Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
understanding Cinematics and Cutscenes
Cinematics and cutscenes are an important part of the process and should be
considered along with core design concepts. Although neither one is inherently
necessary for creating a game, their use has become so widespread that they have
become their own visually stunning art form; they add flavor and help define the
purpose and look of the game.
Cinematics
are typically elaborate, animated short movies that help explain
what the game is about. They're often used at the startup of a game to show the
lore of the world the player is about to enter. They're also used extensively for
marketing. Cinematics are easily accessible with any online video site, such as
YouTube.com, and game companies regularly use them at large conventions like
E3 and Comic-Con.
In the script for the game, note where cinematics are desired. However, each
cinematic usually has a standalone script with dialogue, action, effects, and so on.
Like cinematics,
cutscenes
are short movies (the terms are often used inter-
changeably); however, cutscenes appear during gameplay. Cutscenes briefly take
over the gameplay from the player and use animation and audio to explain the
direction the game is going in, quickly and usually with intense, sweeping imag-
ery. They can show in a short amount of time what would have taken pages and
pages of text to explain in the past. Cutscenes should be included in the script
for the game.
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By taking a look at some of the core elements involved in developing a game, you now
understand that gameplay is the most important aspect to design first. If the game isn't fun
or intriguing to play, then even the most elaborately and beautifully designed backgrounds
and characters will fail to make the game a success. Some of the simplest art has been
used to create games that have fun, intriguing gameplay that draw people to play them
again and again. Designing a game that has longevity, or shelf life, is important because
games take so long to make. You want your releases to continue to enthrall players while
they wait for the newest game or sequel to be released.
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Read the description of a character in a topic or script, and then work on a concept for
how that character would look in your game. Be very specific in writing what clothing,
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