an Unforgettable Game Trailer

1. Emotional Resonance

The most memorable trailers evoke a feeling. Take the “Mad World” trailer for Gears of War. It paired haunting music with striking imagery, creating a deeply personal tone.

Or consider the Dead Island trailer, told in reverse, depicting a family’s tragedy during a zombie outbreak. While the game didn’t match the trailer’s narrative depth, it showcased the power of an emotional hook.

2. A Sense of Discovery

Some trailers capture imagination by hinting at vast, unexplored worlds. No Man’s Sky teased infinite possibilities, promising the unknown.

Kojima’s Death Stranding trailers took this further—cryptic yet captivating, inviting endless theories and discussions.

3. Hitting You in the Feels

Trailers like The Last of Us Part II focus on relationships and stakes. Elden Ring combined cryptic storytelling with stunning visuals, evoking epic adventure and mystery. Even Cyberpunk 2077’s reveal trailer captured imaginations with its gritty, high-energy aesthetic.

4. Unexpected Magic

Surprise and delight are critical. Last year’s GTA VI trailer, for instance, flawlessly combined nostalgia with fresh elements, captivating both old and new audiences.

Why These Trailers Matter

Trailers set expectations, establish tone, and make you say, “I need to play this.” In an industry where attention spans are short, a killer trailer can cut through the noise and create instant fans. These trailers are cultural moments, inspiring fan art, memes, and countless reactions. They celebrate gaming as an art form.

The Magic Formula

It doesn’t have to be pre-rendered CG or 100% in-game footage. It just has to hit you in the feels. The best trailers remind us why we love gaming—the wonder, thrill, and emotional connections. They’re the spark that turns casual observers into lifelong fans.

I cant wait for that one or two trailers Thursday night the surprise and delight me and remind me why I love games so much.