Cinematronics

How Accessible QTE Inputs Reshape Suspense Trajectories in Survival Horror Games

This extended abstract proposes that the input mode of a survival horror quick-time event, specifically a rapid button-mash versus a hold-to-continue accessibility alternative, can reshape the suspense trajectory of the same in-game event.

• The paper argues that accessible input modes for a survival horror QTE, such as hold-to-continue versus rapid button-mashing, can reshape the suspense trajectory of the same in-game event rather than being neutral barrier removals.
• Using a single illustrative case from The Last of Us Part II (a ten-second QTE where Ellie is pinned to a window ledge), the author constructs two conceptual suspense curves to model the differences.
• Button-mashing is hypothesised to produce sharper suspense spikes during the ascent because repeated inputs multiply potential failure points and raise perceived likelihood of an undesirable outcome.