Quicktime Events – Shenmue
Shenmue is regarded as the first major title to employ quick time events (QTE) in no small measure. Typically used during confrontations with other NPCs, Ryo would suddenly have to avoid all manner of punches, slaps, or motorbike riding thugs trying to run him down, his survival decided by frantic tapping of a button or the directional pad. Back then they seemed like a clever innovation, but QTEs haven’t always been so fondly received since. Poor examples or over reliance on the mechanic in place of engaging gameplay has become a running joke on more than one occasion. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare’s infamous “Press F to pay respects” somewhat trivialized what might otherwise have been a poignant moment.
Yet while they do often frustrate, QTEs have been adopted across virtually every genre of video games. And not all of them are so bad, either. When measured and used appropriately, QTEs certainly add interactivity to otherwise passive sequences. Several modern game series use the mechanic to good effect. For example, Telltale’s various story-driven adventure series use QTEs as a primary mechanic, keeping players engaged by interacting with various on-screen prompts during action sequences.
