First Person Shooter (FPS)

What is First Person Shooter (FPS)?

First person shooter (FPS) is a type of shooter video game in which the player experiences the game through the eyes of the character they control. FPS games typically involve the use of firearms and require players to have fast reflexes, spatial awareness, and good hand-eye coordination.

While FPS games are often criticized for their violence, the game genre is popular for both single-player and multiplayer modes. Popular game consoles for shooters include XBox, Playstation, and Nintendo. Classic examples of first-person shooter games include Doom, Halo, Call of Duty, and Counter-Strike.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. What is First Person Shooter (FPS)?
2.  Key Takeaways
3. FPS History
4. How FPS Games Work
5. First Person Shooter vs. Third Person Shooter
6. Game Development and FPS Subgenres
7. Virtual Reality and FPS Games
8. Gambling and FPS Games
9. FPS Pros and Cons
10. The Bottom Line
11. FAQs
12. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is First Person Shooter (FPS)?
2.  Key Takeaways
3. FPS History
Show Full Guide
4. How FPS Games Work
5. First Person Shooter vs. Third Person Shooter
6. Game Development and FPS Subgenres
7. Virtual Reality and FPS Games
8. Gambling and FPS Games
9. FPS Pros and Cons
10. The Bottom Line
11. FAQs
12. References

FPS History

Maze War, which was introduced in 1973, is widely recognized as the first FPS game.The multiplayer game remained relatively unknown to the general public, however, primarily due to the limited availability of networked computers.

It wasn’t until the creation of Wolfenstein 3D in 1992 that the concept of playing a game from a first-person perspective really became popular. Although “Wolfenstein 3D” did not allow multiplayer gameplay, it helped spark general interest in using personal computers (PCs) to play video games and laid the foundation for future FPS games that could be played at LAN parties.

The History of First Person Shooter (FPS) Games

How FPS Games Work

FPS games typically require the player to defeat enemies and survive game levels of increasing difficulty. To keep players engaged and enhance replay, game designers will often prioritize storytelling and character development elements and include gameplay elements that require players to use their wits as well as their reflexes.

Many FPS games can be played in two modes, mission/quest mode or multiplayer mode. Solo players typically use mission/quest mode. The multiplayer FPS game mode allows gamers to play in a shared game environment over the Internet.

First Person Shooter vs. Third Person Shooter

In first person shooter games, the player experiences the game through the eyes of the character they control.

In third-person shooter (TPS) games, the player views the character they control from an imaginary camera that’s usually positioned behind and slightly above the character.

When games give players the ability to switch between perspectives, the choice between FPS and TPS often comes down to personal preference.

Game Development and FPS Subgenres

While early games had pixelated graphics and used arm-rocking/head-bobbing animations to simulate player movement, today’s games have photorealistic visuals and feature-rich game engines. Technological advancements have allowed developers to experiment with a variety of gameplay mechanics that have inspired a variety of shooter subgenres.

Popular FPS game subgenres include:

Virtual Reality and FPS Games

VR headsets blend visual and auditory stimuli to create a holistic gaming experience that draws players deeper into the game environment.

Their head tracking technology allows visual and audio game elements to respond to the player’s movements dynamically, and their spatial audio technology allows sounds to originate from their logical positions within the virtual environment.

Gambling and FPS Games

FPS games have always been competitive, and the increasing popularity of eSports has taken this to a whole new level. Today, professional players and teams are competing in eSport games for large prizes in major tournaments.

Controversially, this has led to the growth of eSport betting websites where fans can use cryptocurrency or fiat currency to bet on the outcome of an FPS game.

Due to concerns over the potential for gambling-related harm, some countries are looking at regulating the way game designers are allowed to monetize their games with loot boxes and other casino-like mechanics.

FPS Pros and Cons

First-person shooter games can be both engaging and socially interactive, however they are often criticized for their violent content, their potential for addiction, and their sometimes toxic online community cultures.

While FPS games are popular entertainment mediums, it’s important for gamers to be mindful of their potential drawbacks and promote responsible gaming practices.

The Bottom Line

According to Stastista, shooters are the most popular video game genre for all age groups. While first person shooter games, by definition, turn the use of firearms and other weapons into a form of entertainment, players can use FPSes to hone their reflexes, develop strategic thinking skills, and build camaraderie with teammates through cooperative gameplay.

FAQs