Live Action Video Game Trailers

[TheProfessor234]

First, a few links;

Skyrim: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1AenlOEXao[/link]

Mass Effect 3: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DSCFQcR08E[/link]

Prototype 2: [link]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmMidL8KUOE&list=PL2873173BCCAC56CC&index=1&feature=plcp[/link]

So, I would like this to focus on a few things. First, do you like these live action trailers? Both in a literal sense and the idea behind them. Do you think they are a good idea? Secondly, why do you think that these are becoming popular and why do you think they were started? Finally, do you feel that these are good or bad?

My own opinion;
I really like these and I feel they are really cool. I'm glad that they're representing video games in life and it gives it somewhat of a more surreal feel. I know that some people always want to see a movie of video games and this might be as close as it gets. I don't see these as a bad idea simply in that it's a commercial. I don't see how a short clip of some live action with CGI hurts anything. It might not give the same feel as the game but I find them interesting. As for popularity, I don't know what to think. I know that these aren't the first, they are just my favorites. It could end with Prototype. In a very very very general sense, you could say that Skyrim, ME3, and Prototype are similar in that they are all RPGs, in a loose sense. Maybe that's the niche appeal. People want to play that character thus they show a live representation of that character.

Just curious as to what people have to say.

 

[hazabaza1]

Most of the time they look silly, like in Prototype of Mass Effect. But, when done well, like with Skyrim, they look pretty damn good.

 

[wintercoat]

I hate live action trailers for videogames. A trailer is supposed to be a look at the game before it comes out, something to base your purchase off of. It's the same issue with prerendered trailers. They're not doing what they were originally intended for, and instead are supposed to grab a person's attention with awesome visuals that usually have nothing to do with the game.

 

[Smooth Operator]

They are good marketing material for the ignorant masses, to me as a gamer they are just silliness but for the chumps who go "games is for nerds lolz" it is the perfect ice breaker.

 

[yRar_972]

I don't mind them to be honest. I always think of live action trailers to be like detailed box art in the early days of video games, like with point and click adventures. Very misleading.

Spoiler: Take Fantasy World Dizzy for example. The box art is quite detailed:

Take Fantasy World Dizzy for example. The box art is quite detailed:

Spoiler: But however, is very different from the actual game:

But however, it is very different from the actual game:

So live action trailers, to me at least don't seem much of a big deal. When I was young I fell for the misleading covers, but now I don't.

 

[LavaLampBamboo]

I don't mind them to be honest. I always think of live action trailers to be like detailed box art in the early days of video games, like with point and click adventures. Very misleading.

Spoiler: Take Fantasy World Dizzy for example. The box art is quite detailed:

Take Fantasy World Dizzy for example. The box art is quite detailed:

Spoiler: But however, is very different from the actual game:

But however, it is very different from the actual game:

So live action trailers, to me at least don't seem much of a big deal. When I was young I fell for the misleading covers, but now I don't.

I had honestly never thought about it like that. That's a really good angle =)

Personally, as marketing, I think they are fine. All adverts are supposed to do is make the game look cool and exciting.

I don't think live action trailers should really be used as announcement videos though. That's just daft, because you are supposed to be learning about the nature of the game. Gameplay is preferable but pre-rendered will do =)

 

[Scarim Coral]

I usually like the live action game trailer as I feel it show the company are putting more effort to present their game better. It also show that company got a large budget seeing how only the big companies had made those trailer so far. Granted it only repersent the game not the gameplay itself.

 

[Richardplex]

I remember reading a comment about this for the Arkham City one, so I'll paraphrase it:
"By definition, this trailer has failed. It doesn't want make me hyped to play the game, it makes me want to watch the film".

 

[CruisingForBiddies]

Most of the time they look silly, like in Prototype of Mass Effect. But, when done well, like with Skyrim, they look pretty damn good.

I agree, I think that live action trailers are mostly for the fans or at least people who know the series. As you can see all of the examples given are trailers for sequels. It's really great to see a franchise or characters you know translated to real life, especially if they are done well.