Shack: What are Directed Moments?
Daniel Roy: Directed Moments are Splinter Cell Double Agent’s answer to pre-rendered cinematics on the XBOX 360. We decided to blur the line between in-game experience and pre-rendered sequences, and have created a number of scenes, which are fully playable, but provide a cinematic-like experience to the player.
Shack: While Directed Moments sound pretty cool, they also seem a bit gimmicky. For example, one DM that has been discussed is a parachuting scene in which the player can press different buttons to make Sam perform different aerial stunts such as flipping, twisting, et cetera. That's neat and all, but it doesn't sound as though it will actually affect anything. Do they become useful in different situations?
Daniel Roy: The skydiving sequence is one example, but Directed Moments are used in a great number of situations for maximum emotional effect. For instance, some choices in the game are made in the form of a Directed Moment; obviously, these have great consequences on the game. Others are meant to be cinematic and emotional, and are used to immerse the player fully in the game.