Dnd (1975 video game)
Early computer RPG introducing boss monsters and non-linear progression.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
dnd, short for *The Game of Dungeons*, is a 1975 computer role-playing game. Its filename, "dnd," comes from the abbreviation "D&D" for the tabletop game *Dungeons & Dragons*. Developed by Gary Whisenhunt and Ray Wood at Southern Illinois University, it was written in the TUTOR programming language for the PLATO system between 1974 and 1975. Later, Dirk Pellett of Iowa State University and Flint Pellett of the University of Illinois made major updates to the game from 1976 to 1985. It is recognized as the first interactive game to include what are now called boss enemies.
In the game, players create a character and explore the multi-level Whisenwood Dungeon—a name blending the creators' last names—to find two ultimate prizes: the grail and the orb. The action is shown from an overhead view, and the game incorporates many basic *Dungeons & Dragons* concepts. The dungeon has several maze-like levels; after finishing one, players can move to the next, but they can also return to earlier levels or leave the dungeon entirely, making it one of the first video games with non-linear progression. As players advance, they gain new spells, weapons, and items to help in their quest. Teleporters move characters between levels, and high-level monsters—including a Golden Dragon guarding the Orb—appear at the end of each dungeon. Leaving the dungeon lets players recover and regain spells before returning.
- release_year
- 1975
- developers
- Gary Whisenhunt and Ray Wood
- institution
- Southern Illinois University
- platform
- PLATO system
- programming_language
- TUTOR
- known_for
- First interactive game to feature bosses
Lore & Background
dnd was created by Gary Whisenhunt and Ray Wood at Southern Illinois University in 1974 and 1975, using the TUTOR programming language on the PLATO system. The name dnd is derived from the abbreviation 'D&D' from the original tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Dirk Pellett of Iowa State University and Flint Pellett of the University of Illinois made substantial enhancements to the game from 1976 to 1985.
In dnd, players create a character and venture into the multi-level Whisenwood Dungeon, a portmanteau of the authors' last names, in search of two ultimate treasures: the grail and the orb. The game presents an overhead view of the dungeon and implements many basic concepts of Dungeons & Dragons. The dungeon consists of multiple maze-like levels, and players may return to previous levels and leave the dungeon altogether, making dnd one of the first video games to use non-linear progression.
As players complete levels, they acquire new spells, weapons, and items. Teleporters move characters between dungeon levels. High-level monsters, including a Golden Dragon that guards the Orb, are found at the end of each dungeon. Leaving the dungeon allows one to recuperate and regain spells and return later.
Reader's Guide
dnd holds a significant place in video game history as the first interactive game to feature what would later be called bosses, such as the Golden Dragon guarding the Orb. Its non-linear progression, allowing players to return to previous levels or leave the dungeon, was also pioneering. The game introduced many basic concepts from Dungeons & Dragons into a computer format, influencing the development of later role-playing games. The enhancements by Dirk and Flint Pellett extended the game's life and reach. dnd remains playable on the cyber1.org system, preserving its legacy as an early landmark in computer role-playing.
Did You Know?
- dnd is the first interactive game to feature what would later be referred to as bosses.
- The dungeon name Whisenwood is a portmanteau of the authors' last names, Whisenhunt and Wood.
- dnd was one of the first video games to use non-linear progression, allowing players to return to previous levels and leave the dungeon.
- The game's filename dnd is derived from the abbreviation 'D&D' from Dungeons & Dragons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dnd (1975 video game)?
Dnd, short for *The Game of Dungeons*, is a 1975 computer role-playing game created by Gary Whisenhunt and Ray Wood while they were students at Southern Illinois University. It is widely regarded as the earliest interactive game to feature what we now call boss enemies.
Who developed and later updated Dnd (1975 video game)?
The original code was written by Gary Whisenhunt and Ray Wood between 1974 and 1975. From 1976 through 1985, Dirk Pellett of Iowa State University and Flint Pellett of the University of Illinois made substantial revisions to the game.
What platform and language was Dnd (1975 video game) built with?
The entire game was coded in TUTOR, a programming language designed for the PLATO educational mainframe network. This meant players accessed it through university PLATO terminals rather than on a personal computer.
Why is Dnd (1975 video game) historically important to RPG design?
It holds the distinction of being the first interactive game to include boss monsters, a mechanic that became a staple of the genre. It also offered non-linear dungeon exploration, letting players choose their own path through the levels rather than following a fixed sequence.
How does Dnd (1975 video game) relate to the tabletop Dungeons & Dragons?
The filename "dnd" is simply the abbreviation for the tabletop game *Dungeons & Dragons*, which the computer title was inspired by. However, the two are separate works; the 1975 game was an independent creation by Whisenhunt and Wood rather than an official adaptation.
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