Cut scene

A cut scene or cutscene is a sequence in a video game over which the player has no control. Cut scenes are used to advance the plot, present character development, and provide background information, atmosphere, dialogue and clues. Cut scenes can either be animated or use live action footage.

Live action cut scenes

Live action cut scenes have many similarities to films. For example, the cut scenes in Wing Commander IV utilised both fully constructed sets, and "name" actors such as Mark Hamill and Malcolm McDowell for the portrayal of characters.

Related Topics:
Film - Wing Commander IV - Actor - Mark Hamill - Malcolm McDowell

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Recently, some movie tie-in games, such as Electronic Arts' Lord of the Rings games, have also extensively used film footage and other assets from the film production in their cut scenes. Another movie tie-in, Enter the Matrix, used film footage shot concurrently with The Matrix Reloaded that was also directed by the film's directors the Wachowski brothers.

Related Topics:
Electronic Arts - Lord of the Rings - Enter the Matrix - The Matrix Reloaded - Wachowski brothers

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However, many gamers criticize live action cut scenes for their often poor production values and sub-standard acting. The cut scenes in the Command and Conquer series of real-time strategy games is particularly noted for often hammy acting performances.

Related Topics:
Command and Conquer - Real-time strategy

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Live action cut scenes were popular in the early to mid 1990s with the onset of the CD-ROM and subsequent extra storage space available. This also led to the development of the so-called interactive movie, which featured hours of live action footage while sacrificing interactivity and complex gameplay.

Related Topics:
1990s - CD-ROM - Interactive movie

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Increasing graphics quality, cost, critical backlash and artistic need to integrate cut scenes better with gameplay graphics soon led to the increased popularity in animated cutscenes in the late 1990s.

Related Topics:
Gameplay - Graphics

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