Doom, created by id Software in 1993, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic first-person shooter (FPS) games of all time. But is it really the first true FPS game? While some argue that the genre dates back to earlier games like 1974’s Spasim, the majority of FPS fans consider Doom to be the game that popularized the genre and set the standard for what would follow. In this article, we’ll explore the history of FPS games and examine the evidence for and against Doom being the first true FPS game.

The Origins of First-Person Shooters

Early FPS Games

The Origins of the FPS Genre

The first-person shooter (FPS) genre can trace its roots back to the early days of computer gaming. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, early computer games were simple programs that allowed players to move a character around a screen and interact with the environment. However, it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that the first-person perspective became popular in video games.

Early FPS Games

One of the earliest FPS games was Maze War, which was created in 1973 by the University of Illinois’ PLATO project. The game featured a first-person perspective and allowed players to move through a maze and shoot enemies. Another early FPS game was Spasim, which was created in 1974 by a group of developers who were inspired by Maze War. Spasim was notable for its 3D graphics, which allowed players to move through a wireframe world and engage in combat with other players.

Other early FPS games included 1982’s MIDI Maze and 1983’s Escape from Mars. These games featured first-person perspectives and simple graphics, but they laid the groundwork for the FPS genre as it would later develop.

The Influence of 3D Graphics on the Development of FPS Games

The introduction of 3D graphics was a major turning point for the FPS genre. Early 3D graphics were primitive by modern standards, but they allowed game developers to create more immersive and realistic environments for players to explore. The 1984 game Elite was notable for its 3D wireframe graphics, which gave players a sense of depth and space that was previously lacking in FPS games.

Overall, the early FPS games were simple by modern standards, but they laid the groundwork for the genre as it would later develop. The combination of first-person perspectives and 3D graphics would eventually lead to the creation of iconic FPS games like Doom, which is still widely regarded as one of the genre’s most influential titles.

Doom’s Release and Impact

The Release of Doom in 1993

In 1993, a revolutionary game was released that would change the face of gaming forever. That game was Doom, developed by id Software and published by GT Interactive. It was a groundbreaking title that set the standard for first-person shooter (FPS) games to come.

The Impact of Doom on the Gaming Industry

Doom’s impact on the gaming industry was immense. It popularized the FPS genre and established id Software as a leader in game development. The game’s innovative graphics and gameplay were a major factor in its success, and it quickly became a favorite among gamers worldwide.

Doom’s success also paved the way for other FPS games, such as Duke Nukem 3D and Quake, which further cemented the genre’s popularity. The game’s influence can still be felt today, with many modern FPS games drawing inspiration from its gameplay and mechanics.

The Game’s Revolutionary Graphics and Gameplay

Doom’s graphics were state-of-the-art for their time, featuring 3D graphics that gave players a truly immersive experience. The game’s gameplay was equally revolutionary, with smooth and fluid movement and a variety of weapons and enemies to engage with.

The game’s level design was also a major factor in its success, with each level carefully crafted to provide a unique and challenging experience for players. The game’s multiplayer mode was also a major draw, allowing players to compete against each other in deathmatch and team deathmatch matches.

Overall, Doom’s release and impact on the gaming industry was immense, and it remains a classic game that continues to be played and enjoyed by gamers today. Its legacy can be seen in the many FPS games that have followed in its footsteps, and it will always be remembered as a pioneering title that helped to shape the genre.

Doom’s Role in the Evolution of FPS Games

Innovations in Gameplay

• The introduction of new weapons and enemies:
  • Doom introduced a variety of new weapons and enemies that added to the complexity and excitement of the gameplay. These included the iconic “double-barreled shotgun” and the “arch-vile” enemy, which could resurrect previously defeated enemies.
  • This addition of diverse weapons and enemies provided players with new challenges and strategies, increasing the replayability of the game.
• The inclusion of secret levels and hidden features:
  • Doom also featured a number of secret levels and hidden features that added to the game’s replayability and encouraged exploration.
  • These secrets often included unique challenges, additional weapons, and even secret areas within levels, which could be accessed by finding hidden switches or discovering secret rooms.
• The development of multiplayer modes:
  • Doom’s multiplayer mode allowed players to connect over a local area network (LAN) and play together in a deathmatch format.
  • This addition significantly expanded the game’s lifespan and provided players with a new way to experience the game.
  • Additionally, Doom’s multiplayer mode included various gameplay options, such as timed matches and team-based play, which added to the overall excitement and variety of the game.

The Doom Engine and its Legacy

The Development of the Doom Engine

The Doom engine, which powered the original Doom game, was a groundbreaking technological achievement that allowed for smooth and seamless gameplay in a three-dimensional environment. The engine was developed by id Software, the same company that created Doom, and was designed to be highly customizable and adaptable to different hardware configurations. This flexibility allowed the game to be played on a wide range of computers, from high-end gaming rigs to more modest systems, making it accessible to a large and diverse audience.

The Impact of the Doom Engine on Future FPS Games

The success of the Doom engine had a profound impact on the development of future first-person shooter games. Many of the key features and gameplay mechanics that have become standard in the genre, such as the use of power-ups, health packs, and multiple weapons, were first introduced in Doom. The engine’s use of smooth, fluid animations and detailed textures also helped to establish a new standard for graphics and visuals in the genre. As a result, many later FPS games, such as Quake and Unreal Tournament, were built using similar engines and followed the same gameplay conventions established by Doom.

The Continued Use of the Doom Engine in Modern Games

Despite the development of newer and more advanced game engines, the Doom engine continues to be used in modern games. This is due in part to the engine’s simplicity and reliability, as well as its compatibility with a wide range of hardware configurations. Additionally, the engine’s use of open-source code and its extensive support from the gaming community have made it a popular choice for indie developers and modders looking to create their own FPS games or modify existing ones. As a result, the Doom engine remains an important and influential part of the gaming industry, and its legacy can still be felt in many of today’s most popular FPS games.

The Rise of Competition and Imitators

The Competition

In the years following the release of Doom, the first-person shooter genre quickly gained popularity, leading to a surge of competition and imitators. Other early FPS games, such as Duke Nukem and Quake, emerged as direct challengers to the Doom franchise, each offering their own unique take on the genre.

Duke Nukem, developed by Apogee Software and released in 1991, was one of the earliest competitors to Doom. The game featured a character named Duke Nukem, who was tasked with saving the world from an alien invasion. Duke Nukem featured a similar style of gameplay to Doom, with a focus on fast-paced action and a large arsenal of weapons. However, the game’s humor and sexual innuendos set it apart from Doom’s darker tone.

Quake, developed by id Software and released in 1996, was another notable competitor to Doom. The game featured advanced 3D graphics and a more sophisticated game engine, allowing for more complex level designs and increased interactivity. Quake also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to jump and climb, which expanded the possibilities for gameplay. The game’s multiplayer mode was particularly popular, with a thriving esports scene that persists to this day.

The influence of other genres on the development of FPS games should also be noted. For example, the role-playing game (RPG) genre influenced the development of games like Deus Ex and Fallout, which combined FPS gameplay with RPG elements such as character customization and dialogue choices. Meanwhile, the racing game genre influenced the development of games like TrackMania and Need for Speed, which incorporated FPS gameplay mechanics into their racing games.

Overall, the competition in the first-person shooter genre was fierce, with many games vying for the title of the “true” first-person shooter game. However, despite the competition, Doom remains a landmark game in the genre, with its pioneering gameplay mechanics and influential design.

Imitators and Clones

The proliferation of Doom clones and imitators

In the years following the release of Doom, a plethora of first-person shooter games emerged, all vying for a piece of the rapidly growing market. These games, often referred to as “Doom clones” or “Doom-likes,” sought to capitalize on the success of id Software’s groundbreaking title by offering similar gameplay mechanics and graphical styles. Some of the most notable examples include Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, and Blood.

The importance of originality in the gaming industry

While the proliferation of Doom clones and imitators was a testament to the game’s influence and popularity, it also highlighted the importance of originality in the gaming industry. As more and more games entered the market, developers had to find ways to differentiate their titles from the competition. This led to the emergence of new genres and gameplay mechanics, as well as advancements in graphics and sound. In the end, the success of Doom and its imitators paved the way for the evolution of the first-person shooter genre and set the stage for future gaming innovations.

Doom’s Lasting Impact on the FPS Genre

The Doom Phenomenon

The release of Doom in 1993 marked a significant turning point in the world of video games, and its impact on the first-person shooter (FPS) genre can still be felt today. The game’s revolutionary gameplay, innovative features, and engaging storyline captured the imagination of gamers around the world, creating a phenomenon that would go on to define the FPS genre.

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of Doom was its groundbreaking gameplay mechanics. The game’s fast-paced, twitch-based gameplay, which required players to rapidly switch between weapons and dodge enemy fire, was unlike anything that had been seen before in the gaming world. This innovative gameplay mechanic not only set the standard for future FPS games but also made Doom one of the most popular games of its time.

In addition to its innovative gameplay, Doom also boasted impressive graphics and sound effects that further enhanced the player’s immersion in the game world. The game’s use of 3D graphics, which were cutting-edge at the time, helped to create a more realistic and immersive gaming experience, which was unparalleled in the FPS genre. The game’s use of dynamic lighting and shadow effects also added to the game’s eerie atmosphere, creating a sense of tension and suspense that kept players on the edge of their seats.

Another key factor that contributed to the success of Doom was its marketing campaign. The game’s use of cutting-edge technology and innovative gameplay mechanics, combined with its impressive graphics and sound effects, made it a must-have game for gamers around the world. The game’s marketing campaign, which included television commercials, print ads, and a highly successful demo, helped to create a buzz around the game that led to its massive success.

Doom’s success also had a significant impact on the development of future FPS games. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, impressive graphics, and engaging storyline inspired a wave of imitators, many of which went on to become successful games in their own right. The game’s influence can be seen in countless FPS games that followed, including Wolfenstein 3D, Quake, and Half-Life, among many others.

In conclusion, the release of Doom in 1993 marked a significant turning point in the world of video games, and its impact on the FPS genre can still be felt today. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, impressive graphics, and engaging storyline captured the imagination of gamers around the world, creating a phenomenon that would go on to define the FPS genre. Its lasting impact on the FPS genre is a testament to the game’s innovation and creativity, and its influence can be seen in countless FPS games that followed.

The Evolution of the FPS Genre

In the years following the release of Doom, the first-person shooter genre continued to evolve and expand in new and exciting directions. The game’s success inspired a wave of imitators and innovators, leading to the development of numerous new games that sought to build upon and improve upon the formula established by Id Software’s classic title.

One of the most significant developments in the FPS genre in the years following Doom’s release was the introduction of multiplayer gameplay. While Doom itself did not feature multiplayer gameplay, the game’s popularity led to the development of numerous multiplayer mods and spin-off titles, such as Doom II: Hell on Earth and the Doom-engine powered game, Heretic. These games introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as cooperative multiplayer and team-based gameplay, that helped to establish the FPS genre as a social and competitive experience.

Another key development in the FPS genre in the years following Doom’s release was the introduction of more complex and realistic gameplay mechanics. Games like GoldenEye 007 and Half-Life sought to build upon the foundation established by Doom by introducing new weapons, enemies, and gameplay mechanics that made the FPS genre feel more like a realistic and immersive experience. These games also featured more sophisticated storytelling and character development, which helped to make the FPS genre feel like a more mature and sophisticated form of entertainment.

In addition to these developments, the FPS genre also continued to expand into new areas, such as science fiction and horror. Games like Doom, Quake, and Half-Life helped to establish the FPS genre as a home for science fiction and horror gameplay, leading to the development of numerous new games that sought to explore these genres in new and exciting ways.

Despite these advancements, Doom continues to be recognized as a foundational text of the FPS genre. The game’s pioneering use of 3D graphics, first-person perspective, and fast-paced gameplay have made it a touchstone for the genre, and its influence can still be felt in modern FPS games. As such, it is clear that Doom is more than just a game; it is a cultural artifact that has helped to shape the landscape of gaming as we know it today.

FAQs

1. What is a first-person shooter (FPS) game?

First-person shooter (FPS) games are video games in which the player sees the action through the eyes of the character they are controlling and uses weapons to shoot enemies.

2. When was Doom released?

Doom was first released in 1993.

3. Is Doom the first FPS game?

Doom is considered by many to be the first true first-person shooter game, although there were earlier games that featured first-person perspective, such as the 1974 game Maze War. However, Doom popularized the concept of the FPS genre and set the standard for many games that followed.

4. What makes Doom a first-person shooter game?

Doom is a first-person shooter game because the player sees the action through the eyes of the character they are controlling and uses weapons to shoot enemies. This perspective and gameplay mechanic has become a defining feature of the FPS genre.

5. What was the impact of Doom on the video game industry?

Doom had a significant impact on the video game industry. It popularized the first-person shooter genre and set the standard for many games that followed. It also introduced new technology, such as 3D graphics and hardware-accelerated rendering, which paved the way for future advancements in video game technology.