First-person shooter

A first-person shooter, or FPS, is a subgenre of action video games. In these games, players experience the action through the eyes of the main character.

This specific perspective is the genre's defining characteristic. It distinguishes FPS games from other shooting styles. For example, light-gun shooters use special handheld peripherals. Rail shooters often follow a scripted path. In contrast, an FPS provides player-guided navigation through three-dimensional space. This means players have complete freedom to roam their surroundings. The primary design focus is usually combat involving firearms or long-range weapons.

To create an immersive experience, FPS games utilize complex mechanics. Most titles take place in a 3D environment. This allows for accurate representations of gravity, lighting, and sound. Players often see the character's hands and weapons on the screen. A heads-up display, or HUD, typically shows vital information. This includes health, ammunition, and location details.

Control methods vary by device. PC players often use a keyboard and mouse for precision. Console players typically use two analog sticks. One stick controls movement, while the other handles looking and aiming.

Combat styles within the genre are highly diverse. Many games focus on fast-paced, dynamic firefights. Others emphasize narrative, logic puzzles, or problem-solving. Some players may use melee combat as a primary tool. In these cases, melee weapons might be especially powerful. In other games, melee is a last resort. Weaponry can range from realistic historical firearms to futuristic prototypes. Some games simulate recoil, magazine size, and accuracy.

Other titles feature magical weapons, lasers, or plasma. Players might even use supernatural powers like telekinesis. To survive, players often collect items like first aid kits or ammunition packs. Some games even use experience points to unlock new skills.

Level design also varies significantly between titles. Some games are structured into distinct levels. Others use a continuous narrative without breaking the perspective. Large sandbox environments allow for free exploration without level divisions. Players interact with these worlds in different ways. They might open doors or solve puzzles using interactive objects. Some environments are even extensively destructible. A common device is the explosive barrel. Players can shoot these to harm nearby enemies.

History shows how technology shaped the genre. In the 1990s, games were often called "corridor shooters." This was due to hardware limitations that required enclosed areas.

Wolfenstein 3D, released in 1992, was a high-profile archetype. However, Doom, released in 1993, was the true progenitor of mainstream popularity. It was so influential that many later games were called "Doom clones." In 1996, the release of Quake changed everything. Quake was one of the first real-time 3D rendered games. This pushed hardware developers to innovate. It made graphics accelerator hardware essential for effects like dynamic lighting and particle processing.

As hardware improved, the genre expanded its scope. Duke Nukem 3D introduced voice acting and interactive city settings. Games like Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six adopted a tactical approach. These games simulated realistic counter-terrorism situations. The genre also moved successfully to home consoles. GoldenEye 007 was a landmark title for consoles in 1997. Later, the Halo series helped increase the genre's appeal for the console market. This paved the way for modern cross-platform titles like Call of Duty.

Today, the boundaries of the FPS genre are often blurred. Some titles, such as BioShock or Deus Ex, incorporate role-playing elements. These games borrow heavily from the role-playing genre. Others, like Far Cry or Rage, function as adventure games. They focus on exploration and complex cinematic storylines. Even games without direct combat can use the perspective. Portal uses a first-person view to help players navigate 3D environments. Some commentators even include combat flight simulators in the definition. If the player sees from a cockpit, it can be considered a first-person experience.