The new preview for the dystopic BioShock Infinite video game combines a creepy atmosphere and vintage documentary footage to create what is likely the world’s first historic documentary game trailer.
The game’s plot deals with an alternate history of the United States, one in which a floating city called Columbia is created in the late 19th century to secede from the American union. This plot is conveyed in the trailer using real life footage cleverly spliced with scenes of gameplay. The intoxicating effect shows gamers that this is not a cookie-cutter shooter that they’ll be putting into their Xbox's or PlayStation. It also helps that the narration from Alistair Bloom has an appropriately ominous and deep voice.
The documentary game trailer keeps up the charade all the way to end and doesn’t break character. It’s a new breed of game trailer.
Documentary Gaming Trailers
BioShock Infinite Has the First Historic Documentary Game Trailer
Trend Themes
1. Historic Documentary Gaming - Opportunity for video game developers to create immersive gaming experiences that combine historical footage with gameplay.
2. Alternate History Gaming - Potential for video games to explore alternate histories and engage players in unique storytelling experiences.
3. Immersive Storytelling in Trailers - Opportunity to use innovative techniques, such as splicing real-life footage with gameplay, to create captivating and immersive trailers for video games.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Development - Video game developers can capitalize on the trend of historic documentary gaming by creating innovative and immersive gaming experiences.
2. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can explore the potential of alternate history gaming as a new form of storytelling across various platforms.
3. Digital Marketing - Digital marketers can utilize immersive storytelling techniques in game trailers to attract and engage a wider audience.