Video Game Trailers Fun through Emotion | Jason White | NZGDC 2025

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The presentation offers valuable, practical insights for game developers and marketers, drawing from the speaker’s extensive experience in the industry. The advice on debug tools and cinematography is concrete and actionable, with clear examples. The argumentation is solid, based on professional expertise and real-world cases, though it lacks empirical data or formal research. The emphasis on emotional engagement and the OCE approach provides a fresh perspective on trailer creation, highlighting the importance of understanding the player experience.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The speaker demonstrates strong professional rigor, with a clear and logical structure. He references his own work and industry practices, but does not cite external sources or academic references. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on the intersection of fun and emotion in game trailers. The presentation is well-organized and credible, though the lack of citations limits its scientific rigor. The content is based on expert opinion rather than peer-reviewed research.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on creating video game trailers through emotional engagement and technical capture techniques.

7/10

The speaker is a professional game capture director with extensive industry experience, providing practical, actionable advice. The content is based on personal experience and industry best practices, but lacks formal citations or empirical evidence. The presentation is well-structured and credible within its domain.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction: Jason White introduces himself and his background in film and VFX.
• 05:00Definition of game capture and its importance in conveying the game experience.
• 10:00Technical setup: Atomos Ninja recorders, external monitors, and post-production consistency.
• 15:00Debug tools: HUD toggle, music muting, god mode, free camera, slow motion, and depth of field.
• 20:00Cinematography principles: framing, rule of thirds, frame within a frame, color separation, and lighting.
• 25:00Storytelling and the importance of focusing on the core message of each shot.
• 30:00OCE approach: being open, curious, and engaged to discover fun elements in games.
• 31:40Examples from Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Nexus VR, and concluding reminder to have fun.

• Every Frame a Painting - Where to Put the Camera — Referenced in the talk to illustrate the importance of focusing on the core message of a scene.

• Every Frame a Painting - Where to Put the Camera — The referenced video aligns with the speaker's advice on focusing on the core message of a scene.