This week took a deep dive into preview videos and based on our findings here are a few do’s and don’t’s for app preview videos. Based on the list below, our goal was to understand what game developers in this genre find relevant or worth showing in their videos in both stores. These are the titles we looked at:
- Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat
- Genshin Impact: Natlan Launch
- Albion Online
- Soul Knight Prequel
- The Legend of Neverland
- Dungeon Hunter 6
- Moonlight Blade
- Old School RuneScape
Do’s
Make a big first impression in the first 3 seconds: Grab attention immediately with a visually striking scene or compelling action.
Showcase different features: Highlight key features like character customization, items, and unique crafting mechanics to entice potential players.
Show the battlefield and more gameplay: Include exciting gameplay scenes to demonstrate what players will experience during combat or exploration.
PvP combats: Show competitive multiplayer elements like Player vs. Player (PvP) battles to appeal to players who enjoy competitive gameplay.
Optimise for silent viewing: Many users watch videos without sound. Ensure the visuals tell a clear story, and use bold, on-screen text to highlight key points.
Both stores should have a preview video: Make sure the video meets the requirements for both the App Store and Google Play Store, with proper formats for each.
Include social proof or achievements: Display awards, rankings, or notable mentions to build credibility e.g., “Top Game of the Year” or “Over 1M Downloads”.
Highlight rewards and progression: Show exciting unlockable content, such as rare items, heroes, or stages to demonstrate the sense of progression.
Don’t’s
Overpromise: Avoid showing features or content that aren’t fully present in the game. Unrealistic visuals or exaggerated gameplay can lead to disappointment, negative reviews, and uninstalls.
Cluttered visuals – each segment should be clear: Don’t overcrowd the screen with too much action or information. Keep each segment clear and focused so viewers can easily understand the gameplay or feature being shown.
Slow-paced intros – action is important: Skip long, drawn-out intros. Viewers should get straight into the action to see how exciting the game is. Focus on fast-paced, high-energy moments.
Portrait video on Google Play Store: Don’t use portrait orientation for the Google Play Store due to the canvas fixed aspect ratio. The video ratio will be incorrect and can impact the effectiveness of your video.
Cinematic trailers: Don’t rely on purely cinematic trailers for Action RPGs. Players want to see real gameplay and action sequences, not just cutscenes that don’t reflect the actual in-game experience.
Lengthy text or narration: Avoid long text explanations or heavy narration. Mobile users have short attention spans, and most will watch the video silently. Keep text short, bold, and easy to read.
Conclusion
Creating an effective preview video for an Action RPG requires balancing excitement with clarity. Focus on grabbing attention within the first few seconds, showcasing key features like fast-paced combat and character progression, and optimising for silent viewing across all platforms. Avoid slow intros, cluttered visuals, and cinematic trailers that don’t reflect real gameplay. By keeping the video short, action-packed, and straightforward, you’ll deliver a compelling preview that resonates with your audience and drives downloads.
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