Video Game Dictionary - What Are Quick Time Events (QTEs)?

Quick Time Event

IPA: kwɪk taɪm ɪˈvɛnt

Definition

Quick Time Event or QTEs is the term given to game sequences where you must press a certain button, or perform a specific action, within a timer. If you are unable to complete it in time, or press the wrong button, there are usually negative consequences, such as health damage, failing a mission, or restarting the level.

QTEs' origins can be traced back to arcade games in the 80s, such as Dragon’s Lair and Cliffhanger. In the early 90s, they began emerging more frequently in console games like the Final Fantasy titles. Despite this, the term wasn’t coined until 1999 when the director of Shenmue, Yu Suzuki, called them ‘Quick Timer Events’.

Quick Time Events haven’t always been favorably viewed by gamers, as they often occur during cinematic cutscenes to keep you immersed. This may mean they can catch you off guard when your controller is down or you’re not focused.

Nevertheless, QTEs sometimes serve a greater purpose. For example, Resident Evil 4 (2005) includes a knife fight sequence that proved to be challenging to develop due to the sequence's advanced requirements. This was instead adapted into a QTE-controlled sequence. To this extent, it was a valid workaround that maintained interactivity.

Nowadays, many games have gameplay solely based around QTEs. These include the revolutionary Until Dawn, which inspired later games like the Dark Pictures Anthology and The Quarry. Other interactive drama titles include Heavy Rain, Telltale’s The Walking Dead, and Tales from the Borderlands. QTEs are a staple in games and continue to thrive in cinematic interactive adventures.

Example Usage

“The boss fight was dramatic - there was a quick time event where I had to dodge falling rocks by smashing the right button in time."

“I wasn’t expecting a quick time event during the cutscene – I had put my controller down so I failed straight away.”