First-person shooter
Overview
A first-person shooter (FPS) is a genre of video game that centers on gun and other weapon-based combat through a first-person perspective. In these games, the player experiences the action through the eyes of the protagonist. This genre of games is characterized by fast-paced action, and they are among the most popular video games played today.
History
The first-person shooter genre has its roots in the mid-20th century, with the development of shooting gallery games. However, the genre as we know it today began to take shape in the 1970s and 1980s with the advent of 3D graphics and networked gaming.
Maze War (1973) and Spasim (1974) are often considered the first examples of the genre, featuring first-person perspective and rudimentary 3D graphics. However, it was the release of Wolfenstein 3D by id Software in 1992 that popularized the genre. This game introduced fast-paced action and a smooth, pseudo-3D environment that set the standard for many future FPS games.
Gameplay
First-person shooters typically involve navigating a series of levels while combating enemies using a variety of weapons. The player's perspective is limited to what can be seen from the protagonist's point of view, creating a sense of immersion. This perspective also allows for precise aiming, a key element in many FPS games.
In most FPS games, the player can carry multiple weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These can range from traditional firearms to more fantastical weapons such as energy guns or magic spells, depending on the game's setting.
Many FPS games also feature multiplayer modes, where players can compete against each other in a variety of game types. These can range from traditional deathmatch-style games, where the goal is to kill as many other players as possible, to more objective-based games, where teams of players must work together to achieve a goal.
Impact and Influence
The first-person shooter genre has had a significant impact on the wider video game industry. The genre's emphasis on fast-paced, skill-based gameplay has influenced many other types of games, and the first-person perspective has become a common feature in many different genres.
First-person shooters have also been at the forefront of advancements in video game technology. Games like Doom and Quake were instrumental in the development of 3D graphics and networked multiplayer gaming. More recently, games like Call of Duty and Battlefield have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of graphics and scale.
Criticism and Controversy
Like many video game genres, first-person shooters have been the subject of controversy and criticism. Some critics argue that the violence in these games can have a negative impact on players, particularly younger ones. However, research on the topic is mixed, and many studies have found no link between playing violent video games and real-world violence.
Another common criticism of first-person shooters is that they can be repetitive, with many games in the genre featuring similar gameplay mechanics and themes. However, many players and critics also praise the genre for its focus on skill and strategy, and for the immersive experiences it can provide.