cut scenes in play-by-post

[tumblingdice]

Steven Spielberg has said he doesn't like the use of cut scenes in video games. This interested me, because I love cut scenes in pbp games, both as a player and a DM. Cut scenes can:

1. Introduce major antagonists if the characters aren't likely to meet them right away.
2. Provide exposition that's more entertaining than typical boxed text.
3. Give players a sense of progress mid-game by showing the consequences of their character's actions elsewhere.

Now I wonder: are such things necessary or even desirable in a role-playing game? Or, are they just self-indulgent amateur fiction writing exercises imposed by the DM on his players?

What are your thoughts?

[Spanningtree]

I think a well written cut scene could add a lot of flavor to the game. It would also be a great opportunity for the GM to introduce or reinforce additional elements to the game. Overall, how could it go wrong?