Quick definition:A non-interactive sequence in a game, such as a short film or scripted scene, that tells part of the story while the player watches rather than plays.
Meaning
A cutscene interrupts play to deliver story, character moments or information. The player usually cannot control the action, though some versions allow limited input, such as quick button prompts or choices of dialogue. The term is used for everything from short title sequences to scenes lasting many minutes.
Cutscenes may be pre-recorded videos, which look polished but take up storage, or generated by the game engine in real time, which lets them show the player's own equipment and choices. Voice acting, music and camera work mimic film techniques. Some games include a log of past scenes so players can watch them again.
Their use is debated. Supporters value them for emotion and pacing, while critics find long scenes disruptive and prefer storytelling during play, through notes, overheard conversations and environment. Many games now offer skip options and show shorter scenes to keep players in control.
Origin:Cutscene combines cut, as in a cut from one shot to another in film, with scene. Early arcade and home games used short interludes between levels, and as storage and graphics improved, cutscenes grew into elaborate films. The term has been in use since the 1980s and is sometimes written as two words. Example:After defeating the boss, Lucia sets down the controller as the screen fades into a movie-like scene. Her character kneels beside a wounded friend, and a quiet conversation follows. She presses the skip button on her second playthrough, but the first time, she stayed glued to the screen. Did you know?Cutscenes can be pre-rendered videos, scenes run by the game engine in real time or a mixture. Many games let players skip or pause them, and some use in-game moments with player control to avoid breaking the action.
