id Software

id Software was founded in 1991, and its first shooter was released a year later, in 1992. Wolfenstein 3D was the world's first true first-person shooter. The game was nothing special by modern standards, with simplistic pixel art graphics, rudimentary, undetailed 3D environments, and a very small roster of weapons. However, it was revolutionary at the time. There were guards to kill, power-ups to discover, hidden rooms to discover, and a Nazi regime to overthrow. The gameplay mechanics were simple, and they remained simple with id's next major release: Doom.

Id Software's Doom was the game that truly launched the FPS genre. It was brutal, bloody, and incredibly immersive for the time. When hit with a shotgun or rocket launcher, demons would explode in a gory pile of flesh, and weapons had a satisfying 'crunch' to them that Wolfenstein 3D lacked. While Wolf3D was the first FPS, Doom was by far the most influential. It inspired the Quake series, which attempted to bring what made Doom great to the 3D realm. It also prioritized multiplayer functionality, providing both story co-op and fast-paced online deathmatch. Active dodging and movement were also emphasized, due to the discovery of tactics like rocket jumping, bunny hopping, and wall-running.

Detailed information:

Founded: February 1, 1991
Genre specialty: First-person shooters
Notable franchises: Doom, Wolfenstein, Quake

Website: idsoftware.com/en-us