Game trailers are designed to excite, intrigue, and ultimately sell a game. But if you’ve watched enough of them, you start noticing patterns—recurring editing styles, familiar sound effects, and predictable pacing. While these tropes can be effective, they also make trailers feel formulaic if overused.
Let’s break down the most common elements found in game trailers—the kind of things you could turn into a bingo card and check off as you watch.
Many trailers start slow, showing atmospheric shots, an emotional voiceover, or a mysterious scene before ramping up into explosive action. This structure builds anticipation and delivers a powerful payoff.
🟢 Seen in: Almost every AAA game trailer, especially in genres like RPGs (Elden Ring), shooters (Call of Duty), and open-world adventures (Assassin’s Creed).
At least once in a trailer, you’ll hear a dramatic sound effect (a deep bass hit or explosion) followed by a split-second of total silence. This is a classic technique to create suspense and keep viewers engaged.
🟢 Seen in: Horror games (Resident Evil), sci-fi titles (Cyberpunk 2077), and almost every battle royale game.
Nothing says "cinematic" like a mysterious or action-packed line that gives little context but sounds cool. Whether it’s “You have no idea what’s coming” or “This world is not what it seems,” these lines hook viewers instantly.
🟢 Seen in: Story-driven games (The Last of Us, God of War), action RPGs, and superhero titles (Marvel’s Spider-Man).
When the music shifts into high gear, you know what’s coming—a rapid montage of gameplay clips, each cut perfectly in sync with the beat. It’s a high-energy moment designed to showcase variety and intensity.
🟢 Seen in: Multiplayer shooters (Overwatch, Valorant), sports games (FIFA), and battle royales (Fortnite).
Some trailers tease the game title at the end but don’t fully reveal it until a dramatic fade-in or glitch effect. This adds to the mystery and makes viewers wait for the final moment.
🟢 Seen in: Highly anticipated sequels (GTA VI), cryptic indie games, and games with stylized branding (Death Stranding).
While these techniques are effective in grabbing attention, using too many can make a trailer feel generic. The best game trailers mix these elements with unique storytelling, creative pacing, and original presentation.
At Quadral.io, we specialize in crafting gameplay trailers that stand out—combining dynamic editing, compelling storytelling, and data-driven engagement strategies. Want a trailer that avoids the clichés and truly sells your game? Let’s create something unforgettable. Visit Quadral.io today.
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