One of the most popular types of computer games in the history of gaming is the First-Person Shooter game. Whenever you see a gamer portrayed on television, nine times out of ten, that player will be shooting out his opposition. As such, they have enjoyed a rather interesting history to date.
First Person Shooters have been around for over 45 years – and during that time, the popularity of the genre has seen both growth and decline. However, what has always been true, is that they keep on returning as new generation designers put their own spin on the games, bringing exciting new concepts and ideas – and even better technology. So, in this article, we will look at the evolution of the First-Person Shooter game… where they started, and what we can all enjoy now.
In the Beginning
In the 1970s, computer games were at their most basic. However, as soon as gaming systems moved from punchcards to pixels, things started to become a little more interesting.
Most agree that the first real First-Person Shooter game ever attempted was Maze War in 1973. This game saw different players walking through a 3D maze – taking one tile at a time and shooting the other players on sight. It wasn’t the most elegant of games, but it was the first of its kind.
The following year saw the genre start to expand somewhat. In 1974 came Spasims (Space Simulator) which saw you controlling a spaceship rather than a human avatar – and this rendered a 3D world in wireframe. Then, later iterations included Panther, which was a tank simulation game. However, the hardware currently was primitive and clunky – and didn’t offer the best user experience.
Arcade Games
Panther made the jump to arcade some years later – and it’s hard to talk about the history of any computer game without at least mentioning arcade games. In the 1980s, the gamer could be seen hanging out at the arcades – which enjoyed better hardware and innovative developments in game design.
Arguably, one of the most important historical games in FPS arcade history is Atari’s 1980 Battlezone, which saw players taking control of tanks where they set out to destroy enemies. Again, it was primitive but included all the key elements.
The arcade game that most resembles more modern FPS games is Midway’s Wizard of Wor, introduced in 1981… Including deadly mazes and dangerous creatures.
Taking FPS Home
With the improvement of home gaming systems, more gamers started indulging in their own computers. MIDI Maze is considered one of the first home computer FPS games, an Atari ST game, released in 1987. Players are represented by a Pac-Man-like orb, traveling around a maze and shooting deadly bubbles at other players.
The game was later released in 1991 on Game Boy, under the name Faceball 2000 – allowing an even more flexible experience.
First Person Shooter games really started to take off from there. The 1990s saw lots of innovation from this point on. Let’s look at the First-Person Shooter games that have changed the way we play FPS since.
Doom – 1993
After all the previous attempts at FPS games, one of the first games to really make an impact was DOOM, in 1993. It is widely considered to be the most important game of that genre ever created. With DOOM, you are assigned the role of a space marine – Doomguy, who must fight his way through demons.
This game defined the genre, leading the way for 3D graphics, multiplayer, mods, etc – and even started discussions about bloodshed and violence in computer games. This is still a hugely exciting and fun game that is enjoyed today.
Counter-Strike – 2000
This is probably one of the most iconic games in First Person Shooter history. The game is considered by gaming historians to have helped to perfect the FPS formula and create a template for future games. The most important thing, however, is how it has revolutionized online play – having helped to create a whole new E-Sport industry and ecosystem even including CSGO gambling and skin trading sites – and quite a few careers have been made off its back.
Even though its most recent game is over ten years old, it is still played religiously by many and is considered the most important E-Sport game ever.
Halo – 2001
This is a huge hit game, leading the way for Halo 2. Halo led the way for matchmaking for a multiplayer environment and set a brand-new standard for this type of game. It was Halo 2’s groundbreaking design that led to the rise in popularity of games such as Call of Duty.
The story remains popular to this day, but it is the multiplayer experience that keeps bringing players back.
Battlefield – 2002
This game is a historically inspired game, with realistic battles and destructible vehicles and landscapes. It took historical PFS games to the next level with innovative features, bringing them to the mainstream. The added destruction feature makes the games more unpredictable – as you can be killed from anywhere.
Call of Duty – 2003
Call of Duty is one of the highest-selling game series ever – and one of the most popular multiplayer games. It builds upon previous games such as Counter-Strike, perfecting multiplayer and transferring it to single player. This game has had lots of settings, The Cold War, World War II, Space, the future, and more. It is now at such a stage where they are trying new things and making tweaks to add even more to the game.
Deathloop – 2021
This is one of the most recent FPS games… Deathloop is Arkane Studios’ stylish and suave interpretation of a First-Person Shooter. The game requires you to learn from your mistakes to find out all about the secrets of the island. This game has already received critical acclaim from all. The new game is classy, innovative, and unpredictable.
The First-Person Shooter genre has come a long way – with games getting ever more sophisticated. It’s exciting to see where it takes us next!
