cut scenes in play-by-post
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?
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?