Based off of my skimming of the internet and these forums, I've noticed a huge difference between the reactions. Why do IGN and PCGAMING hail the announcement and the features it, well, features?

Here's why: These guys are pros and they know that this is not a trailer. To think of it as a trailer would make this one of the worst trailers in history.

The announcement we observed is a teaser! The game is confirmed, but nothing else beyond that (officially). The trailer will come at E3 on June 14th.

So what? SO this isn't a trailer! Teasers tease the game. They slyly throw in some features, but they don't show gameplay and they don't showcase the features. They're something to make us lick our lips and drool in anticipation, not show off the game. It's an ad specifically designated not to show off the game, but to leave us guessing and ultimately make us tune-in to their E3 showcase. Some teasers have gone so far as to make games look worse than they are just to make the showcase appear that much better and have people demand answers that they may only get on the showcase!

How do we know that it's not a trailer? Well, it lacks a number of things that all trailers have. Firstly, reviews. No one has played the game yet so no one can commend it and testify its excellence to others. Secondly, it doesn't show off any features of the game explicitly. It never says "New modifications!" or "exciting urban setting set in post-apocalyptic Boston!" In fact, it doesn't say anything beyond a logo and a date in the extended version for the trailer. And thirdly, it gives us a date for the trailer. Trailers don't do that.

Lastly, this was an incredible teaser and has me very excited! I have a heart condition and seeing this announcement very nearly shortened my life by 10 years. I wasn't disappointed by the video! It featured better graphics, however slightly, and some exciting new features. The important thing is that this video was a tease, not a trailer. The only way you're going to get any more information is by tuning on June 14th.

Thanks,

-The Boominator

Bethesda calls it a trailer so it makes sense that people also call it a trailer. I expect to see more at E3, everyone I talked to in person today also believe we will get more. But yeah I see this more of a teaser then a full trailer.

IMHO I think they showed too much for an announcement. Still looking forward to it.

That's actually true. It is labeled on Youtube as "Fallout 4 Official Trailer," but this is likely an administrative oversight. It's not a trailer, though. It's a trailer in title and it is somewhat a trailer by definition, but it seems to be a trailer for the trailer.

Bethesda leaks that came after the "trailer" was released referred to it as an "announcement." Furthermore, Bethesda has advertised that people will be able to see the official trailer at E3. This likely means that calling it the "Fallout 4 Official Trailer" on Youtube and their site was a mistake.

Could not of said that better myself. When I first heard about the "Please Stand By" countdown, I went to it straight away, realizing it only had one minute left. I was filled with joy, not knowing what would come after. And then, it happened. All the satisfaction I could have ever of known was confined within that teaser. June 14th E3 nears and I expect nothing but a beautiful masterpiece from Bethesda.