THE frist CRPGS
The Origins of Computer Role-Playing Games: A Look at the First CRPGs
Computer Role-Playing Games (CRPGs) have a rich history that dates back to the early days of
computing. These games, inspired by tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D),
brought fantasy worlds, character progression, and turn-based or real-time combat to the digital
medium. The first CRPGs were developed by pioneering programmers who sought to translate the
immersive experience of tabletop RPGs into an interactive and automated format. This essay explores
the earliest CRPGs, their evolution, and their impact on the genre.
Early Influences: Dungeons & Dragons and Text-Based Adventures
The origins of CRPGs are closely tied to the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons, which was first published
in 1974. This tabletop RPG introduced concepts such as character classes, hit points, leveling up, and
open-ended storytelling, all of which would become fundamental elements of CRPGs. Around the same
time, text-based adventure games like Colossal Cave Adventure (1976) and Zork (1977) demonstrated
how computers could be used to create interactive, narrative-driven experiences. While these games
lacked RPG mechanics, they paved the way for more complex CRPGs.
The First CRPGs: The Late 1970s and Early 1980s
One of the earliest CRPGs was dnd (1975), created by Gary Whisenhunt and Ray Wood for the PLATO
computer system. This game featured dungeon exploration, character statistics, and combat—elements
that would become standard in the genre. Another notable early CRPG was pedit5 (also from 1975),
which was deleted shortly after its creation but remains one of the first known attempts to digitize the
RPG experience.
In 1977, Akalabeth: World of Doom was developed by Richard Garriott and is often considered the
precursor to the Ultima series. It introduced first-person dungeon crawling and a basic quest system,
laying the foundation for later advancements in RPG design. Around the same time, Rogue (1980) was
released, introducing procedural dungeon generation, permadeath, and ASCII-based graphics—elements
that would influence the roguelike subgenre.
The Rise of Mainstream CRPGs
The early 1980s saw the emergence of more sophisticated CRPGs. The Wizardry series (1981), developed
by Andrew Greenberg and Robert Woodhead, brought a party-based dungeon-crawling experience with
deep strategic combat. Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness (1981) expanded on Akalabeth’s concepts,
offering a mix of top-down exploration and first-person dungeons, along with a richer narrative.
These games, along with others like The Bard’s Tale (1985) and Might and Magic (1986), helped establish
CRPGs as a major gaming genre. The increasing popularity of personal computers, such as the Apple II
and IBM PC, allowed more players to experience these digital adventures.
Impact and Legacy
The first CRPGs set the stage for modern role-playing games by introducing mechanics that are still
prevalent today. They established character progression, open-world exploration, and turn-based
combat systems that influenced later titles like The Elder Scrolls, Baldur’s Gate, and Final Fantasy.
Furthermore, roguelikes such as Rogue inspired countless modern games, including Hades and The
Binding of Isaac.
As technology advanced, CRPGs evolved into more complex and visually rich experiences, but their
foundational elements remain rooted in the pioneering efforts of the 1970s and 1980s. The first CRPGs
not only demonstrated the potential of video games as a storytelling medium but also set a precedent
for the creativity and depth that continue to define the genre.
Conclusion
The birth of CRPGs was a direct result of programmers experimenting with the possibilities of computers
to simulate the depth of tabletop role-playing games. Games like dnd, Akalabeth, Wizardry, and Ultima
played a crucial role in shaping the genre, and their influence can still be felt in today’s RPGs. By
examining these early titles, we can appreciate the technological and creative strides that have led to the
expansive role-playing experiences available in modern gaming.
