The first-person shooter (FPS) genre has undergone a massive transformation over the past 30 years. Back in 1992, id Software released Wolfenstein 3D, widely regarded as the first true FPS. It introduced players to a first-person view, gun-based combat and maze navigation. This breakthrough was quickly followed by Doom in 1993, a game that revolutionized multiplayer gaming with LAN support and helped spawn the modding culture that would become integral to the genre. In 1996, Quake pushed the boundaries further by being the first FPS with a fully 3D engine and online deathmatch multiplayer.
The late ’90s and early 2000s were a turning point. In 1999, Counter-Strike began as a mod for Half-Life, developed by Minh “Gooseman” Le and Jess Cliffe and was later acquired by Valve. Its focus on team-based tactics, objective play and round-based structure set it apart from the fast-paced “run-and-gun” style of earlier shooters. The franchise grew steadily with Counter-Strike: Source in 2004 and CS:GO in 2012 which cemented its place in the global esports arena.
Fast forward to 2025, and we’re witnessing the rise of Counter-Strike 2, the most refined and technologically advanced entry in the series. Built on the Source 2 engine, CS2 delivers updated visuals, dynamic smoke grenades, sub-tick servers and improved gameplay consistency making it a gold standard for tactical FPS gaming. But CS2 isn’t just making waves in competitive esports it’s also become a major force in the online gambling world.
The FPS genre dominates the gaming industry today, playing a pivotal role in both entertainment and digital monetization. According to Newzoo’s 2024 Global Games Market Report, first-person shooters accounted for a staggering 21% of all PC gaming revenue worldwide, making them one of the most lucrative genres in modern gaming. The esports side of FPS has also seen explosive growth with the total betting volume reaching $1.6 billion in 2024, driven largely by top titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty. CS2 alone has amassed a thriving community of over 30 million monthly active players as of early 2025. These figures underscore not only the genre’s widespread popularity but also its role in shaping online engagement through esports betting, skin trading and competitive communities.
Key Milestones in FPS History
The evolution of first-person shooters is a story of constant innovation, cultural significance and technological progression. Spanning more than three decades, the genre has transformed from simple corridor-based shooters into global esports juggernauts with massive player bases and multi-billion-dollar ecosystems. It all began in 1992 with the release of Wolfenstein 3D by id Software, which laid the foundational mechanics of FPS games such as the first-person viewpoint, gunplay, and maze-like level design. Though primitive by today’s standards, it paved the way for more complex innovations. Just a year later, Doom (1993) would go on to revolutionize the genre by introducing networked multiplayer, fast-paced action, and a vibrant modding community that inspired generations of developers. Notably, Doom’s shareware distribution model played a pivotal role in popularizing PC gaming across the globe.
In 1996, id Software pushed boundaries once more with Quake, the first true 3D FPS. It introduced online deathmatch support, robust modding tools, and an engine that would be licensed for many future titles. Quake also became a cornerstone of early LAN party culture and competitive esports, helping to cultivate FPS as a social experience.
Console gaming got its breakthrough moment with GoldenEye 007 (1997) on the Nintendo 64. With its split-screen multiplayer, stealth elements, and mission-driven gameplay, it proved that FPS titles could thrive beyond the PC space. This success was followed by Half-Life (1998), which brought cinematic storytelling and immersive environmental design into the FPS experience, setting new standards for narrative in gaming.
The year 1999 was a watershed moment, as Unreal Tournament and Quake III Arena redefined the arena shooter subgenre with high-speed movement systems, unique weapon arsenals, and robust online competition. That same year, a humble mod for Half-Life would go on to change the FPS landscape forever—Counter-Strike. With its round-based gameplay, objective-focused combat, and team coordination, it laid the groundwork for the tactical FPS genre that would dominate esports years later.
The early 2000s marked the rise of military realism and console-first design. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001) reimagined FPS controls for consoles, combining sci-fi narrative, vehicular combat and LAN-enabled multiplayer. Its sequel, Halo 2 (2004) would be pivotal in the growth of online console multiplayer via Xbox Live. Meanwhile, Battlefield 1942 (2002) introduced 64-player battles, combined arms warfare, and sandbox-style maps, laying the groundwork for one of the most successful franchises in the genre.
In 2003, Call of Duty entered the scene offering cinematic WWII combat. The series evolved rapidly with Call of Duty 2 (2005) and ultimately redefined modern warfare in gaming with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007). Developed by Infinity Ward, this title introduced the perks system, killstreaks, and a multiplayer progression system that would influence FPS design for years to come.
In 2008, Left 4 Dead brought cooperative zombie survival to the forefront, while Far Cry 2 introduced open-world elements and emergent gameplay. These titles expanded the genre beyond linear design and emphasized replayability. By 2012, Valve released Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), which became the gold standard for tactical FPS esports. With high-profile events like ESL One, DreamHack, and PGL Majors, CS:GO solidified its place in global competitive gaming.
The mid-2010s introduced new subgenres. Overwatch (2016) from Blizzard combined FPS mechanics with hero-based abilities and MOBA elements, birthing the hero shooter category. Rainbow Six Siege (2015) emphasized environmental destruction, strategic team play, and seasonal updates, carving out its own competitive niche. Meanwhile, the battle royale genre exploded with PUBG (2017) and Fortnite (2017), both blending FPS action with survival gameplay and drawing millions of viewers and players through platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends (2019) added fluid movement, squad mechanics, and a revolutionary ping system, refining the battle royale formula. In the early 2020s, focus shifted toward graphical fidelity, netcode precision, and monetization ecosystems. Valorant (2020) by Riot Games merged the tactical gameplay of CS with hero shooter elements and launched with a fully formed esports ecosystem, capturing both casual and professional players. Call of Duty: Warzone (2021) continued dominating the battle royale space with integrated cross-game progression, keeping the franchise fresh for a new generation.
Then came the next major leap: Counter-Strike 2 (2023). Built on the Source 2 engine, it introduced dynamic smoke grenades, sub-tick servers, and completely overhauled visuals. CS2 not only revitalized the player base but also elevated competitive play to new heights. By 2025, Counter-Strike 2 stands as a pillar of both esports and the online betting industry.
The Rise of Esports and Betting in FPS
Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty are now central pillars of the global esports’ ecosystem. Premier tournaments such as the PGL CS2 Major, BLAST Premier and Call of Duty League (CDL) draw millions of concurrent viewers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, while offering prize pools exceeding $2 million. For example, the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 peaked at over 1.8 million viewers, setting a new benchmark for CS2 viewership. These events not only showcase top-tier gameplay but also feature live commentary, in-game stats overlays and immersive broadcast experiences that rival traditional sports productions.
In 2023 alone, FPS titles contributed over $45 million to the global esports prize pool, according to Esports Earnings. The industry around FPS esports is also thriving. Sponsorship deals, media rights, merchandise and publisher fees make up the majority of this revenue, with brands like Intel, Monster Energy, Red Bull and Nissan investing heavily into FPS esports events.
The rise of college and amateur esports leagues has further expanded the FPS competitive scene, creating pipelines for young talent to go pro. Esports scholarships, player academies and local LAN events have made it possible for aspiring players to build careers in professional FPS gaming. Sponsorships deals combined with in-game monetization models like Battle Passes and team-branded skins, have transformed FPS esports into a multi-billion dollar industry.
Meanwhile, online betting platforms like CS2 Luck have elevated fan interaction to a whole new level. Users can now bet on pro matches, predict round outcomes and wager in-game skins and virtual items. This merging of competitive gaming and gambling marks a new frontier in how audiences engage with FPS titles. The rise of real-money betting, virtual item trading and fantasy CS2 leagues has made wagering an integral part of the CS2 ecosystem. From casual fans placing small bets to high-stakes players leveraging AI-powered prediction tools, the opportunities for interactive engagement are endless.
Modern betting platforms are also embracing advanced features like dynamic odds, predictive analytics and social betting, where communities collaborate on predictions and share winnings. The introduction of live betting during matches, powered by real-time data feeds, has made watching tournaments even more thrilling.
The enduring success of the FPS genre can also be attributed to its standout players, elite teams and visionary developers. Among the most influential figures is Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz, a veteran in-game leader (IGL) celebrated for his strategic mind and leadership in CS2. Equally iconic is s1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev), hailed as one of the most mechanically skilled and dominant FPS players in esports history.
Teams like NAVI, FaZe Clan, Team Vitality and G2 Esports continue to leave their mark on the global CS2 scene, consistently performing at top-tier events and cultivating massive fanbases through content, merchandise and streaming. Behind these powerhouse teams are developers and publishers like Valve Corporation, the driving force behind the Counter-Strike franchise and Activision Blizzard, creators of Call of Duty—both of which have played a pivotal role in pushing competitive FPS into the mainstream.
Final Thoughts
Over the past three decades, the first-person shooter genre has evolved from simple gunplay to cinematic, competitive and community-driven experiences that dominate the global gaming stage. With innovations in graphics, esports infrastructure and interactive betting platforms, FPS games are more than just entertainment.
The modern FPS landscape, led by titles like Counter-Strike 2, has evolved far beyond raw aim and reflexes. Today’s gameplay emphasizes team coordination, economy management and strategic map control. This layered complexity not only captivates esports fans but also makes FPS titles incredibly appealing to bettors. After more than 30 years of evolution, one thing is clear: As new technologies like AI, virtual reality and blockchain reshape how we play and engage, the first-person shooter genre will continue to lead, innovate and inspire the future of gaming.
