Overview
BBS door games were programs that ran on bulletin board systems, allowing multiple callers to play games asynchronously. Since only one user could connect at a time, games were turn-based, with each player making moves that others would see when they called in.
Fast Facts
- Era: 1980s-1990s
- Platform: BBS (Bulletin Board Systems)
- Connection: Dial-up modem
- Gameplay: Turn-based, asynchronous
- Players: Sequential, not simultaneous
How It Worked
| Step | Process |
|---|
| 1 | Dial BBS with modem |
| 2 | Select door game from menu |
| 3 | Take your turns/moves |
| 4 | Log off (phone line freed) |
| 5 | Others call, take their turns |
Popular Door Games
| Game | Genre | Notes |
|---|
| TradeWars 2002 | Space trading | Complex economy |
| Legend of the Red Dragon | RPG | Combat and quests |
| Barren Realms Elite | Strategy | Empire building |
| Usurper | Fantasy RPG | Dungeon crawling |
| Operation: Overkill | Sci-fi RPG | Post-apocalyptic |
Technical Architecture
| Component | Function |
|---|
| BBS software | Host system |
| Door | Game executable |
| Drop file | Player data transfer |
| Data files | Persistent game state |
Social Aspects
BBS door games fostered community:
| Element | Impact |
|---|
| Leaderboards | Competition |
| Inter-BBS leagues | Wider communities |
| Local players | Same area codes |
Decline and Legacy
| Era | State |
|---|
| Peak | Late 1980s-early 1990s |
| Decline | Internet replaces BBS |
| Legacy | Precursor to MMOs |
Door games proved people would pay for online gaming, paving the way for commercial online services and MMORPGs.
See Also