Are Cut-scenes Needed in Video Games?

[RaychelSnr]

With the days getting longer and baseball on the minds of gamers who own video-game consoles, what better time to discuss something that is in most sports video games? I am hinting at the classic cut-scene that is in most sports games today.

Cut-scenes are nothing new in games; they have been around for a long time. And, if you have spent any time playing sports games over the past decade, you have probably played some games that are better at capturing the essence of a live broadcast better than others when it comes to the cut-scene. Because these non-interactive scenes are probably not going away any time soon, we should try and figure out what works best in the future, and also decide if the cut-scene truly is the way to go.

Read More - Are Cut-scenes Need in Video Games?

[DaveDQ]

Nice write up.

The challenge these games have is to keep things fresh, but because the game is programmed, with only a select amount of visuals and audio cuts, the scenes become dated and begin to lack the originality they once had. So, what happens is we end up buttoning through them.

Probably a game we could look at that does one side right and the other wrong is Madden 09 with Collinsowrth and Hammond. I really enjoy his cutscenes where he breaks down a play and show you where you went wrong. Meanwhile, anything involving Hammond is oddly dull and computerized.

And then there's the ESPN style presentation that NFL 2K5 brought to the table. To this day, from the halftime show to weekly sportscenter broadcasts, nothing (in my opinion) has touched it. It wasn't perfect, but they took the overlays from what was ESPN Sunday Night Football and put it in that game with great success.

I'm big on presentation. I enjoy the depth it can offer, by focusing on relevant information and putting it in the game with a special style. It belongs in video games but it goes beyond putting big names in there. It has to be believable and worth not hitting the button to skip it.

[DeLuX]

Yes, Cutscenes are a MUST in sports games, they add so much to the atmosphere and emotion of the game, without them the game feels dead. Madden really needs to take a look at NFL 2K5 and MLB:The Show and do what they did with presentation. i don't care how good the gameplay is, without a great presentation the game gets old FAST.

[mmdmaznn]

Re: Are Cut-scenes Needed in Video Games?

I think that cut-scenes are definitely a plus in sports games. They really add to the atmosphere and bring you into the world of the game you're playing. Sure there are a lot of gamers who think they're superficial and button through them...which is fine for them...but many of us enjoy the TV style presentation feel that they add when done right (like MLB '09: The Show). It's the eye candy of cut-scenes that is the icing on the presentation cake.

[Avii]

Cutscenes are definitely a plus. Its helps keeping you engaged, and appreciate what you are doing.

[Acedeck]

I don't think sports gaming would be the same without cutscenes. I'm very glad they exist. I do see your point about presentation getting old in sports gaming, YES, even in MLB 09. Generally, presentation sucks in sports gaming. If it doesn't suck, it's usually only fresh for a limited time before it gets stale. Having cutscenes helps keep things fresh, as long as there are a great variety in the types and amounts of cutscenes in the game.

[LastActionHero]

It's almost impossible to keep it fresh unless they dedicate a full year cycle just to cut scenes haha. The thing is most games give you like 8 hour gameplay and sport games have such more playtime that imo The Show does the job damn fine.

[tril]

The cut scenes that need to go are the the ones that give-away the result. For example- the HR cut scene. Too predictable in every title.

[FocusYoMindOnDis]

Re: Are Cut-scenes Needed in Video Games?

The cut scenes that need to go are the the ones that give-away the result. For example- the HR cut scene. Too predictable in every title.

co-sign

[LastActionHero]

Same here.
Even with HR Celebrations cam off you still know immediately (watching the runners windows. Running or walking.) if it's gonna be a homer or not.

[Radja]

nhl 2k9 has the same system as the mlb series and it really helps the presentation. i don't know why it wasn't hyped at all but it is there. it does add to the realism. you watch the players skate off and on the goalie hand the puck to the ref and in the next scene the players are finishing what you just saw them doing. is right there.

i don't own mlb 2k9 but mlb 2k8 cut scenes, which i am still playing, don't feel as cool as they did last season. in fact, when i play other games now, all the cut scenes feel more canned but i want them all there.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Are Cut-scenes Needed in Video Games?

I wonder if it would be possible to release a patch that would update certain phrases used and actual overlays just to mix it up and keep it fresh.

You would have an initial amount in the database but only put so many in the game at launch and then make more available on DLC. I'm sure it's possible as they are doing this now with in game advertisements.

[statum71]

I vote for cut scenes staying. I think a sports game would be boring without the extras.

But they have to have a lot so they stay fresh, like The Show. You never know what you'll see.

[dwillybmen]

DaveDQ,

I was thinking the same thing. Hopefully they add some cut scenes to the PSN store.

[KOL]

Re: Are Cut-scenes Needed in Video Games?

I think cutscenes are an integral part of any video game but it's the quality of the cutscene that seperates the good from the great.