Biff Steel
   |
Posted - 2006.05.11 01:41:00 -
[1]
After watching this trailer I don't understand the reason for making it. As I was downloading it I read "Enter the mind of a veteran warrior in the final moments before his participation in an epic, thunderous clash between the Empires." and thought to myself ok cool, this is gonna be, well, epic! But after watching it I was extremely disappointed. This trailer has no direction or substance. The trailer starts off with what seems to be the opening ideas of a story and then it just trails off into a bunch of individual shots of ships randomly flying around in space and the occasional small skirmish between a few ships (which in my mind isnÆt very epic). This trailer represents more of a technical presentation geared to other game developers who would be interested in the game engine capabilities. Nothing about it explains what EVE is as a game other than the fact that itÆs set in space. Sure people who already play the game have a different respect and point of view for this trailer but whatÆs the point of marketing to people who already play the game. ItÆs a waste of time and resources for a presentation like this which was more than likely made for E3 to draw new players in. To those people who have never played the game this trailer does nothing to help them understand how EVE is a truly unique gaming experience. Marketing is more than just putting together a bunch of random shots of ships flying around with cool ôlook what I can doö post effects, it takes a lot of research into who your actually marketing the game to, in other words your target audience. Marketing is about gaining the interest of people who have no idea what you do or what your about and pulling them in through engaging and interesting content. This trailer has absolutely no content in that respect. People who have never played the game donÆt know what they are looking at is a Titan, they just see a big ship. Why is this any different than the hundreds of other games that have big ships? This trailer could have been a great opportunity to show why EVE is such a great game. It could have shown how EVEÆs content is player driven. It could have shown how EVE has a player run economy. It could have shown the great PvP aspects of EVE which is years ahead of anything else out there. These are just a few of the things that I feel would attract people and get them interested in playing this game. I never understood why the marketing team for EVE is afraid to show or represent the players contributions and accomplishments in the game. That is a unique gaming experience and something IÆm sure would draw the attention of others outside of the community. Every gamer out there wants to be able to make a difference in the game they play. They want the fame and popularity of being the one who made a difference. Sure you might read this and say well EVE is one of the fastest growing MMORPG games out there. I agree, it is. But that is largely due to the communityÆs efforts and word of mouth from people who already play this game. These are the people who are gaining the interest of new players.
If nothing more why not spend the time and put together a series of shots that work together to tell a story. For instance start off with following a single ship, say a frigate as it enters a epic battle and then show several shots after that of the battle playing out. Sure it takes a little thought, a little planning, and a little more effort. But look at successful game trailers and cut scenes. They tell a mini story and draw you in to what the game is about and make you want to be a part of that story and even be the hero of that story. ThatÆs what presentations like this are about. Maybe CCP doesnÆt have the budget for marketing like this but as with any investment there are risks and rewards. I really hope future trailers for this game have the same desire and vision CCP had when they created this game.
|