Yu Suzuki’s Shenmue series is renowned – and lambasted – for its quick-time events, whose usage varies from cinematics to combat. Shenmue 3 will feature QTEs as well but the man himself is working hard to ensure they properly evolve.
Speaking to Red Bull, Suzuki said that, “While QTEs may feel a little wanting to some action gamers, I believe that it is a fundamental technique that allows a broad range of players to actively participate in the dramatic performances of a game.
“That said, I would like to take up the challenge of creating the next evolution of the QTE.”
How exactly will he do that? You’ve got us. Maybe the entire game is pressing buttons and the one scene you press nothing is a QTE. Anything is possible really, even if the QTE mechanic has been done and re-done to death over the past 17 years or so.
Shenmue 3 is currently in development for PC and PS4 and is planned for release by December 2017.