The landscape of gaming has been forever altered by the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. But before the billion-dollar franchises and the esports arenas, there was a genesis, a moment of creation where the foundations were laid. While many point to Wolfenstein 3D or Doom as the pioneers, the truth is more nuanced. This article delves into the complex history of the first first person shooter, exploring the various contenders and arguing why pinpointing a single “first” is a challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, endeavor. We’ll journey back to the early days of computer graphics, examining the games that pushed the boundaries of technology and design to create the immersive, visceral experiences we know and love today.
Target Audience: This article is aimed at American gamers, game historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of video games. Whether you’re a seasoned FPS player or simply curious about the origins of the genre, this article will provide a fascinating look at the games that paved the way for modern shooters.
Defining the Genre: What Makes a Game a “First-Person Shooter”?
Before we can determine the first first person shooter, we need to establish a clear definition of the genre. This seemingly simple task is surprisingly complex. Key elements generally include:
- First-Person Perspective: The player views the game world through the eyes of the character, creating a sense of immersion.
- Real-Time 3D Graphics: The game world is rendered in real-time, allowing the player to move and interact with the environment fluidly. Note that ‘3D’ is often used loosely here; early games often used clever techniques to simulate 3D.
- Weapon-Based Combat: The primary gameplay mechanic revolves around using weapons to defeat enemies.
- Exploration and Navigation: The player is free to explore the game world and navigate through different levels.
However, these elements weren’t always present in early games, and some titles blurred the lines between genres, making categorization difficult. Therefore, we must consider the evolution of these features when evaluating potential contenders for the title of “first.”
The Contenders: Examining the Early Pioneers
Several games are often cited as potential candidates for the first first person shooter. Let’s examine some of the most prominent contenders:
1. Maze War (1974): The Proto-FPS on Imlac Terminals
Maze War, created by Greg Thompson in 1974, is arguably the earliest example of a game resembling a modern FPS. Developed on Imlac PDS-1 graphics terminals at NASA Ames Research Center, and later at MIT, Maze War featured:
- First-Person Perspective: Players navigated a simple maze from a first-person viewpoint.
- Networked Multiplayer: Players could connect over a network and shoot each other.
- Limited Graphics: The graphics were basic, consisting of simple lines and shapes.
While Maze War lacked many of the features we associate with modern FPS games, its first-person perspective and networked multiplayer gameplay were groundbreaking for the time. It’s considered a proto-FPS, laying the foundation for future developments.
2. Spasim (1974): Vectrex-Style Space Combat
Also released in 1974, Spasim (Space Simulator) was a 3D multiplayer space combat simulator developed at the University of Illinois. Running on PLATO terminals, Spasim featured:
- First-Person Perspective: Players piloted spaceships from a first-person viewpoint.
- Wireframe Graphics: The graphics were rendered using wireframe vectors.
- Multiplayer Combat: Players could engage in space battles with each other.
Spasim is notable for its early use of 3D graphics and multiplayer gameplay in a first-person perspective. However, its abstract visuals and lack of a narrative focus differentiate it from later FPS games.
3. Battlezone (1980): Atari’s Vector Graphics Tank Battle
Atari’s Battlezone, released in 1980, was an arcade game that featured:
- First-Person Perspective: Players controlled a tank from a first-person viewpoint.
- Vector Graphics: The graphics were rendered using vector lines, creating a distinctive visual style.
- Tank Combat: Players engaged in tank battles against enemy tanks and missiles.
Battlezone was a commercial success and is recognized for its innovative use of vector graphics and its immersive gameplay. While it lacked multiplayer, its first-person perspective and combat-focused gameplay were influential on later FPS games.
4. MIDI Maze (1987): A Mac Multiplayer Milestone
MIDI Maze, released in 1987 for the Atari ST and later ported to other platforms, was a significant step forward in the evolution of the FPS genre. Featuring networked multiplayer over MIDI, MIDI Maze allowed up to 16 players to connect and battle each other in a simple maze. Key Features:
- Networked Multiplayer: Allowed up to 16 players to compete.
- First-Person Perspective: Displayed the action from the player’s viewpoint.
- Simple Graphics: Used basic, tile-based graphics.
While graphically simple, MIDI Maze‘s emphasis on multiplayer action made it a significant predecessor to games like Doom and Quake.
Wolfenstein 3D (1992) and Doom (1993): Popularizing the Genre
While the above titles are important historical precursors, it’s undeniable that Wolfenstein 3D and Doom played a crucial role in popularizing the FPS genre.
- Wolfenstein 3D (1992): Developed by id Software, Wolfenstein 3D introduced fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, colorful graphics, and a distinct narrative focus. This title is often mistakenly thought of as the first first person shooter due to its commercial success and influence.
- Doom (1993): Building upon the foundation laid by Wolfenstein 3D, Doom pushed the boundaries of technology with its advanced graphics, immersive sound design, and brutal gameplay. Doom also popularized online multiplayer deathmatch, further cementing the FPS genre’s popularity.
These games were instrumental in bringing the FPS genre to a mainstream audience and establishing many of the conventions that are still used today.
The Technical Hurdles: Overcoming Limitations
The development of early FPS games was significantly constrained by technological limitations. Early computers had limited processing power, memory, and graphics capabilities. Developers had to be incredibly creative and resourceful to overcome these challenges.
- Raycasting: Wolfenstein 3D utilized a technique called raycasting to simulate 3D graphics. This involved casting rays from the player’s viewpoint to determine the distance to walls and other objects. This technique was computationally efficient but had limitations, such as the inability to render varying floor and ceiling heights.
- Binary Space Partitioning (BSP): Doom used binary space partitioning to efficiently render complex 3D environments. This involved dividing the game world into a hierarchy of convex polygons, allowing the game to quickly determine which objects were visible to the player.
These technical innovations were crucial in enabling the immersive and fast-paced gameplay that defined the early FPS genre. The developers constantly experimented with new techniques to circumvent the technological limits.
Debating the “First”: A Matter of Perspective
So, which game was the first first person shooter? The answer depends on how strictly you define the genre.
- If you prioritize the first-person perspective and networked multiplayer, Maze War and Spasim are strong contenders.
- If you emphasize combat-focused gameplay and commercial success, Battlezone deserves consideration.
- If you focus on the games that popularized the genre and established its conventions, Wolfenstein 3D and Doom are the clear frontrunners.
“There’s no single ‘first’ in any creative field,” says game historian Leonard Herman. “Ideas build upon ideas. It’s more accurate to speak of influences and innovations than to try to crown one game as the absolute originator of the FPS genre.”
Ultimately, pinpointing a single “first” is less important than recognizing the contributions of all the early pioneers who helped shape the genre.
The Influence of the First: Shaping Modern Gaming
The early FPS games had a profound influence on the development of modern gaming. They established the conventions of the genre, such as the first-person perspective, weapon-based combat, and exploration-focused gameplay. They also inspired countless developers to push the boundaries of technology and design, leading to the creation of increasingly immersive and sophisticated gaming experiences.
From the corridor shooters like Doom to the tactical realism of Rainbow Six to the open-world epics like Far Cry, the lineage is clear. The lessons learned and techniques pioneered in those early days continue to resonate in modern game design. The first first person shooter, whatever title you choose, remains a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring appeal of immersive, action-packed gameplay.
Looking at Reddit discussions, many users express appreciation for the historical context but emphasize the ongoing evolution of the FPS genre, with each generation of games building upon the innovations of the past.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation
The quest to identify the first first person shooter is a journey through the history of video games, revealing the ingenuity and creativity of early developers who overcame significant technological limitations to create a new and exciting form of entertainment. While there may never be a definitive answer, exploring the contenders and their contributions provides a valuable insight into the evolution of gaming and the enduring appeal of the FPS genre. 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 gaming. Their legacy continues to inspire developers and captivate players around the world.
