Spasim

Spasim was one of the earliest known multiplayer first-person shooter games. Created in 1974 at the University of Illinois' PLATO system, it predates titles like Maze War and Doom.

Spasim, short for "Space Simulator," offered a rudimentary 3D perspective through wireframe graphics displayed on the PLATO system's plasma terminals. Players controlled spaceships and navigated a shared virtual universe, engaging in combat with other players. The game featured a star map, allowing players to track their location and the position of other ships. Combat involved firing projectiles at opponents, attempting to deplete their ship's energy.

Spasim is notable for its networked multiplayer functionality and its pioneering role in establishing the first-person shooter genre. Its simple graphics and gameplay laid the groundwork for more complex and visually impressive titles that would follow decades later. The game's impact lies in its contribution to the early development of both networked gaming and the FPS genre.