In computer games, the first-person perspective is a powerful narrative and immersive tool that places the player directly into the world of the game, viewing everything through the eyes of their character. Unlike third-person games where the protagonist is visible on screen, first-person titles eliminate that layer of separation, enhancing immersion and often tension. This perspective is especially effective in conveying atmosphere and immediacy, whether in fast-paced action, slow-burn horror, or intricate exploration.
One of the earliest examples of this approach is Akalabeth: World of Doom, released in 1980. Designed by Richard Garriott, it featured rudimentary dungeon-crawling sequences presented in first-person. As technology advanced, the viewpoint became increasingly associated with a new wave of action titles: first-person shooters. Beginning with Wolfenstein 3D and popularized by Doom, the genre exploded into prominence, evolving with groundbreaking titles like Quake, Heretic, Blood, and later console-defining hits like Halo: Combat Evolved.
However, the first-person viewpoint has also been employed to great effect outside of shooters. In the world of adventure games, Myst turned heads with its immersive pre-rendered environments and point-and-click exploration. Horror titles such as Personal Nightmare used the first-person view to heighten dread and claustrophobia. Meanwhile, role-playing games embraced the perspective to deepen player engagement with fantasy worlds. Games like Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny, Fate: Gates of Dawn, and Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity combined strategic depth and exploration with the directness of first-person navigation.
Whether placing players in the boots of a space marine, a curious adventurer, or a wandering hero, first-person perspective has remained one of the most impactful and enduring elements in game design, continuing to evolve alongside technology and storytelling techniques.
