The first FPS (First-Person Shooter) is a title hotly debated among gamers and historians alike. From the pixelated corridors of early computer labs to the explosive battlefields of modern consoles, the genre has undergone a dramatic evolution. But where did it all begin? This article aims to dissect the history, examining the key contenders, technical innovations, and the often-subjective criteria that determine what truly constitutes the “first” of its kind. We’ll journey through the blocky landscapes and wireframe worlds of yesteryear to unearth the origins of a genre that has shaped the gaming landscape for decades.
Defining the Battlefield: What Makes a Game an FPS?
Before embarking on our historical quest, it’s crucial to establish a working definition of what constitutes a first FPS. While modern games have solidified the genre’s characteristics, applying these standards retroactively proves challenging. Key elements typically include:
- First-Person Perspective: The player experiences the game world through the eyes of the character.
- Real-Time Action: The gameplay unfolds in real-time, requiring immediate reactions and strategic thinking.
- Weapon-Based Combat: The core gameplay revolves around using weapons to engage enemies.
- 3D (or Pseudo-3D) Environment: The game world provides a sense of depth and spatial awareness, even if achieved through clever technical trickery.
- Navigation and Exploration: Players have the freedom to move around the environment and explore different areas.
However, these features weren’t always present simultaneously in early games, blurring the lines and sparking debate. The degree to which these elements were implemented is a crucial factor in identifying the first FPS.
The Primordial Soup: Early Contenders for the FPS Crown
Several games vie for the title of first FPS, each offering a unique contribution to the genre’s evolution. Let’s explore the most prominent contenders:
1. Maze War (1974): The Networked Pioneer
Often cited as a strong contender, Maze War originated in 1974 at the NASA Ames Research Center. Developed by Greg Thompson on Imlac PDS-1 graphics terminals, it featured:
- First-Person Perspective: Players navigated a simple maze from a first-person viewpoint.
- Networked Multiplayer: A groundbreaking feature for the time, allowing players to connect and shoot each other across a network.
- Rudimentary Graphics: The graphics were basic, consisting of simple lines and shapes forming the maze walls.
Despite its primitive graphics, Maze War‘s networked multiplayer and first-person perspective were revolutionary, setting the stage for future FPS games.
2. Spasim (1974): Space Combat in Wireframes
Also emerging in 1974, Spasim (Space Simulator) was a 3D multiplayer space combat simulator created at the University of Illinois. Utilizing the PLATO system, it featured:
- First-Person Cockpit View: Players piloted spaceships from a first-person perspective within a wireframe cockpit.
- Wireframe Graphics: Employed vector graphics to create a sense of 3D space.
- Multiplayer Dogfights: Players could engage in space battles against each other.
Spasim‘s implementation of 3D graphics and multiplayer combat in a first-person setting made it another significant precursor to the modern FPS.
3. Battlezone (1980): Atari’s Vector Tank Warfare
Atari’s Battlezone, released in 1980, brought the first-person perspective to the arcade scene. Its key features included:
- First-Person Tank View: Players controlled a tank from a first-person perspective.
- Vector Graphics: Utilized vector graphics to create a minimalist but immersive 3D environment.
- Combat-Focused Gameplay: Players engaged in tank battles against enemy tanks and missiles.
Battlezone‘s commercial success and immersive gameplay, despite lacking multiplayer, solidified the appeal of the first-person perspective in a combat setting.
4. MIDI Maze (1987): The Macintosh Multiplayer Revolution
MIDI Maze, released in 1987 for the Atari ST and later ported to the Macintosh, took networked multiplayer to a new level. It allowed up to 16 players to connect and battle each other in a simple maze using MIDI ports. Highlights included:
- Networked Multiplayer: Up to 16 players could participate in a single game.
- First-Person Perspective: Displayed the action from the player’s viewpoint.
- Simple Graphics: Used basic, tile-based graphics.
MIDI Maze’s widespread adoption and emphasis on multiplayer action cemented its place as a key influence on later FPS titles.
The ID Software Explosion: Wolfenstein 3D and Doom
While the aforementioned games laid the groundwork, it was id Software’s Wolfenstein 3D (1992) and Doom (1993) that truly popularized the FPS genre and established its core conventions.
- Wolfenstein 3D (1992): Revolutionized the genre with its fast-paced action, colorful (though technically limited) 3D graphics, and a clear focus on shooting enemies.
- Doom (1993): Built upon Wolfenstein 3D‘s formula, pushing the technological boundaries with advanced graphics, intricate level design, and groundbreaking online multiplayer deathmatch.
These games brought the FPS genre to a mainstream audience and served as a template for countless subsequent titles. While not the absolute first FPS, their impact is undeniable.
Technological Innovation: The Engine of Evolution
The development of early FPS games was significantly shaped by technological constraints. Early computers had limited processing power, memory, and graphics capabilities. Developers had to innovate and create ingenious solutions to overcome these challenges.
- Raycasting: Simulating 3D with 2D Techniques: Wolfenstein 3D utilized raycasting to create a convincing 3D environment within the limitations of 2D graphics. This technique involved casting rays from the player’s viewpoint to determine the distance to walls and objects.
- Binary Space Partitioning (BSP): Efficiently Rendering Complex Worlds: Doom employed BSP to optimize the rendering of complex 3D environments. This involved dividing the game world into a hierarchy of convex polygons, enabling the game to quickly determine which objects were visible to the player and only render those, saving valuable processing power.
These technical innovations were essential in enabling the fast-paced and immersive gameplay that characterized the early FPS genre.
The Subjectivity of “First”: A Matter of Definition
Determining the “first” is often a subjective exercise, particularly when dealing with evolving art forms. The answer depends on which criteria are prioritized.
- If networked multiplayer and a first-person perspective are the defining factors, Maze War and Spasim emerge as strong contenders.
- If commercial success and mainstream appeal are key, Battlezone, followed by Wolfenstein 3D, might be considered.
- If the establishment of core genre conventions is the primary consideration, Doom stands out as a pivotal title.
“The search for the ‘first’ anything is often a fool’s errand,” says game historian and curator Dr. Carly Kocurek. “It’s more helpful to think about influences and lineages – how different games built on each other’s innovations.”
Echoes of the Past: The Lasting Legacy of Early FPS Games
Despite their primitive graphics and limited features, the early FPS games had a profound influence on the evolution of the genre and the broader gaming landscape. They established the core conventions of the FPS and paved the way for the immersive and technologically advanced games we enjoy today.
From the fast-paced action of Call of Duty to the strategic depth of Rainbow Six Siege and the open-world exploration of Far Cry, the influence of these early titles is undeniable. The first FPS, whoever it may be, represents a crucial step in the journey of video game evolution. Reddit forums dedicated to classic gaming often feature discussions celebrating the innovative spirit of these early titles and their lasting impact on the industry.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Innovation and Influence
The search for the first FPS is a fascinating exploration of the history of video games, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of early developers who pushed the boundaries of technology and design. While a definitive answer may remain elusive, examining the contenders and their contributions provides a valuable perspective on the evolution of a genre that has shaped the gaming world for decades. From the simple mazes of Maze War to the groundbreaking gameplay of Doom, these early games laid the foundation for the immersive and action-packed experiences that define modern FPS gaming. Their legacy continues to inspire developers and captivate players around the globe.
