For each major product release by Games Workshop, trailers are produced to promote the new game and drive pre-orders. These cinematic trailers target both long-time fans and new players, aiming to build excitement and anticipation. My role was to create motion graphics that aligned with the art direction set by the game designers, including logo animations, transitions, and other animated elements that could be reused across multiple video projects.

Objective and Approach

The aim was to match the cinematic quality seen in Blizzard game trailers, raising the bar for Warhammer’s marketing output. Each game came with a detailed style guide from the game designers, which I closely adhered to, ensuring the motion graphics reflected the unique tone and visual identity of each release. This focus on cinematic detail aimed to capture the epic and immersive nature of the Warhammer universe, appealing to both existing fans and newcomers.

Process and Collaboration

Working within a larger team of videographers and editors, I used After Effects and Cinema 4D to develop the motion assets. The process included:

• Asset Creation: Designing logo animations and transitions that matched the visual themes of each game.
• Collaboration: Coordinating with game design leads and the marketing director to ensure that all animated elements aligned with the cinematic vision and style guide.
• Review Sessions: Regular review meetings were held to refine and update the motion graphics, incorporating feedback from the design lead and ensuring the highest visual quality.

Challenges and Solutions

One key challenge was balancing the cinematic quality with tight timelines, especially when working across multiple trailers simultaneously. To manage this, I developed modular assets that could be easily adapted across different projects, ensuring consistency while meeting deadlines. Additionally, I frequently collaborated with the design lead to make quick adjustments and keep the motion graphics in line with the evolving vision.

Results and Impact

The trailers consistently achieved high view volumes on platforms like YouTube, social media, and the Games Workshop website. The audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing excitement for the new releases. This engagement highlighted the effectiveness of the cinematic approach and the impact of high-quality motion design in building anticipation for Warhammer products.

Reflection and Learning

Working on these trailers was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to contribute to the cinematic storytelling of a beloved franchise. The process taught me the importance of aligning with a brand’s vision while innovating within set guidelines. This experience has reinforced my ability to create scalable and high-quality motion assets that elevate marketing materials and enhance audience engagement.