Timers

Design taken from arcade games. Gotta keep those coins coming.

Even if the time limits are too generous to ever be a threat on consoles they still serve a purpose. They are just badly designed for that purpose.

The only scenario I completely agree with your thought is when console games put a time limit on things like character and stage select screens.

>>3297123
most games on a timer gave you bonus score for extra time you had left.

>>3297209
This.

Example: The original Castlevania.

>>3297123
Ninja Gaiden and Castlevania are the kinds of games one needs to play slowly and carefully, so timer is there to ensure that you won't go TOO slow.

>>3297123
Arcades used to have timers to provide an extra challenge. However most console games put the timer at such a generous amount that it really only matters on a few stages. It still does a good job of using psychology to discourage slow, tedious play.

File: GNOM-2575-2__98994.1426537046.1280.1280.jpg (40KB, 450x360px) Image search: [Google]

40KB, 450x360px

>>3300004
It's also so a guy can't stick in a single quarter, promptly drop his pants, and yell "MOONY MOONY MOONY MOONY MOONY!" until closing time

>>3297123

In case you get stuck in a level, a form of auto reset