In the world of video games, first-person shooters or FPS games have become one of the most iconic and influential genres. With fast-paced action, immersive gameplay, and realistic environments, FPS titles have evolved dramatically over the decades. However, to fully appreciate the genre’s progress, it is essential to understand where it all began. The first FPS game may look primitive by today’s standards, but it laid the foundation for countless innovations that followed. Its contribution to gaming history is undeniable, making it a crucial part of the conversation when discussing video game evolution, retro gaming, and the origins of shooter mechanics.
The Dawn of the First-Person Shooter
The origin of the FPS genre can be traced back to the early 1970s. While several early attempts at immersive shooting games existed, the game most often credited as the first true first-person shooter isMaze War, also known asThe Maze Game. Developed around 1973, this title introduced the concept of viewing the world through the eyes of the player what we now call the ‘first-person perspective.’
Maze War: The Silent Pioneer
Maze Warwas developed on the Imlac PDS-1, a computer system with vector graphics capabilities. The game allowed players to move through a maze from a first-person viewpoint, shooting at other players represented as eyeballs. It was simple, but revolutionary. Even though it lacked textures, sound, and detailed environments,Maze Warfeatured core gameplay mechanics that would define the genre for decades:
- First-person perspective
- Player navigation through 3D space
- Projectile-based combat
- Multiplayer interactions over a network
What madeMaze Warespecially significant was its ability to connect players over ARPANET, an early version of the internet. This made it not only the first FPS but also one of the first networked multiplayer games, establishing a trend that would explode in popularity years later.
Another Early Contender: Spasim
Hot on the heels ofMaze WarwasSpasim, released in 1974. This game focused on space simulation and combat. Players controlled ships from a first-person viewpoint and engaged in battles within a 3D space. Though the gameplay was more strategic and slow-paced than the twitch-action shooters that followed,Spasimis still considered a key stepping stone in the FPS timeline.
LikeMaze War,Spasimalso included multiplayer features, allowing up to 32 users to compete at once. This was a remarkable achievement in the 1970s and helped solidify the importance of first-person mechanics in competitive environments.
The Genre Takes Shape: The 1980s
During the 1980s, first-person games became more ambitious, although true FPS titles were still rare. Most games in this era focused on adventure or puzzle-solving from a first-person view. One notable title was3D Monster Maze, released in 1981 for the Sinclair ZX81. It featured a terrifying chase through a maze by a Tyrannosaurus rex, giving players an early taste of tension and immersion.
Another key release wasMidi Maze(1987), which ran on Atari ST computers. This game introduced smooth multiplayer combat using the first-person view and is considered a direct ancestor of the arena shooter genre. Players controlled spherical smiley faces and battled each other in mazes, showcasing early deathmatch gameplay that would become standard in later FPS titles.
The Breakthrough: Wolfenstein 3D
While earlier games had set the stage, it wasWolfenstein 3D, released in 1992 by id Software, that popularized the first-person shooter genre. With its fast action, fluid movement, and revolutionary 3D graphics, this title brought FPS gaming into the mainstream. Players stepped into the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, battling Nazis in a labyrinth of hallways and secret rooms.
Wolfenstein 3Doffered significant improvements over its predecessors:
- Textured walls and detailed environments
- Weapon variety and ammo management
- Real-time action and enemy AI
- Large levels with exploration elements
This game wasn’t just influential; it was a blueprint for the FPS format. It sparked a wave of similar titles and encouraged developers to explore the genre’s potential further.
The Golden Era Begins: Doom and Beyond
Following the success ofWolfenstein 3D, id Software releasedDoomin 1993. Though not the first FPS,Doomhad a tremendous cultural impact and set new standards for level design, modding, and multiplayer gaming. It expanded the genre beyond expectations and introduced a wide audience to the excitement of fast-paced first-person action.
The release ofDoommarked the beginning of what many refer to as the ‘Golden Age’ of FPS games. From that point on, developers continued to innovate and push boundaries, leading to legendary franchises likeQuake,Half-Life, andGoldenEye 007.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
The journey fromMaze Warto modern FPS titles likeCall of DutyorValorantis marked by decades of technological advances and creative innovation. Yet, the DNA of those early games remains deeply embedded in today’s shooters. Core elements such as point-of-view immersion, projectile mechanics, and competitive multiplayer can all be traced back to the first FPS game prototypes from the 1970s.
The first-person shooter genre continues to evolve, but it’s crucial to remember the humble beginnings that started it all. From vector-based mazes to photorealistic battlefields, FPS games have come a long way and they owe much of their success to the pioneering work of developers who dared to imagine new perspectives in gaming.
A Genre Built on Innovation
The first FPS game was more than a technical experiment it was the birth of a genre that would captivate millions of players around the world. By embracing a new point of view and exploring what it meant to ‘be’ inside a game, early titles likeMaze WarandSpasimopened the door for some of the most beloved and successful video games in history.
Understanding where FPS games came from helps us better appreciate where they are headed. As virtual reality, motion tracking, and AI continue to shape the industry, the spirit of innovation seen in the earliest FPS games lives on. What started as a simple maze with moving eyeballs has become a global phenomenon, proving that even the simplest ideas can spark revolutions in gaming.