User blog comment:TheSt0ryTeller/Assassinews 09/26 - New AC3 Info and Videos!/@comment-2055431-20120926150417/@comment-4043223-20120926183418

(QTE) also known as a Quick Time Event is a method of context-sensitive gameplay in which the player performs actions on the control device shortly after the appearance of an on-screen prompt.

It allows for limited control of the game character during cut scenes or cinematic sequences in the game. Performing the prompted action improperly or not at all results in the character's failure at their task and often in an immediate game over.

This may simply be the pressing of a sequence of buttons or gamepad controls to carry out the action within a set time limit in order to perform the task.