The Art of Trailers: Why GTA VI’s Latest Trailer Falls Short
The gaming world was abuzz with excitement when the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) dropped, showcasing stunning graphics and a seemingly lovable main character couple. But, as professional game trailer editor Derek Lieu points out, a trailer is more than just a collection of impressive visuals and music. It’s an art form that requires careful storytelling, emotional resonance, and a deep understanding of what makes us care about the game.
Lieu, whose work on trailers for Half-Life Alyx, Among Us, and Psychonauts 2, among others, has a unique perspective on what makes a trailer effective. In an interview with Aftermath, he shared his thoughts on GTA VI’s latest trailer, which, despite its impressive visuals, failed to leave him feeling invested in the game’s story.
A Lack of Narrative
One of the trailer’s biggest issues, according to Lieu, is its lack of narrative. With so much cutscene footage, you’d expect to learn more about the game’s story and characters. Instead, we’re left with a vague sense of the main characters’ motivations and a general feeling of “they do crime and they’re a couple.” Lieu draws a comparison to Rockstar’s own GTA IV, which effectively conveyed the protagonist’s backstory and motivations in a single shot.
The Importance of Emotional Connection
Lieu emphasizes the importance of emotional connection in a trailer. A good trailer should make us care about the characters and their story, and that requires more than just flashy visuals. He notes that Rockstar’s trailers often lean on viewers’ preexisting knowledge or excitement, rather than going the extra mile to create a compelling narrative.
In-House Trailers: A Double-Edged Sword
Lieu also comments on the uneven quality of in-house trailers, which often rely on viewers’ existing enthusiasm rather than creating a compelling narrative. While some in-house trailers are amazing, others, like the first Final Fantasy VII Remake trailers, are lackluster. Lieu believes that GTA VI’s trailer may have been produced in-house, which could explain its shortcomings.
Actionable Insights
So, what can Rockstar learn from Lieu’s analysis? Here are a few actionable insights:
- Create a clear narrative: Give viewers a sense of the game’s story and characters’ motivations.
- Focus on emotional connection: Make us care about the characters and their story.
- Invest in trailer editing: Take the time to craft a compelling narrative, rather than relying on flashy visuals.
Conclusion
GTA VI’s latest trailer may have generated a lot of buzz, but it’s clear that Rockstar has an opportunity to create a more engaging and emotionally resonant trailer. By focusing on storytelling, emotional connection, and careful editing, they can create a trailer that truly gets us excited for the game. As Lieu so aptly puts it, “If this was a better trailer, then people would be that much more hyped. They would feel, they would care.”