QTE

A quick time event (QTE) is a type of interactive moment in video games in which the player must perform a specific action within a short time window, based on on-screen prompts. These prompts usually indicate which button or control input to use, though some variations involve mouse clicks, touch input, or motion controls.

In practice, a QTE appears during a cinematic or action sequence and asks the player to press a button, hold a button, rotate a control stick, or perform a sequence of inputs. The required input can be a single action, a rapid series of taps, or a multi-step sequence. Success or failure often determines the outcome of the moment, such as continuing the scene, avoiding damage, or triggering a dramatic cutscene.

QTEs emerged in the late 1990s and gained popularity in the 2000s, with notable examples in action and survival-horror games. Resident Evil 4 is widely credited with popularizing the mechanic, while God of War and other titles incorporated extensive quick-time sequences to heighten cinematic intensity. The mechanic is used to convey agility, risk, and spectacle without switching to full control schemes.

Criticism of QTEs focuses on pacing and fairness. Critics argue they can disrupt gameplay flow, feel arbitrary, or punish players for misl timing, leading to frustration. Proponents contend they enhance cinematic presentation and provide a sense of reflexive accomplishment during dramatic moments.

In contemporary titles, designers increasingly blend QTEs with context-sensitive prompts or integrate input requirements more seamlessly into gameplay, while some games minimize or omit traditional QTEs in favor of continuous action or alternative interactive cues.