cinematics
In-game film sequences
Cinematics refers to the movie-like sequences in video games—pre-rendered or scripted scenes that advance the story between playable segments.
These cutscenes typically feature camera work, dialogue, and production values borrowed from film: The game's cinematics were stunning, but the gameplay was disappointing.
The term can also describe visual qualities resembling cinema: The director brought real cinematics to the action sequences.
Digital movie imagery
- VFXDigital film effects
- SFXAudiovisual production enhancements
- chroma-keyColor-based video compositing
- motion-captureBody movement recording technology
compositing · rotoscoping · explosions · pyrotechnics · wirework · animatronics · morphing
Motion picture visual craft
- directorOne who leads
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
- storyboardPlanned visual sequence drawings
- editingRefining content for clarity
framing · lighting · mise-en-scène · dolly · steadicam · blocking · scene · take
Director with total control
- mise-en-scèneVisual elements within frame
- spectatorshipState of being onlooker
- semioticsStudy of signs, symbols
- formalismPrivileging structure over substance
Light-focusing curved glass
- apertureAdjustable optical inlet
- exposureState of being unprotected
- focusConcentrated attention point
- ISOGlobal standards body
sensor · anamorphic · wide-angle · telephoto · zoom · bokeh
Fixed animation reference point
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
- animaticTimed storyboard sequence
- stop-motionAnimation using posed objects
- claymationSculpted-figure animation technique
Pixar · Disney · DreamWorks · rotoscope · tweening · cutscene · pre-rendered
Non-interactive game sequence
- pre-renderedGenerated before playback
- motion-captureBody movement recording technology
CGI
Digital movie imagery
- VFXDigital film effects
- SFXAudiovisual production enhancements
- chroma-keyColor-based video compositing
motion-capture · compositing · rotoscoping · explosions · pyrotechnics · wirework · animatronics · morphing
cinematography
Motion picture visual craft
- directorOne who leads
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
- storyboardPlanned visual sequence drawings
editing · framing · lighting · mise-en-scène · dolly · steadicam · blocking · scene · take · cut
auteur
Director with total control
- mise-en-scèneVisual elements within frame
- spectatorshipState of being onlooker
- semioticsStudy of signs, symbols
lens
Light-focusing curved glass
ISO · sensor · anamorphic · wide-angle · telephoto · zoom · bokeh
keyframe
Fixed animation reference point
- riggingRopes controlling ship sails
- animaticTimed storyboard sequence
- stop-motionAnimation using posed objects
claymation · Pixar · Disney · DreamWorks · rotoscope · tweening · cutscene · pre-rendered
cutscene
Non-interactive game sequence
- pre-renderedGenerated before playback
- motion-captureBody movement recording technology
- gaming videosgameplay, cutscenes, trailers, walkthroughs, let's play
- game narrativestory, narrative, plot, storyline, dialogue tree
- game writingdialogue, strategy guides, walkthroughs, lore, backstory
- FMV GamesPhantasmagoria, Erica, Fahrenheit, Ripper, D
- game contentDLC, expansions, quests, boss fights, levels
- story gamesinteractive fiction, visual novels, text adventures, gamebooks, choose your own adventure
cinematicsgameplay
Interactive elements of gaming
active play · sandbox play · free roam · player agency · interactive content
- cinematic universeInterconnected franchise of films
- cinematic experienceWatching movies as spectacle
- cinematic styleVisual approach in movies
- cinematic adaptationSource material filmed
- cinematic horrorFrightening film genre
- cinematic artArtistic motion pictures