This might sound like one of those stray questions your brain comes up with every now and then, but with the unrelenting production of 3D video games worldwide, it’s hard not to wonder what actually started it all. The evolution and proliferation of 3D gaming have been nothing short of remarkable, captivating the hearts and minds of gamers across the globe. The immersive experiences and visually stunning worlds crafted by 3D games have become a staple in modern gaming culture.
Before immersing ourselves in the depths of this article, let us first revisit and reaffirm our understanding of what defines a 3D game. In a previous blog post, we meticulously dissected the elements that constitute 3D animation, and these very same principles are seamlessly applicable to the realm of 3D games. At its core, a 3D game necessitates the incorporation of three-dimensional models or graphics, breathing life into a virtual world that extends beyond the conventional x and y axes. The fluid and dynamic movement exhibited by these graphical components is what truly distinguishes a 3D game from its 2D counterparts.
Now armed with a lucid comprehension of the essential components that constitute a 3D game, we embark on an enthralling quest to uncover the oldest and most ancient manifestation of this groundbreaking medium. Delving into the annals of gaming history, we shall peel back the layers of time to unravel the origins of the very first 3D game to grace the digital landscape. Prepare to journey back through the epochs, as we unearth the dawn of a revolutionary era that forever transformed the world of gaming.
Why are video games so popular?
Video games have gained immense popularity over the years, captivating people of all ages and backgrounds. The global phenomenon of video games can be attributed to a multitude of factors that contribute to their widespread appeal. In this response, we will explore the various reasons why video games have become such a dominant and beloved form of entertainment.
- First and foremost, video games offer a unique form of interactive entertainment. Unlike passive mediums such as television or movies, video games actively engage players, allowing them to control the outcome and shape the experience. This interactivity grants players a sense of agency and immersion, as they become active participants in the virtual worlds they explore. The ability to make choices, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges creates a sense of empowerment and accomplishment, offering a level of engagement that is unparalleled in other forms of entertainment.
- Additionally, video games provide a diverse range of genres and experiences to cater to different interests and preferences. Whether one is inclined towards thrilling action, immersive role-playing, strategic decision-making, or social interactions, there is a game out there to suit every taste. The vast array of genres and gameplay styles ensures that individuals can find games that resonate with their personal preferences, making the medium highly accessible and appealing to a broad audience.
- Video games also provide a social platform that facilitates connections and interactions between players. Multiplayer and online gaming have transformed the gaming landscape, enabling individuals to engage in cooperative or competitive gameplay with friends or strangers from around the world. Online communities, forums, and social media platforms dedicated to gaming foster a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among players. The ability to collaborate, compete, or simply connect with others who share a passion for gaming enhances the overall experience and creates a sense of belonging within the gaming community.
It is also worth mentioning the accessibility and availability of video games. With the advent of smartphones, gaming has become more accessible than ever before. Mobile games, casual games, and free-to-play models have widened the reach of gaming, allowing individuals to engage in short gaming sessions during their daily routines. Additionally, the proliferation of gaming platforms, including consoles, PCs, and handheld devices, ensures that there are multiple avenues for individuals to access and enjoy games, further contributing to their popularity.
So the popularity of video games can be attributed to their interactivity, diverse genres, immersive storytelling, technological advancements, social connectivity, escapism, competitive nature, and accessibility. These factors combine to create a form of entertainment that resonates with individuals on multiple levels, offering engaging experiences, emotional connections, and the opportunity for personal growth and enjoyment. As video games continue to evolve and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, their popularity is likely to endure and captivate audiences for years to come.
And who was the first?
According to multiple sources, the first-ever 3D game in the extensive history of video games is widely attributed to Battlezone (1980). This classic tank game, commonly enjoyed in arcades, immerses players in a first-person shooter experience, challenging them to attack and shoot at numerous adversaries. Battlezone stands out with its vibrant green vector graphics set against a black background, which has become an iconic aspect of the game.
Battlezone is acknowledged as the inaugural 3D game mainly due to its significant commercial success. TechRadar even describes it as “remarkably intricate” considering the technological limitations of that era. However, in today’s standards, Battlezone would be more accurately categorized as a 2.5D game.
- Ed Rotberg, one of the developers of Battlezone, disclosed that while the game involved genuine 3D calculations, the rotations were essentially two-dimensional. Nonetheless, Battlezone achieved the distinction of being the first game to visually and experientially resemble a 3D environment. Undoubtedly, Battlezone deserves recognition for its groundbreaking achievements.
- Apart from Battlezone’s prominence as the first 3D game across various platforms, other more advanced platforms have their own initial entries into the realm of 3D gaming.
First for PC
The PC game that claims the title of the first-ever to showcase 3D graphics is a strong contender against Battlezone—3D Monster Maze (1981). Despite its name, 3D Monster Maze shares similarities with Battlezone in that both games create the illusion of a three-dimensional world while being limited to two-dimensional movement.
3D Monster Maze warrants its acclaim for the same reasons that Battlezone does. It is an impressive game for its time and even managed to “instill terror in a generation” with its graphics. Therefore, not only does 3D Monster Maze hold the distinction of being the inaugural 3D game on home computers, but it is also recognized as the very first horror game ever created, according to Kotaku.
In the realm of gaming consoles, the Odyssey, envisioned by Ralph Baer, was the inaugural commercial console that aimed to utilize televisions for playing games. However, it was not the console that housed the first-ever 3D game. Instead, that honor is attributed to the Sega Saturn, according to prevailing accounts.
The game widely regarded as the first 3D game on a commercial gaming console is Virtua Fighter (1993), or so numerous sources assert. Similar to Battlezone, Virtua Fighter incorporates 3D visuals, but the movement of characters is confined to a linear surface. Consequently, Virtua Fighter falls into the category of 2.5D games.
Given that the ’90s marked a new era, the reasoning behind Battlezone’s claim as “The First 3D Video Game Ever” seems tenuous when applied to Virtua Fighter. Therefore, it can be argued that the authentic first 3D game on a home video game console is none other than Super Mario 64 (1996). As per historical accounts, Super Mario 64 made its initial debut on the Nintendo 64 console.
Mobile first game
When examining the history of mobile games, it becomes challenging to determine which game was truly the first to fully embody 3D. The answer remains elusive due to the limitations of early mobile devices, particularly cellular phones, which were not specifically designed for high-fidelity 3D gaming. However, amidst this ambiguity, there is one game that often goes unnoticed despite meeting all the criteria of a 3D game, albeit with lower quality.
- Real Football (2004), a football simulation mobile game based on Java, allows players to navigate the game’s environment in a versatile manner, breaking free from mere lateral movement. The character representing the player is presented in multiple dimensions as it traverses the field, demonstrating the essential elements of a 3D game.
- On the other hand, alternative sources suggest that The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) is one of the pioneers of 3D games on mobile devices, along with Tower Bloxx (2005), which can be argued to be a 2.5D game. Nevertheless, as mobile gaming has evolved and progressed tremendously in the present era, these games, while nostalgically unique, have transitioned into historical artifacts to be studied or a source of inspiration.
- The mobile gaming landscape has undergone significant transformations, with current offerings surpassing the technical limitations of the past, allowing for richer and more immersive 3D experiences.
If one is filled with long-standing inspiration from 3D games and has an ardent desire to develop their own, they can consider themselves fortunate. The present era offers far superior resources compared to the developers of the 1980s.
In conclusion
Nowadays, aspiring game developers have the opportunity to experiment with various game engines, programming languages, and digital art software, all within the convenience of their workstations. They can effortlessly explore the tools provided by each application, examining how each contributes to their unique game concept. However, there is a caveat to this abundance of tools—it does not guarantee the swift realization of a fully developed 3D game within the desired timeframe.
The advancement of game development tools demands a deep understanding of intricate technical knowledge. To truly harness the potential of each tool, one must focus on mastering one task and piece of technology at a time. Additionally, acquiring proficiency in every stage of game development becomes crucial if the goal is to independently build every aspect of the game.