Hotkey
From GenieWiki
A hot key (properly a keyboard shortcut) is a key or set of keys that performs a predefined function. These functions can often be done via some other, more indirect mechanism, such as using a menu, typing a longer command, and/or using the mouse. By reducing such sequences to a few keystrokes, this can often save the user time making them more productive. Besides aiding in gameplay, hotkeys can also improve the productivity in the scenario editor and other external programs and therefore allow projects to be completed quicker (as well as minimizing frustration).
For shortcuts which consist of keys "pressed together", one usually first holds down the modifier key(s), then quickly presses and releases the regular (non-modifier) key, and finally releases the modifier key(s). For example to turn on the grid in Age of Empire's scenario builder, the designer can press Ctrl+B as described above. This distinction is important, as trying to press all the keys simultaniously will frequently either miss some of the modifier keys, or cause unwanted auto-repeat.
Hotkeys in play
Most games use hotkeys extensively, with hotkeys for many functions. Newer games tend to make more extensive use of hotkeys than older ones, while expansions often include some new hotkeys as well. Some games also allow the hotkeys to be modified, for example many gameplay hotkeys in Age of Kings can be customized in the options area.
Though hotkeys may take a little effort and time to learn, they make work much quicker and easier in any program, so learning hotkeys is well worth while. They may also make using a program (including playing) more enjoyable as the player may feel more comfortable with their more direct control. Using hotkeys is essential in competitive multiplayer games, as the player using hotkeys effectively will be quicker than his or her opponent. This applies to single player games as well - in general a player who knows their hotkeys will have a higher skill level than those who don't. Some players even choose to customize their hotkeys to a configuration they feel is more comfortable and efficient, for example common unit training hotkeys could be lined up in one row (e.g. Ctrl+Q, Ctrl+W, Ctrl+E etc) to allow a player to quickly queue units and give them more time to focus on other aspects of play. Sometimes, the only way to invoke a function is via some special key combination. For example the game clock can only be viewed in AoE/AoK by pressing F4.
See also
External links
- An Introduction to Hotkeys - Article on hotkeys in AoK
- List of common keyboard shortcuts
- Keyboard shortcut - Similar article on Wikipedia
