Cut scene
A cut scene or cutscene is an animated sequence in a video game over which the player has no control. Cut scenes are used to advance the plot, portray character, and provide background information, atmosphere, dialogue and clues.
The earliest video game known to make use of cutscenes as an extensive and integral part of the game was Lucas Arts' Maniac Mansion, released in 1987 and renowned for several other innovations as well. Since then, cutscenes have been part of many video games, especially in the role-playing genre.
There are several two techniques for animating cut scenes. In-game cut scenes are rendered using the same game engine as the graphics in the game proper. Pre-rendered cut scenes are animated and rendered by the game's developers, able to take advantage of the full array of techniques of CGI, cel animation or graphic novel-style panel art. The Final Fantasy series of video games, developed by Square are famous for their pre-rendered cut scenes.
Pre-rendered cut scenes are generally of higher visual quality than in-game cut scenes, but have two disadvantages: the difference in quality can sometimes create difficulties of recognizing the high-quality images from the cut scene when the player has been used to the lower-quality images from the game; also, the pre-rendered cut scene cannot adapt to the state of the game: for example, by showing different items of clothing worn by a character.
Cut scenes have many similarities to films. Some games, most notably, the action game Enter the Matrix (2003), have used film footage in cut scenes. Lord of the Rings games by Electronic Arts have also used extensively the film footage and other assets from the movies. The Battle for Middle-earth will have the in-game cut scenes directed by Richard Taylor, who, among other things, designed special effects for Tron and original Star Trek.
In newer games the in-game cut scenes are often closely integrated with the gameplay. Scripted scenes are also used that provide the benefits of cutscenes without taking away the interactivity from the gameplay.
Some games also give the player some control over camera movement during cutscenes, for example Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.
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