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Scripted Event

 Scripted Event
type
FeatureClass
 Scripted Event
label
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event
page
ScriptedEvent
 Scripted Event
comment
Events in video games which are programmed to unfold in the same way each time. Scripted Events are usually triggered by a timer, or by the Player Character crossing a checkpoint; this will ensure that the player is in the correct position to appreciate the event.
Scripted Events can be used to push the story forward without a Cutscene through a scripted scene of dialogue, or to increase the excitement with dramatic events such as explosions, or to scare the player with a sudden entrance of an enemy.
If a particularly dramatic or visually impressive Scripted Event is used only once in a game, then it is a Video Game Setpiece. Scripted Events tend to be used multiple times throughout a game. A series of Scripted Events linked one after another is known as a Scripted Sequence.
A Scripted Event failing to trigger when it should (or at all) can lead to the game becoming Unwinnable. Causing them to trigger when they shouldn't results in Script Breaking. Fun times! (Or not.)
If this also takes place in the middle of a battle sequence (or as an entire battle), it's a Scripted Battle. Can be quite annoying when combined with Trial-and-Error Gameplay if the events can't be skipped after the first time.
 Scripted Event
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2023-10-07T21:16:06Z
 Scripted Event
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2023-10-07T21:16:06Z
 Scripted Event
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Dropped link to EscortMission: Not an Item - FEATURE
 Scripted Event
processingComment
Dropped link to MadeOfExplodium: Not an Item - FEATURE
 Scripted Event
processingComment
Dropped link to VillainousRescue: Not an Item - FEATURE
 Scripted Event
processingComment
Dropped link to YourTerroristsAreOurFreedomFighters: Not an Item - FEATURE
 Scripted Event
isPartOf
DBTropes
 Scripted Event / int_243f5fd3
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_243f5fd3
comment
Every 3D Sonic The Hedgehog game has this. They usually involve Sonic, or whatever speed-based playable character is in control running forward and temporarily taking away control of him while the camera dramatically pans out or closes in on him. These mainly exist to demonstrate Sonic's badassery to a level that usually can't be achieved in gameplay.
Done to a poor effect in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) where running up the loops are scripted but are not scripted to be automated. This means you can literally have Sonic stand upside down on the loop without falling off should you decide to stop moving. Other scripted events launch Sonic across a gap or some other obstacle, which is supposed to be automated, but failing to hold forward will cause Sonic to miss the jump and die.
 Scripted Event / int_243f5fd3
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_243f5fd3
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1.0
 Sonic the Hedgehog (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_243f5fd3
 Scripted Event / int_299f3be7
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_299f3be7
comment
The photographer in Earthbound shows up when the player walks across certain patches of ground for the first time. Say "fuzzy pickles"!
 Scripted Event / int_299f3be7
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_299f3be7
featureConfidence
1.0
 EarthBound (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_299f3be7
 Scripted Event / int_332cb317
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_332cb317
comment
Done to a poor effect in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) where running up the loops are scripted but are not scripted to be automated. This means you can literally have Sonic stand upside down on the loop without falling off should you decide to stop moving. Other scripted events launch Sonic across a gap or some other obstacle, which is supposed to be automated, but failing to hold forward will cause Sonic to miss the jump and die.
 Scripted Event / int_332cb317
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_332cb317
featureConfidence
1.0
 Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_332cb317
 Scripted Event / int_3b7abee2
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_3b7abee2
comment
The Half-Life series makes use of scripted events throughout the games, with scientists being dragged into air vents, marines rappelling through sky lights, aliens teleporting in suddenly and characters having conversations with one another. However, many of the scripted events might as well just be Cut Scenes, since you are almost always stuck in the room they happen in and can't progress until the event ends, particularly if it invovles lengthy dialog. Being able to (usually) move around the room or shoot friendly NPCs (which then ends the game, of course) are the only things that makes the events at all different from a regular cutscene.
Portal is built the same way. In the developer commentary, they specifically referred to scripted speech events where a door would stay closed until GlaDOS finished talking as "gates."
 Scripted Event / int_3b7abee2
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_3b7abee2
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1.0
 Half-Life (Video Game)
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Scripted Event / int_3b7abee2
 Scripted Event / int_43f52aa9
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_43f52aa9
comment
During a Mages Guild quest in Oblivion, your companion Fithragaer is set to die when triggering a trap that slams into a ceiling full of spikes. Preventing him from triggering this trap does not help, as the game has several alternative ways of killing him off. While there is a convoluted way to save him, doing so is not recommended, as the quest relies on his death.
 Scripted Event / int_43f52aa9
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_43f52aa9
featureConfidence
1.0
 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_43f52aa9
 Scripted Event / int_562e8a6e
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_562e8a6e
comment
Max Payne uses many. Everytime an enemy lobs a grenade at you as you come round a corner? That was pre-scripted. The enemy AI doesn't know how to throw grenades, run for cover, or anything else more complex than shooting or jogging.
 Scripted Event / int_562e8a6e
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_562e8a6e
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1.0
 Max Payne (Video Game)
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Scripted Event / int_562e8a6e
 Scripted Event / int_57ad0c07
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_57ad0c07
comment
Resident Evil is famous for its sudden scares from zombie dogs crashing through the windows. At least, it's scary the first couple of times.
Sequels varied the scripted scare repertoire to include zombie arms crashing through walls, Licker encounters, and Nemesis encounters.
 Scripted Event / int_57ad0c07
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_57ad0c07
featureConfidence
1.0
 Resident Evil (Franchise)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_57ad0c07
 Scripted Event / int_5908ee91
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_5908ee91
comment
Skyrim:
The tutorial mission is one big scripted event. It always plays out the same way; Your character starts out being captured by Imperials, almost gets executed after being mistaken for a Stormcloak Rebel, after which he unintentionally gets saved by the timely interruption of the Big Bad Alduin. What follows is you escaping the tutorial village during the chaos of the dragon attack. The only choice you get to make is which of two characters to follow in escaping from the village.
Subverted the first time you visit the city of Markarth. Just inside the main gate, in the market area, a Forsworn assassin is scripted to attack an Imperial tourist. Until the tourist is killed, it's very easy to miss. However, if you're quick, you have the opportunity to interrupt the attack and save the tourist. The rest of the quest plays out the same, save that the thankful tourist will reward you with a piece of jewelry.
 Scripted Event / int_5908ee91
featureApplicability
-0.3
 Scripted Event / int_5908ee91
featureConfidence
1.0
 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_5908ee91
 Scripted Event / int_59151283
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_59151283
comment
Happens very often in the Metal Gear series, although all of them "might" be part of the Gambit Pileup featured in every game...
 Scripted Event / int_59151283
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_59151283
featureConfidence
1.0
 Metal Gear (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_59151283
 Scripted Event / int_59da62aa
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_59da62aa
comment
In Fallout: New Vegas, at the beginning of the Honest Hearts expansion pack, there is no way to save any of the caravaneers from the White Legs. In fact, many of the enemies can't even be hit until the caravan is wiped out.
 Scripted Event / int_59da62aa
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_59da62aa
featureConfidence
1.0
 Fallout: New Vegas (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_59da62aa
 Scripted Event / int_6c1d09b3
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_6c1d09b3
comment
Fallout 3, No matter what, you will be captured by the Enclave after retrieving the GECK. Then, Fawkes will be there to help you escape, and lastly, (before Broken Steel) the game will end, whether you started the purifier, or made Lyons do it, you evil bastard.
 Scripted Event / int_6c1d09b3
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_6c1d09b3
featureConfidence
1.0
 Fallout 3 (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_6c1d09b3
 Scripted Event / int_78bc365f
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_78bc365f
comment
Portal is built the same way. In the developer commentary, they specifically referred to scripted speech events where a door would stay closed until GlaDOS finished talking as "gates."
 Scripted Event / int_78bc365f
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_78bc365f
featureConfidence
1.0
 Portal / Videogame
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_78bc365f
 Scripted Event / int_798c8dc
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_798c8dc
comment
Battle for Wesnoth's campaign maps frequently use scripted events to expand the map, spawn in new enemies, inflict or remove status effects, change victory conditions, and generally shake thing up when certain units are killed, certain tiles are reached or crossed, or a certain number of turns have passed either in total or since some previous event.
 Scripted Event / int_798c8dc
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_798c8dc
featureConfidence
1.0
 Battle for Wesnoth (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_798c8dc
 Scripted Event / int_898426f4
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_898426f4
comment
Incredibly annoying in Drill Dozer. To get 100% Completion, the player has to go through levels multiple times with better equipment. In-level plot events play out every time, with no changes — if a character taunts you, they'll taunt you every time, even if they join your side later in the game.
 Scripted Event / int_898426f4
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_898426f4
featureConfidence
1.0
 Drill Dozer (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_898426f4
 Scripted Event / int_9d34190a
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_9d34190a
comment
While The Elder Scrolls series is well known for its open worlds and non-linear gameplay, many quests still rely on scripted events in order to play out correctly. A few notable examples:
During a Mages Guild quest in Oblivion, your companion Fithragaer is set to die when triggering a trap that slams into a ceiling full of spikes. Preventing him from triggering this trap does not help, as the game has several alternative ways of killing him off. While there is a convoluted way to save him, doing so is not recommended, as the quest relies on his death.
Skyrim:
The tutorial mission is one big scripted event. It always plays out the same way; Your character starts out being captured by Imperials, almost gets executed after being mistaken for a Stormcloak Rebel, after which he unintentionally gets saved by the timely interruption of the Big Bad Alduin. What follows is you escaping the tutorial village during the chaos of the dragon attack. The only choice you get to make is which of two characters to follow in escaping from the village.
Subverted the first time you visit the city of Markarth. Just inside the main gate, in the market area, a Forsworn assassin is scripted to attack an Imperial tourist. Until the tourist is killed, it's very easy to miss. However, if you're quick, you have the opportunity to interrupt the attack and save the tourist. The rest of the quest plays out the same, save that the thankful tourist will reward you with a piece of jewelry.
 Scripted Event / int_9d34190a
featureApplicability
-0.3
 Scripted Event / int_9d34190a
featureConfidence
1.0
 The Elder Scrolls (Franchise)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_9d34190a
 Scripted Event / int_a90d239a
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_a90d239a
comment
Psychonauts has the guillotine in Waterloo World. When you get close to it, it crashes down and you can't get through. The solution? Turn invisible.
Also the asylum rats. The upper floors of the asylum level are infested with rats that explode into a cloud of Confusion Gas while doing massive damage, and their ambushes are scripted. If you pay attention, the walls (or equivalent thereof) sometimes have rat graffiti on them. That signifies the checkpoint for a certain appearance of those giant, red-eyed, bloated vermin that will first flip your controls, screw up your psi powers, and make your screen all cloudy and green before killing you very quickly. It actually adds to the Nightmare Fuel.
 Scripted Event / int_a90d239a
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_a90d239a
featureConfidence
1.0
 Psychonauts (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_a90d239a
 Scripted Event / int_b220c759
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_b220c759
comment
The Midnight Club series, and many other "free-roam" racing games, love to script in large moving obstacles (such as trucks or traffic) during otherwise calm moments. If the player knows one is coming and correctly controls their speed, they can often get the scripted obstacle to take out NPC cars, allowing for easier victories.
 Scripted Event / int_b220c759
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_b220c759
featureConfidence
1.0
 Midnight Club (Video Game)
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Scripted Event / int_b220c759
 Scripted Event / int_c0c57462
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_c0c57462
comment
Most of the enemy encounters in Chrono Trigger are scripted to trigger when the player reaches a certain spot on the map. Triggering such an encounter will always cause the same enemies to spawn at the same positions. The battles themselves aren't scripted, though, as enemy actions are random.
 Scripted Event / int_c0c57462
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_c0c57462
featureConfidence
1.0
 Chrono Trigger (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_c0c57462
 Scripted Event / int_e5c93c13
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_e5c93c13
comment
In Miitopia, the notoriously non-Highlight cutscene events taking place during the first visit of particular stages. Unlike the random events, these are always placed on certain spots in those stages and they can't be replayed even in the post-game.
 Scripted Event / int_e5c93c13
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_e5c93c13
featureConfidence
1.0
 Miitopia (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_e5c93c13
 Scripted Event / int_f0688fff
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_f0688fff
comment
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire has one event where you have to help Wally catch a Pokemon and by helping, the game means watching Wally use a Pokémon to weaken a wild one and then catching it with a Poké Ball. The results are the same every time the event is played out, thought the Ralts can be Shiny at full odds.
 Scripted Event / int_f0688fff
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_f0688fff
featureConfidence
1.0
 Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_f0688fff
 Scripted Event / int_f1dbe
type
Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_f1dbe
comment
Many recent action-military shooter games (especially those based on previous wars) are filled with scripted sequences. Call of Duty 2 featured many set-piece battles and events, from squadmates kicking down doors to carrying a wounded teammate (both impossible for the player character).
Call of Duty 4 includes achievements for interfering with the scripted events, saving the lives of the NPCs who would otherwise die.
 Scripted Event / int_f1dbe
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_f1dbe
featureConfidence
1.0
 Call of Duty (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_f1dbe
 Scripted Event / int_fd8ef85e
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Scripted Event
 Scripted Event / int_fd8ef85e
comment
Left 4 Dead has one in the finale of Dead Air. When the survivors leave the safe room, an airplane can be seen in the background making a really tight turn and is low to the ground before it crashes and explodes into fiery bits, causing the survivors to reply in shock and awe. Happens every time the map is played. In the finale to The Sacrifice, the player making the Heroic Sacrifice will always be hit by a Tank's rock from off screen to incapacitate them, showing them as completely helpless in the cutscene as they bleed out. This happens even in instances where Tanks can't spawn due to mods or certain game modes.
 Scripted Event / int_fd8ef85e
featureApplicability
1.0
 Scripted Event / int_fd8ef85e
featureConfidence
1.0
 Left 4 Dead (Video Game)
hasFeature
Scripted Event / int_fd8ef85e

The following is a list of statements referring to the current page from other pages.

 Scripted Event
processingCategory2
Older Than the NES
 ContrastSoul
seeAlso
Scripted Event
 FernGameSeries
seeAlso
Scripted Event
 TeleportingKeyCardSquad
seeAlso
Scripted Event
 Undercover Boss / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 AdventureQuest Worlds (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Afraid of Monsters (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Age of Empires II (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Akai Katana (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Battle for Wesnoth (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Blade Runner (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Blade Runner (1997) (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Castle of the Winds (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 ChaoIslandTranquilCorruptGenocide
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Scripted Event
 City-Building Series (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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 ContrastSoul
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Scripted Event
 Crime Boss: Rockay City (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Deadly Rooms of Death (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Devil May Cry 5 (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Digimon Survive (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Dino Crisis (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Grand Theft Auto IV (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Half-Life (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Halo Zero (Video Game)
seeAlso
Scripted Event
 Harvest Moon Updated (Video Game)
seeAlso
Scripted Event
 Left 4 Dead (Video Game) / int_2195704b
type
Scripted Event
 Left 4 Dead 2 (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Little Big Adventure (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Marvel: Avengers Alliance (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Medieval II: Total War (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Metro: Last Light (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Miitopia (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
 Rome: Total War (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
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Scripted Event
 The Evil Within 2 (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 The What-Iffers in: Final Fancy (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Tropico (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Updated (Video Game)
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Scripted Event
 Vampire: The Masquerade – Redemption (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Vanish (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Vigil Blood Bitterness (Video Game) / int_2195704b
type
Scripted Event
 War for the West (Video Game) / int_2195704b
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Scripted Event
 Stardew Valley / Videogame / int_2195704b
type
Scripted Event
 Subnautica (Video Game) / int_2195704b
type
Scripted Event