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 - https://www.derek-lieu.com/blog/2020/...

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 -    • The Adventure Pals Launch Trailer  
Dead Cells Brutal Update Trailer -    • Dead Cells - The Brutal Update!  
The American Dream Launch Trailer -    • The American Dream Launch Trailer (Ou...  
Half-Life: Alyx Reveal Trailer -    • Half-Life: Alyx Announcement Trailer  
Cybershadow Announce Trailer -    • Cyber Shadow - Announcement Trailer -...  
Katana ZERO Therapy Session Session Trailer -    • Katana ZERO - Therapy Session Trailer  
Final Fantasy VII Remake Trailer E3 2019 -    • Final Fantasy VII Remake - E3 2019 Tr...  
La Mulana 1 & 2 Hidden Treasures Edition Launch Trailer -    • LA-MULANA 1 & 2 - Launch Trailer - Ni...  
Subnautica Launch Trailer -    • Subnautica Gameplay Trailer  
Way of the Passive Fist Launch Trailer -    • Way of the Passive Fist - Nintendo Sw...  
Battlefield V - Chapter 4 Defying the Odds Trailer -    • Battlefield V - Chapter 4: Defying th...  
Battlefield V - Operation Underground Trailer -    • Battlefield V – Operation Underground...  
Cosmic Trip Launch Trailer -    • Cosmic Trip (VR) - Launch Trailer  
Firewatch June 2015 Trailer -    • Firewatch - Now Available  
Anarcute Launch Trailer -    • Anarcute - Launch Trailer  
Dead Cells Release Date Trailer -    • Dead Cells Release Date Announcement ...  
Sea of Stars Summer of Games Trailer -    • Sea of Stars - Summer Game Fest Trailer  
Heaven's Vault Story Trailer -    • Heaven's Vault - Story Trailer | PS4  
Ooblets E3 Trailer -    • New Ooblets trailer! From E3 2018  
Neo Cab Story Trailer -    • Neo Cab — Story Trailer — June 2018  
Figment Launch Trailer -    • Figment - Launch Trailer  
Starbear Taxi Launch Trailer -    • "Starbear: Taxi" (VR) - Launch Video  

Links

All Weapons (Sounds, Relaod Animation, Equipment) - The Last of Us Part II (PS4 Pro) 4K HDR -    • All Weapons (Sounds, Relaod Animation...  
Maxell Tapes Over 500 Plays TV Commercial HD -    • Maxell Tapes Over 500 Plays TV Commer...  


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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: http://www.derek-lieu.com
Twitter:   / derek_lieu  
Cats' Instagram:   / uniandebi  

#indiegametrailers #gametrailersound #gametrailerediting