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First-person shooter (FPS) games have come a long way since the days of Quake and Doom. What started out as a niche genre of computer games has now evolved into an international phenomenon of eSports.
From the very beginning, these games have pushed the boundaries of technology and captivated gamers all over the world with their thrilling and intense gameplay.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of FPS games, from Quake to Counter-Strike and beyond, and examine how they have shaped the landscape of eSports today.
Quake
The very first FPS game to make an impact on the world of eSports was none other than Quake, developed by id Software. This classic shooter, released in 1996, was one of the first games to gain a following among competitive gamers. It quickly rose to popularity thanks to its fast-paced action and various strategies, as well as its ability to be easily modded and customized.
This competitive nature was a major factor in the rise of Quake’s eSports scene. It began with small tournaments held at LAN parties but soon grew into large-scale events. One of the earliest of these was QuakeCon, which is still held every year to this day. The game also had its own World Championship series, which showcased some of the best players from around the world.
The success of Quake inspired many other FPS games to follow suit, leading to the modern era of eSports we know today. It laid the groundwork for the future of competitive gaming and helped popularize the idea of watching professional players compete on a global stage. Its influence can still be seen today in the many FPS titles that have come since then.
Wolfenstein 3D
The early nineties marked the introduction of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. Wolfenstein 3D, created and developed by id Software, was the first true FPS experience. Though the concept of 3D movement through corridors had been introduced in the game Maze in 1973, Wolfenstein 3D replaced the ball with firearms and Nazis as enemies.
Though Wolfenstein 3D was incredibly innovative for its time, the game did not feature many features we now consider essential to FPS games. There was no aiming with the mouse, no crouching or jumping in the game. Without Maze’s use of 3D and id Software’s ingenuity, we may not have had the FPS eSports we play today.
The release of Wolfenstein 3D laid the groundwork for many modern FPS classics, such as Quake and Counter-Strike, inspiring a new generation of gamers to pick up their controllers and join the fray. Today, FPS games are one of the most popular video game genres and one of the most competitive eSport genres. Top teams often train 8 hours a day while being paid monthly salaries that rival those of professional athletes in other sports like soccer.
Halo
The original Halo: Combat Evolved, developed by Bungie, was released in 2001 and immediately gained popularity for its intense firefights and unique story. The game quickly became a hit among competitive gamers, and it wasn’t long before tournaments began to crop up.
As the Halo series progressed, new mechanics and modes were introduced, propelling the game into the competitive arena. One popular mode is the 4v4 slayer, which pits two teams against each other in a classic deathmatch scenario. The tournament scene is thriving today, with major events occurring each year. In 2018, Halo 5 had a $1 million prize pool at the Halo World Championship Finals.
At this point, however, players are beginning to move on from Halo and looking for new games to play competitively. Few first-person shooters have taken off as Halo has since its release.
Popular shooters such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive have seen increased interest due to their popularity as eSports games. Still, others are now looking towards virtual reality games such as Onward (2018) as the next big thing in FPS gaming; will there ever be another successful shooter like Halo?
Doom
The first-person shooter genre has evolved dramatically since the days of Doom, the 1993 video game classic. Developed by id Software, Doom revolutionized the gaming industry with its fast-paced action and revolutionary 3D graphics. The game took the world by storm with its groundbreaking use of 3D rendering technology and relentless demon-slaying gameplay.
It’s no wonder that Doom helped lay the foundation for the eSports industry of today. The frenzied nature of the game made it perfect for tournaments and spectators alike. Players could compete against each other in head-to-head deathmatches, and fans could easily follow the action with its top-down view of the battlefield.
Since its release, Doom has been ported to a variety of systems, including Windows, PlayStation, and Nintendo. The franchise spawned several sequels, including Doom II and Final Doom, as well as numerous expansion packs and spin-offs. In 2016, Doom was even remastered with modern graphics and game mechanics, allowing a new generation of players to experience the game.
At the time of its release, few people could have predicted that Doom would become one of the most influential games in eSports history. Its influence continues to this day, inspiring countless other FPS games and keeping millions of players engaged and entertained.
Counter-Strike
The original Counter-Strike, developed by Valve, was released as a mod for the popular FPS game Half-Life. It was incredibly popular among gamers due to its unique mechanics and intense tactical gameplay. Over time, the game grew to become a full-fledged game with various sequels and updates.
One of the biggest changes to the game came with the release of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) in 2012. This version featured improved graphics, better maps, and new weapons and modes. It also brought a huge surge in the game’s popularity among both casual players and professional eSports players.
The game is still incredibly popular today, with millions of people playing it regularly. Professional tournaments are also held all over the world, featuring some of the best teams competing for large prize pools. Counter-Strike continues to be an important part of the eSports scene, and its influence is still being felt today.