14 DAY TRIAL // The gaming industry has been in a pickle for quite some time regarding cut scenes and how they seemingly prevent video games from becoming art because they break continuity and take control away from the player.
But even though many are militating against them, people who actually work on game development and in creating the story say that their narrative value is quite important. This is how Rhianna Pratchett, who has recently collaborated with Codemasters on Overlord II, also feels.
She recently talked about video games and how they affect the end user, with or without the use of cut scenes. She also revealed that, in terms of story, you can't always center it on the main character in order to prevent breaking the flow of the game.
“There’s no denying that given the fan-base of games like the Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy series, many gamers enjoy cut scenes, even incredibly loquacious and lengthy ones,” she explains. “Whilst, personally, I’d rather a game wasn’t turned into a wannabe movie, I believe there’s still a place for artfully crafted, well timed and smartly paced cut scenes. Granted, the games that manage to do all three are fairly rare.” she said.
“Putting interactivity aside for a moment, there’s still a lot we can do to improve our linear storytelling. There are exceptions (there always are) but our strength in this regard is by no means across the board. It is improving though, title by title. Cut scenes are still an important tool in our narrative toolbox, and we shouldn’t throw out the hammer just because we keep hitting our thumb with it. We just have to learn how to wield it a little better.” she further stated.
The British writer does make a fine point and perhaps many people should listen to her. Games have always been about offering a diverse experience, so even though we may have something like Metal Gear Solid with huge cut scenes, we can also try something like Half Life 2, in which the action doesn't move from under Gordon Freeman's eyes.