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{{Short description|Shooter video game genre}}
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'''Light-gun shooter''', also called '''light-gun game''' or simply '''gun game''', is a [[Shooter game|shooter video game]] [[video game genres|genre]] in which the primary design element is to simulate a [[shooting gallery (carnival game)|shooting gallery]] by having the player aiming and discharging a [[light gun|gun-shaped controller]] at a [[electronic visual display|screen]]. Light-gun shooters revolve around the [[protagonist]] shooting virtual targets, either [[antagonist]]s or inanimate objects, and generally feature [[action (fiction)|action]] or [[horror fiction|horror]] themes and some may employ a humorous, [[parody|parodic]] treatment of these conventions. These games typically feature "on-rails" movement, which gives the player control only over aiming; the protagonist's other movements are determined by the game. Games featuring this device are sometimes termed "rail shooters", though this term is also applied to games of [[rail shooters|other genres]] in which "on-rails" movement is a feature. Some, particularly later, games give the player greater control over movement and in still others the protagonist does not move at all. On home computer conversions of light-gun shooters, [[mouse (computer)|mouse]] has been often an optional or non-optional replacement for a light gun. 

Light-gun shooters typically employ "[[light gun]]" controllers, so named because they function through the use of [[Photodetector|light sensors]]. However, not all "light-gun shooters" use optical light guns, but some may also use alternative pointing devices such as [[positional guns]] or [[motion controllers]]. [[Machine|Mechanical]] games using light guns had existed since the 1930s, though they operated differently from those used in [[video game]]s. Throughout the 1970s mechanical games were replaced by [[electronics|electronic]] video games and in the 1980s popular light-gun shooters such as ''[[Duck Hunt]]'' emerged. The genre was most popular in the 1990s, subsequent to the release of ''[[Virtua Cop]],'' the formula of which was later improved upon by ''[[Time Crisis (series)|Time Crisis]]''. The genre is less popular in the new millennium, as well as being hampered by compatibility issues, but retains a niche appeal for fans of "old school" [[gameplay]].

== Definition ==
"Light-gun shooters", "light-gun games" or "gun games" are games in which the protagonist shoots at targets, whether antagonists or objects, and which use a gun-shaped controller (termed a "light gun") with which the player aims. While light-gun games may feature a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]], they are distinct from [[first-person shooter]]s, which use more conventional input devices.<ref name="concepts"/> Light-gun games which feature "on-rails" movement are sometimes termed "rail shooters",<ref name="ashcraft147"/> though this term is also applied to [[Tube shooter|other types of shooters]] featuring similar movement.<ref>Hilary, Goldstein, [http://uk.xbox.ign.com/articles/382/382195p1.html Panzer Dragoon Orta] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307064556/http://uk.xbox.ign.com/articles/382/382195p1.html |date=2009-03-07 }}, ''IGN,'' Jan 10, 2003, Accessed Mar 1, 2009</ref> The light gun itself is so termed because it functions through the use of a light sensor: pulling the trigger allows it to detect light from the on-screen targets.<ref name="ashcraft145"/>

== Design ==
[[File:Duck hunt pic.PNG|thumb|''Duck Hunt.'' The game is viewed through the eyes of the protagonist; the player is using a light gun controller to target an on-screen duck.]]

Targets in light-gun shooters may be threatening antagonists such as criminals, [[Terrorism|terrorist]]s or [[zombie]]s,<ref name="ngage">[http://uk.ngage.ign.com/articles/528/528915p1.html Virtua Cop] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220142509/http://uk.ngage.ign.com/articles/528/528915p1.html |date=2012-02-20 }}, ''IGN,'' July 7, 2004, Accessed Feb 27, 2009</ref><ref name="haynes">Jeff Haynes,[http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/836/836596p1.html Time Crisis 4 Review], ''IGN'', Nov 19, 2007, Accessed Mar 29, 2008</ref><ref name="dead23">Anderson, Lark, [http://uk.gamespot.com/wii/action/houseofthedead2and3return/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return Review], ''GameSpot,'' Mar 29, 2008, Accessed Feb 27, 2009</ref> or they may be inanimate objects such as apples or bottles.<ref name="fielder">Fielder, Lauren, [https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/point-blank-review/1900-2548935/ Point Blank Review], ''GameSpot,'' Dec 23, 1997, Accessed Feb 27, 2009</ref> Although these games may be played without a light gun, the use of more conventional input methods has been deemed inferior.<ref name="ngage"/> Light-gun shooters typically feature generic [[Action (fiction)|action]] or [[Horror fiction|horror]] themes,<ref name="haynes"/><ref>Davis, Ryan, [https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&channel=ipod_bm&source=hp&ei=s-6EXqTRN5a3tQbp9aPYBw&q=Davis%2C+Ryan%2C+Resident+Evil%3A+The+Umbrella+Chronicles+Review%2C+GameSpot%2C+Nov+15%2C+2007&oq=Davis%2C+Ryan%2C+Resident+Evil%3A+The+Umbrella+Chronicles+Review%2C+GameSpot%2C+Nov+15%2C+2007&gs_lcp=ChFtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1ocBADUIcQWIcQYKwTaABwAHgAgAFOiAFOkgEBMZgBAKABAqABAbABAA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-hp Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Review], ''GameSpot,'' Nov 15, 2007, Accessed Mar 1, 2009, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121025175308/http://uk.gamespot.com/resident-evil-the-umbrella-chronicles/reviews/resident-evil-the-umbrella-chronicles-review-6182921/ Archived] from the original on October 25, 2012 on the [[Wayback Machine]].</ref> though some later games employ more humorous, self-referential styles.<ref name="overkill"/><ref name="ghostsquad">Davis, Ryan, [https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ghost-squad-review/1900-6183411/ Ghost Squad Review], ''GameSpot,'' Nov 28, 2007, Accessed Mar 1, 2009, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121010001257/http://uk.gamespot.com/ghost-squad/reviews/ghost-squad-review-6183411/ Archived] from the original on October 10, 2012.</ref>

Light-gun shooters primarily revolve around shooting large numbers of enemies attacking in waves.<ref name="overkill"/> The protagonist may be required to defend themself by taking cover,<ref name="ashcraft147"/> or by shooting incoming thrown weapons, such as axes or [[grenade]]s.<ref name="haynes"/> The player may also compete against the clock, however, with some games also featuring [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] battles. Games may also reward the player for accurate shooting, with extra [[Score (game)|points]], [[power-up]]s or secrets.<ref name="haynes"/><ref name="overkill"/> Games which do not pit the player against antagonists instead feature elaborate challenges constructed mainly from inanimate objects, testing the player's speed and accuracy.<ref name="fielder"/> More conventional games may feature these types of challenges as [[minigame]]s.<ref name="haynes"/>

Light-gun shooters typically feature "on-rails" movement, which gives the player no control over the direction the protagonist moves in; the player only has control over aiming and shooting.<ref name="ashcraft147"/><ref name="overkill">Anderson, Lark, [http://uk.gamespot.com/wii/action/thehouseofthedeadoverkill/review.html The House of the Dead: Overkill Review] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212165509/http://uk.gamespot.com/wii/action/thehouseofthedeadoverkill/review.html |date=2009-02-12 }}, ''GameSpot,'' Feb 14, 2009, Accessed Feb 27, 2009</ref> Some games, however, may allow the protagonist to take cover at the push of a button.<ref name="ashcraft147"/> Other games may eschew on-rails movement altogether and allow the player to move the protagonist freely around the game's environment;<ref name="reed">Reed, Kristan, [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_redeadaim_ps2 Resident Evil Dead Aim], ''[[Eurogamer|EuroGamer]],'' July 29, 2003, Accessed Feb 27, 2009</ref> still others may feature a static environment.<ref name="concepts">Casamassina, Matt, [http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/653/653867p1.html Controller Concepts: Gun Games] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004359/http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/653/653867p1.html |date=2011-07-13 }}, ''IGN,'' Sept 26, 2005, Accessed Feb 27, 2009</ref> Light-gun shooters use a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]] for aiming, though some games may allow the player to switch to a third person perspective in order to maneuver the protagonist.<ref name="reed"/>

== History ==

=== Mechanical and electro-mechanical precursors (1900s to early 1970s) ===
[[File:GunCon 1 and 2.jpg|right|thumb|Popular GunCon light guns. The bright orange illustrates the toy-like appearance of most light guns, whereas the grey example appears more realistic.]]

Gun games had existed in [[Arcade game|arcades]] before the emergence of electronic [[video games]]. Shooting gallery carnival games date back to the late 19th century.<ref name="routledge chp31">{{cite book | title = The Routledge Companion to Video Game Studies | editor-first = Bernard | editor-last = Perron | publisher = [[Taylor & Francis]] | date = 2014 | isbn = 9781136290503 | chapter = Chapter 31: Shooting | first = Gerald | last=  Voorhees | pages=251–258 }}</ref> Mechanical gun games first appeared in [[England]]'s [[amusement arcades]] around the turn of the 20th century,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Williams |first1=Andrew |title=History of Digital Games: Developments in Art, Design and Interaction |date=16 March 2017 |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |isbn=978-1-317-50381-1 |page=10}}</ref> and before appearing in America by the 1920s.<ref name="ashcraft145"/> The British "cinematic shooting gallery" game ''Life Targets'' (1912) was a mechanical [[interactive film]] game where players shot at a cinema screen displaying film footage of targets.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cowan |first1=Michael |title=Interactive media and imperial subjects: Excavating the cinematic shooting gallery |journal=NECSUS. European Journal of Media Studies |date=2018 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=17–44 |doi=10.25969/mediarep/3438}}</ref> 

The first light guns appeared in the 1930s, with the Seeburg Ray-O-Lite. Games using this toy rifle were mechanical and the rifle fired beams of light at targets wired with sensors.<ref name="ashcraft145">Ashcraft, p. 145</ref> A later gun game from [[Seeburg Corporation]], ''Shoot the Bear'' (1949), introduced the use of mechanical sound effects. By the 1960s, mechanical gun games had evolved into shooting [[electro-mechanical game]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=BAC Thinks Highly Of Arcades |magazine=[[Cash Box]] |date=27 July 1968 |page=73 |url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox29unse_50/page/73 |publisher=Cash Box Pub. Co.}}</ref> A popular sophisticated example was ''[[Periscope (arcade game)|Periscope]]'' (1965) by [[Namco]] and [[Sega]],<ref>Ashcraft, Brian, (2008) ''Arcade Mania! The Turbo Charged World of Japan's Game Centers'', p. 133, Kodansha International</ref> with other examples including ''Captain Kid Rifle'' (1966) by [[Midway Manufacturing]] and ''Arctic Gun'' (1967) by [[WMS Industries|Williams]].<ref name="CB105">{{cite magazine |title=Coin Machines Equipment Survey |magazine=[[Cash Box]] |date=20 October 1973 |page=105 |url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox35unse_16/page/105 |publisher=Cash Box Pub. Co.}}</ref> The use of a mounted gun dates back to a Midway mechanical game in the 1960s.<ref name="retrogamer153">{{cite magazine|title=Operation Wolf|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=153|pages=34–1|first=Martyn|last=Carroll|date=April 2016|url=https://issuu.com/michelfranca/docs/retro_gamer____153}}</ref>

Between the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sega produced gun games which resemble first-person light-gun shooter video games, but were in fact electro-mechanical games that used [[rear projection effect|rear]] [[image projector|image projection]] in a manner similar to a [[zoetrope]] to produce moving [[animation]]s on a [[Projection screen|screen]].<ref name="Cohen">{{citation |title=Killer Shark: The Undersea Horror Arcade Game from Jaws |author=D.S. Cohen |publisher=[[About.com]] |url=http://classicgames.about.com/od/arcadegames/p/KillerShark.htm |access-date=2011-05-03 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170703115201/http://www.lifewire.com/killer-shark-arcade-game-from-jaws-729558 |archive-date= 2017-07-03 }}</ref> It was a fresh approach to gun games that Sega introduced with ''Duck Hunt'', which began location testing in 1968 and released in January 1969. It had animated moving targets which disappear from the screen when shot, [[solid-state electronic]] sound effects, and a higher [[Score (game)|score]] for [[Critical hit#Headshot|head shots]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=New Sega Gun To Bow at ATE: Sega Duck Shoot |journal=[[Cash Box]] |date=4 January 1969 |page=34 |url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox30unse_21/page/34 |publisher=Cash Box Pub. Co.}}</ref><ref>{{KLOV game|13152|Duck Hunt (1969)}}</ref> It also printed out the player's score on a ticket, and the sound effects were volume controllable.<ref>{{cite web|title=1969 Sega Duck Hunt (Arcade Flyer)|work=pinrepair.com|url=http://www.pinrepair.com/arcade/sduckhu.htm|access-date=2011-05-03}}</ref>

=== 2D and pseudo-3D light-gun shooter video games (1970s to mid-1990s) ===
Throughout the 1970s, electro-mechanical arcade games were gradually replaced by electronic video games, following the release of ''[[Pong]]'' in 1972,<ref>Ashcraft, p. 134</ref> with 1978's ''[[Space Invaders]]'' dealing a yet more powerful blow to the popularity of electro-mechanical games.<ref>Ashcraft, p. 136</ref> In the 1970s, EM gun games evolved into light-gun shooter video games.<ref name="retrogamer153"/> Light guns used in electronic video games work in the opposite manner to their mechanical counterparts: the sensor is in the gun and pulling the trigger allows it to receive light from the on-screen targets.<ref name="ashcraft145"/> 

Computer [[light pen]]s had been used for practical purposes at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]] in the early 1960s.<ref>[http://www.computerhistory.org/internet_history/ A History of the Internet], ''[[Computer History Museum]],'' Accessed Feb 26, 2009</ref> The [[Magnavox Odyssey]] home [[video game console]] in 1972 had a [[Shooting Gallery (game accessory)|light gun accessory]],<ref>[http://www.next-gen.biz/features/ten-greatest-years-gaming The Ten Greatest Years in Gaming] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419052418/http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3313&Itemid=2 |date=2008-04-19 }}, ''Edge,'' June 27, 2006, Accessed Mar 1, 2009</ref> in the production of which [[Nintendo]] was [[History of Nintendo|involved]].<ref>Martin Picard, [http://gamestudies.org/1302/articles/picard The Foundation of Geemu: A Brief History of Early Japanese video games], ''International Journal of Computer Game Research'', 2013</ref> In the arcades, light-gun shooter video games appeared in 1974, with Sega's ''Balloon Gun'' in August and [[Atari]]'s ''[[Qwak!]]'' in November.<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/lists/ataris-forgotten-arcade-classics-w485407/qwak-w485414 |title=Atari's Forgotten Arcade Classics |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=2017-06-02 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |publisher=Wenner Media |access-date=2017-08-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901021209/http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/lists/ataris-forgotten-arcade-classics-w485407/qwak-w485414 |archive-date=2017-09-01}}</ref> The use of a mounted gun in arcade video games date back to [[Taito]]'s ''Attack'' (1976).<ref name="retrogamer153"/> However, light-gun video games were not able to achieve the same level of success as their earlier electro-mechanical predecessors until the mid-1980s.<ref name="Adlum"/>

Light-gun video games became popular in arcades with the [[Nintendo VS. System]] arcade releases of ''[[Duck Hunt]]'' (1984) and ''[[Hogan's Alley (video game)|Hogan's Alley]]'' (1984),<ref name="Adlum">{{cite magazine |last=Adlum |first=Eddie |title=The Replay Years: Reflections from Eddie Adlum |magazine=RePlay |date=November 1985 |volume=11 |issue=2 |pages=134-175 (170-1) |url=https://archive.org/details/re-play-volume-11-issue-no.-2-november-1985-600DPI/RePlay%20-%20Volume%2011%2C%20Issue%20No.%202%20-%20November%201985/page/170/mode/2up}}</ref> with ''Duck Hunt'' also becoming popular on [[home consoles]] following its 1985 [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) release.<ref name="concepts"/> Light guns subsequently became popularly used for video games in the mid-1980s.<ref name="controversy">[http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-13.html When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911113451/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-13.html |date=2009-09-11 }}, ''GameSpot,'' Accessed Feb 26, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.next-gen.biz/features/30-defining-moments-gaming The 30 Defining Moments in Gaming] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029232528/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/30-defining-moments-gaming |date=2011-10-29 }}, ''Edge'', Aug 13, 2007, Accessed Feb 27, 2009</ref> In the late 1980s, [[Taito]]'s arcade hit ''[[Operation Wolf]]'' (1987) popularized military-themed light-gun [[rail shooters]].<ref name="denofgeek">{{cite news |last1=Lambie |first1=Ryan |title=Operation Wolf: The Ultimate '80s Military Gun Game |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/operation-wolf-the-ultimate-80s-military-gun-game/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=[[Den of Geek]] |date=1 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="retrogamer153"/> 

''Operation Wolf'' had [[scrolling]] backgrounds, which Taito's sequel ''[[Operation Thunderbolt (video game)|Operation Thunderbolt]]'' (1988)<ref name="CU65">{{cite magazine |last1=Kelly |first1=Nick |title=Arcades: Operation Thunderbold (arcade star) |magazine=[[Commodore User]] |date=26 January 1989 |issue=65 (February 1989) |pages=92–3 |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/276/247}}</ref> and Sega's ''[[Line of Fire (video game)|Line of Fire]]'' (1989) took further with [[pseudo-3D]] backgrounds, the latter rendered using [[Sega Super Scaler]] arcade technology, with both featuring two-player co-op gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |title=Line of Fire |url=http://hg101.kontek.net/lineoffire/lineoffire.htm |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=11 April 2021}}</ref> [[SNK]]'s ''[[Beast Busters]]'' (1989) supported up to three players and was a modest success. [[Midway Games|Midway]]'s arcade hit ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day (arcade game)|Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991) combined ''Operation Wolf''{{'s}} scrolling with ''Operation Thunderbolt'' and ''Line of Fire''{{'s}} two-player co-op along with the use of the use of realistic [[digitized]] [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] graphics.

In 1992, [[Konami]]'s ''[[Lethal Enforcers]]'' further popularized the use of realistic digitized sprite graphics in light-gun shooters,<ref name="screenrant">{{cite news |last1=Draven |first1=Derek |title=The 10 Best Light Gun Video Games Ever Created, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/best-light-gun-video-games-1980s-1990s-ranked/ |access-date=24 April 2021 |work=[[Screen Rant]] |date=18 March 2021}}</ref> with digitized sprites remaining popular in the genre up until the mid-1990s.<ref name="GW">{{cite magazine |last1=Perry |first1=Dave |author1-link=Dave Perry |author2=Nick |author3=Nick R |author4=Adrian |title=Reviews: Virtua Cop |magazine=[[Games World]] |date=November 1994 |issue=7 (January 1995) |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |page=21 |url=https://archive.org/details/games-world-07/page/n22}}</ref><ref name="NG1">{{cite magazine|date=8 December 1994|title=Finals|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-001/page/n109/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|issue=1 (January 1995)|page=105}}</ref> Midway's ''[[Revolution X]]'' (1994) was a Three-player co-op game with digitized graphics like their earlier hit ''Terminator 2''. In 1995, Konami released ''[[Crypt Killer]]'' (''Henry Explorers'' in Japan), which supported up to three players and was a modest success.

=== 3D light-gun shooters (mid-1990s to 2000s) ===
Sega's ''[[Virtua Cop]],'' released in arcades in 1994, broke new ground, popularized the use of [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygons]] in shooter games,<ref name="ngage"/> and led to a "Renaissance" in the popularity of arcade gun games. Like ''Lethal Enforcers'', the game was inspired by the [[Clint Eastwood]] film ''[[Dirty Harry]]'' as well as a coffee advertisement in which a can of coffee grew larger in a gun's sights. In ''Virtua Cop'' the player had to shoot approaching targets as fast as possible.<ref>Ashcraft, pp. 145-46</ref> 

The acclaimed ''[[Time Crisis]]'' by Namco, released for Japanese arcades in 1995 and ported to [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation]] console in 1996/1997, introduced innovations such as simulated [[recoil]] and a foot pedal which had to be depressed in order to attack and, when released, caused the protagonist to [[Cover system|take cover]]. The game's light gun controller, the [[GunCon]], was also acclaimed.<ref name="ashcraft147">Ashcraft, p. 147</ref><ref name="controversy"/> Namco also released ''Gun Bullet'' for Japanese arcades in 1994 and was ported as ''[[Point Blank (1994 video game)|Point Blank]]'' for the  PlayStation in 1998, a 2D [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite-based]] game featuring a unique minigame structure and quirky, humorous tone. The game was critically acclaimed and received two sequels, both for the arcades and the PlayStation console.<ref name="fielder"/><ref>Davis, Ryan, [https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/point-blank-3-review/1900-2714912/ Point Blank 3 Review], ''GameSpot,'' May 3, 2001, Accessed Mar 1, 2009, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121010001319/http://uk.gamespot.com/point-blank-3/reviews/point-blank-3-review-2714912/ Archived] from the original on October 10, 2012.</ref>

In 1995, [[Atari Games]] released the successful ''[[Area 51 (1995 video game)|Area 51]]'' arcade light-gun game, which featured red and blue HAPP 45. caliber pistol-like light guns and the use of [[full-motion video]] (FMV) [[pre-rendered]] graphics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kitts |first=Jeff |date=May 2, 2000 |title=Area 51 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/area-51-review/1900-2532873/ |website=gamespot.com}}</ref> Some games attempted to incorporate elements of [[first-person shooter]] (FPS) or [[survival horror]] games through the use of less restricted character movement or exploration, with varying degrees of success.<ref name="haynes"/><ref name="reed"/><ref name="shack">Remo, Chris, [http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=685 Time Crisis 4 Review] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207115602/http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=685 |date=2008-12-07 }}, ''Shack News'', Nov 21st 2007, Accessed Mar 29, 2008</ref>

Between 1996 and 1997, 3D light-gun shooters gained considerable popularity in arcades. Popular arcade light-gun shooters at the time included Sega's ''[[Virtua Cop 2]]'' (1995) and ''[[The House of the Dead (video game)|The House of the Dead]]'' (1997), Namco's ''Time Crisis'', and ''Police Trainer'' (1996).<ref name="CVG188">{{cite magazine |title=Arcade: Sega's Greatest Gun Game! The House of the Dead |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |issue=188 (July 1997) |date=11 June 1997 |pages=84–5 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_188_1997-07_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n83/mode/2up}}</ref> The most successful light-gun [[horror game]] series is ''[[The House of the Dead]]'' (1997 debut), the popularity of which, along with ''[[Resident Evil]]'', led to [[zombies]] becoming mainstream again in [[popular culture]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Weedon |first1=Paul |title=George A. Romero (interview) |url=http://paulweedon.co.uk/george-romero-transcript/ |website=Paul Weedon |date=17 July 2017 |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220182956/http://paulweedon.co.uk/george-romero-transcript/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Diver |first1=Mike |title=Gaming's Greatest, Romero-Worthy Zombies |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/gamings-greatest-romero-worthy-zombies/ |access-date=2 June 2019 |work=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |date=17 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Newman">{{cite book |last1=Newman |first1=Kim |title=Nightmare Movies: Horror on Screen Since the 1960s |date=2011 |publisher=[[A&C Black]] |isbn=9781408805039 |pages=559–566 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fNMz3tGZVvAC&pg=PA559}}</ref> In 1998, Midway released their third successful light-gun game called ''[[CarnEvil]]'', which featured over-the-top black comedy humor, the use of the shotgun-like light gun which pumps to reload, and the use of blood and gore like ''[[Mortal Kombat]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-story-of-carnevil-an-arcade-frightfest-once-called-the-most-twisted-video-game-ever-created/|title=The story of CarnEvil, an arcade frightfest once called "the most twisted video game ever created"|date=15 November 2018}}</ref>

Light guns were suppressed for a time in the United States after the 1999 [[Columbine High School massacre]] and its attendant controversy over video games and [[gun crime]].<ref name="controversy"/> Since the late 1980s, light gun controllers have been generally manufactured to look like toys by painting them in bright colours. In Japan, which lacks the gun crime found in the United States and in which civilians cannot legally own guns, more realistic light guns are widely available.<ref name="controversy"/> Light-gun rail shooters began declining in the late 1990s as FPS games became more popular.<ref name="denofgeek"/> Light-gun shooters became less popular in the 2000s, with new games in the genre seen as "old school",<ref name="concepts"/><ref name="haynes"/><ref>Rosenberg, Adam & Frushtick, Russel, [http://www.ugo.com/games/game-of-the-year-2007/?cur=best-light-gun-game-of-the-year Best Light-Gun Game – Ghost Squad] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025161038/http://www.ugo.com/games/game-of-the-year-2007/?cur=best-light-gun-game-of-the-year |date=2008-10-25 }}, ''UGO,'' Accessed Mar 1, 2009</ref> such as [[Raw Thrills]]' ''[[Target: Terror]]'' (2004) and ICE/Play Mechanix's ''Johnny Nero Action Hero'' (2004).

=== Wii Revival (2006 to 2014) ===
The genre went dormant for a period but experienced a small renaissance with the release of the [[Nintendo Wii]] in 2006. The system's controller, named the [[Wii Remote]], popularized motion-based gameplay. With the release of the [[Wii Zapper]] and third party light gun shells, various developers took the opportunity to release various light gun games on the platform, including ''Ghost Squad: Evolution'', Gunslingers, [[Dead Space: Extraction]], [[The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return]], [[The House of the Dead: Overkill]], [[Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles]], [[Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles]] and [[Wild West Guns]].

Sony responded by releasing the [[PlayStation Move]], a motion-based controller for the PlayStation 3 that could also be fitted into a light gun shell called a PS Move Sharp Shooter. This accessory allowed developers to also release light gun games on Sony’s platform. Additionally, Namco released the [[GunCon|GunCon 3]] for the PlayStation 3, which was supported by [[Time Crisis 4]], [[Time Crisis: Razing Storm]] and [[Deadstorm Pirates]].

The ''[[Time Crisis (series)|Time Crisis]]'' and ''[[The House of the Dead|House of the Dead]]'' [[Media franchise|franchises]] continued to receive acclaimed installments,<ref name="haynes" /><ref name="overkill" /> with the arcade machine for the latter's ''[[House of the Dead 4 Special]]'' featuring large screens enclosing the player, as well as swivelling, vibrating chairs.<ref>Ashcraft, pp. 147-48</ref> [[Incredible Technologies]]/Play Mechanix released ''[[Big Buck Hunter]]'', which was highly successful and spawned a number of sequels and console ports. Sega released ''[[Ghost Squad (video game)|Ghost Squad]]'' in 2004, notable for featuring unique machine guns with realistic recoil and an additional trigger for other in-game actions. 

The light gun shooter genre fell out of popularity on home consoles when the industry transitioned from the Wii and Playstation 3 to Wii U and Playstation 4 in 2014. Other factors which contributed to this declining popularity includes incompatibility with modern [[high-definition television|high-definition televisions]].

=== VR Revival, Arcade & PC Emulation (2014 to Present) ===
The light gun genre is maintained in virtual reality, arcade and PC emulation. 

Various VR games with light gun gameplay elements are released regularly after the release of Oculus Rift in 2016, such as Space Pirate Trainer, Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission, Zombieland VR, Blood & Truth, [https://www.meta.com/blog/quest/under-cover-launch-sigtrap-coatsink-lightgun-vr/ Under Cover] and more.

Despite the decline of the arcade industry, arcade continues to see periodical exclusive light gun releases such as [[Jurassic Park Arcade]] and [[Time Crisis|Time Crisis 5]] in 2015, [[Point Blank X]] in 2016, [[House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn]] in 2018, [https://www.unistechnology.com/products/elevator-action-invasion-dlx/ Elevator Action Invasion] in 2021 and [https://enterthegungeon.com/house-of-the-gundead Enter the Gungeon House of the Gundead] in 2023.

On PC, various companies offer light gun hardware solutions for light gun enthusiasts, such as [[Sinden Light Gun]], [https://www.ultimarc.com/ Ultimarc Aimtrak] and [https://retroshooter.com/ Retroshooter], in addition to retrofitting classic light gun hardwares for consoles such as Wiimote with Mayflash Dolphinbar and [https://www.gun4ir.com/ Gun4IR]. Besides emulating classic light gun games, players can also find modern light gun releases on Steam, such as [https://store.steampowered.com/app/2587170/Railbreak/ Railbreak], [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1818880/BangBang_PewPew/ BangBang PewPew], [https://store.steampowered.com/app/1448800/BioCrisis BioCrisis] and [https://store.steampowered.com/app/305380/Blue_Estate_The_Game/ Blue Estate The Game].

The [[Joy-Con]] of the [[Nintendo Switch]] have been used as a light gun substitute for various games, such as ''[[The House of the Dead: Remake]]'' (2022), though they are less precise than the Wii Remote due to their sole reliance on gyroscopic sensors for aiming.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=2022-04-08 |title=Review: The House Of The Dead: Remake – Control Issues Gnaw At Sega's Arcade Classic |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/the-house-of-the-dead-remake |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In June 6, 2025, Bandai Namco is supporting Tassei Denki in creating the G’AIM’E, a light gun that can be used on modern TVs with built-in games like Time Crisis, Point Blank, and Steel Gunner.<ref>https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2025/06/06/namco-backed-ai-powered-light-gun-brings-time-crisis-to-modern-tvs/</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of light-gun games]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}

== References ==
* {{citation | last=Ashcraft | first=Brian | year=2008 | title=Arcade Mania! The Turbo Charged World of Japan's Game Centers | publisher=[[Kodansha|Kodansha International]] }}

{{VideoGameGenre}}

[[Category:Video game genres]]
[[Category:Light gun games| ]]