Welcome, fellow gamers! 👋 Today we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of video game trailers and their impact on game sales. 🌊💸

Video game trailers have become an integral part of the gaming experience. They give us a glimpse of what’s to come, and they can make or break a game’s success. Let’s explore some statistics and see just how much of an impact trailers have.

The Power of First Impressions 👀

When it comes to video game trailers, first impressions are everything. 💥 A well-made trailer can create a buzz around a game that lasts for months leading up to release day. In fact, a study done by Google found that 26% of gamers said they were introduced to new games through trailers.

On the other hand, a poorly-made trailer can turn gamers off of a game before it even hits the shelves. In a survey done by the research firm Ipsos, 52% of gamers said a bad trailer can prevent them from buying a game they were previously interested in.

The lesson here? Spend time and resources on making a high-quality trailer that is representative of your game’s content and will leave a lasting impression.

A screenshot of a trailer of Cyberpunk 2077

Timing is Everything ⏰

When should a game’s trailer be released? That’s a question developers have been asking themselves for years. 💭 According to data from YouTube, the best time to release a trailer is during a major gaming event or conference.

For example, during E3 2019, trailers released during the conference’s time frame received over 2.9 billion views collectively. That’s a lot of eyeballs on your game!

In addition to events, it’s also important to release trailers at least three months before a game’s launch. This gives gamers enough time to learn about the game, get excited, and plan their purchases accordingly.

A screenshot of the release trailer of Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Variety is the Spice of Life 🌶️

Gamers come from all walks of life and have different preferences. A trailer that resonates with one gamer might not necessarily work for another. That’s why it’s important to create different types of trailers that showcase different elements of your game.

For example, a cinematic trailer that focuses on story elements might appeal to gamers who are interested in narrative-driven games. On the other hand, a gameplay trailer that showcases the game’s mechanics and features might appeal to gamers who prioritize gameplay over story.

By creating a variety of trailers that cater to different gamers’ preferences, you increase the likelihood of your game resonating with a wider audience.

A screenshot of a gameplay trailer of Horizon Zero Dawn

The Viral Factor 🚀

Have you ever shared a video game trailer with your friends? If so, you’re not alone. According to data from Google, 36% of gamers said they share trailers with others.

This is an important factor to keep in mind when creating a trailer. A trailer that has a “viral” element to it - a particular moment or sequence that is highly shareable - can go a long way towards boosting visibility and generating hype around your game.

Of course, creating a viral trailer is much easier said than done. But by keeping this factor in mind and being intentional about the content you include in your trailer, you might just create something that takes the gaming world by storm.

A screenshot of a trailer of Among Us being played by popular streamers

The Bottom Line 💰

So, what’s the bottom line when it comes to video game trailers? Simply put, they have a massive impact on game sales. According to data from YouTube, trailers are the #1 source of information when it comes to new game releases.

By creating high-quality trailers that are released at the right time, showcase different aspects of the game, and have a “viral” factor, developers can increase the likelihood of gamers buying their game.

So, to all the developers out there - don’t take your trailers lightly! They might just be the key to unlocking future success. 🎉👨‍💻

A screenshot of the home screen of Steam, the popular PC gaming platform

And that’s a wrap! We hope you learned something new about the importance of video game trailers in the gaming world. Happy gaming! 🎮👾

A screenshot of a gamer sitting in front of their setup, with various consoles and controllers in the background