Timeline

Each row is a mechanic, ordered by its earliest documented use, or by its earliest dated example where no defensible origin exists. The diamond marks the earliest documented use named in the entry, filled for high or medium confidence and hollow for low; the ring marks the game that set the form, where that is a different game; the dots are the entry's dated examples. An entry with no diamond has no defensible origin. 166 of 191 entries name an earliest use. The axis is compressed before 1850; dates are as given in each entry. Dated examples are also available as examples.csv.

Earliest documented use by era

Before 1800: 14
1800–1899: 11
1900–1949: 18
1950–1979: 47
1980–1999: 43
2000 onward: 33
No defensible origin: 25

Race to the FinishSenet, c. 3000 BCE · medium
Example: Royal Game of Ur (c. 2600 BCE)Example: Backgammon (c. 1650)Example: Hare and Tortoise (1973)Example: Super Mario Kart (1992)Example: Forza Horizon 5 (2021)Earliest documented use: Senet (c. 3000 BCE)
Roll and MoveSenet, c. 3000 BCE · medium
Example: Royal Game of Ur (c. 2600 BCE)Example: Game of the Goose (c. 1580)Example: Backgammon (c. 1650)Example: Monopoly (1935)Example: Mario Party (1998)Example: Monopoly Go! (2023)Established form: Game of the Goose (1580)Earliest documented use: Senet (c. 3000 BCE)
Piece CapturePolis (petteia), c. 450 BCE · medium
Example: Hnefatafl (c. 400 CE)Example: Draughts (c. 1100)Example: Chess (c. 1475)Example: Battle Chess (1988)Example: Onitama (2014)Example: 5D Chess With Multiverse Time Travel (2020)Earliest documented use: Polis (petteia) (c. 450 BCE)
SowingMancala, c. 600 CE · medium
Example: Kalah (c. 1940)Example: Trajan (2011)Example: Five Tribes (2014)Example: Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (2020)Earliest documented use: Mancala (c. 600 CE)
PromotionShatranj, c. 850 CE · medium
Example: Draughts (c. 1100)Example: Chess (c. 1475)Example: Shogi (c. 1550)Example: The Chessmaster 2000 (1986)Example: Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (2003)Example: Pawnbarian (2021)Established form: Chess (c. 1475)Earliest documented use: Shatranj (c. 850 CE)
Alignment GamesNine Men's Morris, c. 1283 · medium
Example: Nine Men's Morris (c. 1283)Example: OXO (1952)Example: Connect Four (1974)Example: Pente (1977)Example: Qawale (2022)Earliest documented use: Nine Men's Morris (c. 1283)
Hunt GamesCercar la liebre, 1283 · medium
Example: Hnefatafl (c. 400 CE)Example: Cercar la liebre (1283)Example: Fox and Geese (1438)Example: Tablut (1732)Example: Cows and Leopards (c. 1909)Example: Ogre (1977)Example: Tafl Champions: Ancient Chess (2021)Established form: Fox and Geese (1438)Earliest documented use: Cercar la liebre (1283)
Trick-TakingKarnöffel, 1426 · high
Example: Whist (c. 1674)Example: Hearts (c. 1880)Example: Wizard (1984)Example: Microsoft Hearts (1992)Example: The Crew (2019)Example: The Crew: Mission Deep Sea (2021)Established form: Whist (1742)Earliest documented use: Karnöffel (1426)
BettingPrimero, 1526 · medium
Example: Hazard (c. 1390)Example: Poker (c. 1829)Example: Poker Night at the Inventory (2010)Example: Camel Up (2014)Example: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)Established form: Poker (1829)Earliest documented use: Primero (1526)
Side SwappingReal tennis, 1555 · medium
Example: Real tennis (1555)Example: Cricket (1744)Example: Association football (1863)Example: Netrunner (1996)Example: Left 4 Dead (2008)Example: Valorant (2020)Earliest documented use: Real tennis (1555)
Ball PossessionHurling to goals, 1602 · low
Example: Hurling to goals (1602)Example: Association football (1863)Example: American football (1882)Example: Basketball (1892)Example: Blood Bowl (1986)Example: FIFA International Soccer (1993)Example: Rematch (2025)Earliest documented use: Hurling to goals (1602)
Contract BiddingOmbre, c. 1650 · medium
Example: Ombre (c. 1650)Example: Skat (c. 1815)Example: Contract Bridge (1925)Example: Wizard (1984)Example: Bridge Base Online (c. 2001)Example: Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition (2022)Established form: Contract Bridge (1925)Earliest documented use: Ombre (c. 1650)
Team PlayNo defensible origin · first example 1674
Example: Whist (c. 1674)Example: Association football (1863)Example: Tichu (1991)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Codenames (2015)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: Marvel Rivals (2024)
HandicappingGo, c. 1700 · medium
Example: Go (c. 1700)Example: Chess at odds (c. 1750)Example: Golf (USGA handicap system) (1911)Example: Super Smash Bros. (1999)Example: Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 (2020)Earliest documented use: Go (c. 1700)
Limited CommunicationWhist, 1742 · low
Example: Contract Bridge (1925)Example: Hanabi (2010)Example: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (2015)Example: The Crew (2019)Example: Sky Team (2023)Established form: Hanabi (2010)Earliest documented use: Whist (1742)
Fog of WarKriegsspiel, 1824 · medium
Example: Kriegsspiel (1824)Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Empire (1977)Example: Warcraft II (1995)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Captain Sonar (2016)Example: Total War: Warhammer III (2022)Established form: Warcraft II (1995)Earliest documented use: Kriegsspiel (1824)
Side ConversionKing of Cantland, 1825 · medium
Example: King of Cantland (1825)Example: Halo 3 (2007)Example: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)Example: Halo Infinite (2021)Established form: Halo 3 (2007)Earliest documented use: King of Cantland (1825)
Clue GivingActing charades, c. 1850 · low
Example: Acting charades (c. 1850)Example: Password (1962)Example: Taboo (1989)Example: Draw Something (2012)Example: Codenames (2015)Example: So Clover! (2021)Earliest documented use: Acting charades (c. 1850)
Tournament FormatsLondon 1851 chess tournament, 1851 · high
Example: London 1851 chess tournament (1851)Example: Wimbledon Championships (1877)Example: Zurich 1895 chess tournament (1895)Example: Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour (1996)Example: Dota 2 (The International) (2011)Example: Trackmania (2020)Earliest documented use: London 1851 chess tournament (1851)
Game ClocksChess (Anderssen versus Kolisch match), 1861 · high
Example: Chess (tournament time controls) (1883)Example: Basketball (shot clock) (1954)Example: Super Mario Bros. (1985)Example: Street Fighter II (1991)Example: Pokémon Trading Card Game Live (2023)Established form: Chess (tournament time controls) (1883)Earliest documented use: Chess (Anderssen versus Kolisch match) (1861)
Pattern RecognitionSnap, 1866 · low
Example: Snap (c. 1866)Example: Set (c. 1990)Example: Jungle Speed (1997)Example: Dobble (2009)Example: Papers, Please (2013)Example: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (2017)Established form: Set (1990)Earliest documented use: Snap (1866)
DexterityNo defensible origin · first example 1876
Example: Crokinole (c. 1876)Example: Pétanque (c. 1907)Example: Jenga (1983)Example: PitchCar (1995)Example: Wii Sports (2006)Example: Nintendo Switch Sports (2022)
Referee AdjudicationFree Kriegsspiel, 1876 · high
Example: Free Kriegsspiel (1876)Example: Association football (Law 5) (c. 1891)Example: Braunstein (1969)Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 2024 edition (2024)Earliest documented use: Free Kriegsspiel (1876)
Sliding and Pushing Block Puzzles15 Puzzle, c. 1880 · medium
Example: 15 Puzzle (c. 1880)Example: Sokoban (1982)Example: Rush Hour (1996)Example: Ricochet Robots (1999)Example: Baba Is You (2019)Example: Patrick's Parabox (2022)Earliest documented use: 15 Puzzle (c. 1880)
Push Your LuckVingt-et-un with dice, 1897 · low
Example: Can't Stop (1980)Example: Jenga (1983)Example: Diamant (2005)Example: Darkest Dungeon (2016)Example: The Quacks of Quedlinburg (2018)Example: ARC Raiders (2025)Earliest documented use: Vingt-et-un with dice (1897)
RerollsPoker Dice, 1897 · low
Example: Yahtzee (1956)Example: Magic: The Gathering (1993)Example: Savage Worlds (2003)Example: King of Tokyo (2011)Example: Hearthstone (2014)Example: Balatro (2024)Established form: Yahtzee (1956)Earliest documented use: Poker Dice (1897)
Set CollectionConquian, 1897 · low
Example: Rummy (c. 1900)Example: Ticket to Ride (2004)Example: Jaipur (2009)Example: Sushi Go! (2013)Example: Stardew Valley (2016)Example: Sea Salt & Paper (2022)Earliest documented use: Conquian (1897)
MemoryKim's Game, 1901 · low
Example: Kim's Game (1901)Example: Memory (1959)Example: Simon (1978)Example: Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)Example: Buckshot Roulette (2023)Established form: Memory (1959)Earliest documented use: Kim's Game (1901)
IncomeThe Landlord's Game, 1904 · medium
Example: The Landlord's Game (1904)Example: Monopoly (1935)Example: Pendragon (1985)Example: Civilization (1991)Example: Power Grid (2004)Example: Ark Nova (2021)Established form: Monopoly (1935)Earliest documented use: The Landlord's Game (1904)
Real-Time PlayPit, 1904 · medium
Example: Pit (1904)Example: Spacewar! (1962)Example: Dune II (1992)Example: Real Escape Game (2007)Example: Space Alert (2008)Example: Age of Empires IV (2021)Established form: Spacewar! (1962)Earliest documented use: Pit (1904)
Take ThatTouring, 1906 · low
Example: Mille Bornes (1954)Example: Uno (1971)Example: Super Mario Kart (1992)Example: Munchkin (2001)Example: Exploding Kittens (2015)Example: Mario Kart World (2025)Established form: Mille Bornes (1954)Earliest documented use: Touring (1906)
Hidden Piece IdentityL'Attaque, 1909 · high
Example: L'Attaque (1909)Example: Stratego (c. 1946)Example: Quebec 1759 (1972)Example: Hearthstone (2014)Example: Stratego Online (2026)Established form: Stratego (1946)Earliest documented use: L'Attaque (1909)
Pattern BuildingPoker Patience, 1909 · low
Example: Poker Patience (1909)Example: Take It Easy (1983)Example: Tetris (1984)Example: Azul (2017)Example: Harmonies (2024)Established form: Azul (2017)Earliest documented use: Poker Patience (1909)
Victory PointsLittle Wars, 1913 · low
Example: Cribbage (c. 1630)Example: Catan (1995)Example: Puerto Rico (2002)Example: Dominion (2008)Example: Civilization VI (2016)Example: Lost Ruins of Arnak (2020)Established form: Catan (1995)Earliest documented use: Little Wars (1913)
Bluff and ChallengeI Doubt It, 1914 · low
Example: Red Dead Redemption (2010)Example: Skull (2011)Example: Coup (2012)Example: Liar's Bar (2024)Earliest documented use: I Doubt It (1914)
Doubling CubeBackgammon (doubling cube), c. 1925 · medium
Example: Backgammon (doubling cube) (c. 1925)Example: FIBS (First Internet Backgammon Server) (1992)Example: GNU Backgammon (c. 2004)Example: eXtreme Gammon (c. 2009)Example: Marvel Snap (2022)Earliest documented use: Backgammon (doubling cube) (c. 1925)
Multiple EndingsConsider the Consequences!, 1930 · low
Example: Consider the Consequences! (1930)Example: The Cave of Time (1979)Example: Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (1987)Example: Chrono Trigger (1995)Example: Fiasco (2009)Example: Choose Your Own Adventure: House of Danger (2018)Example: Slay the Princess (2023)Earliest documented use: Consider the Consequences! (1930)
Lives and ContinuesCoin-operated pinball, c. 1931 · medium
Example: Coin-operated pinball (c. 1931)Example: Space Invaders (1978)Example: Super Mario Bros. (1985)Example: Gauntlet (1985)Example: Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)Example: Streets of Rage 4 (2020)Established form: Space Invaders (1978)Earliest documented use: Coin-operated pinball (c. 1931)
Auction and BiddingMonopoly, 1935 · medium
Example: Monopoly (1935)Example: Modern Art (1992)Example: Ra (1999)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Power Grid (2004)Example: EA Sports FC 24 (2023)Established form: Modern Art (1992)Earliest documented use: Monopoly (1935)
Audience ParticipationMajor Bowes Amateur Hour, 1935 · low
Example: Theatresports (1977)Example: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (1998)Example: Twitch Plays Pokémon (2014)Example: Quiplash (2015)Example: Choice Chamber (2015)Example: Clone Drone in the Danger Zone (2021)Established form: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (1998)Earliest documented use: Major Bowes Amateur Hour (1935)
Loans and DebtMonopoly, 1935 · medium
Example: Monopoly (1935)Example: Traveller (1977)Example: Animal Crossing (2001)Example: Brass (2007)Example: Cities: Skylines II (2023)Established form: Brass (2007)Earliest documented use: Monopoly (1935)
Player EliminationNo defensible origin · first example 1935
Example: Monopoly (1935)Example: Risk (1959)Example: King of Tokyo (2011)Example: PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (2017)Example: Fall Guys (2020)Established form: Risk (1959)
TradingMonopoly, 1935 · low
Example: Pit (1904)Example: Monopoly (1935)Example: Catan (1995)Example: Pokémon Red and Green (1996)Example: Bohnanza (1997)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)Example: Last Epoch (2024)Established form: Catan (1995)Earliest documented use: Monopoly (1935)
Connection GamesHex, 1942 · high
Example: Hex (1942)Example: TwixT (1962)Example: Havannah (c. 1979)Example: Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (2020)Earliest documented use: Hex (1942)
Word BuildingScrabble, 1948 · medium
Example: Scrabble (1948)Example: Boggle (1972)Example: Bookworm (2003)Example: Bananagrams (2006)Example: Paperback (2014)Example: Scrabble GO (2020)Earliest documented use: Scrabble (1948)
DeductionCluedo, 1949 · medium
Example: Cluedo (1949)Example: Mastermind (c. 1970)Example: Call of Cthulhu (1981)Example: The Esoterrorists (2006)Example: Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)Example: Wordle (2021)Earliest documented use: Cluedo (1949)
Combat Results TablesTactics, 1954 · high
Example: Tactics (1954)Example: Tactics II (1958)Example: Afrika Korps (1964)Example: PanzerBlitz (1970)Example: Squad Leader (1977)Example: Advance Wars (2001)Example: Salerno '43 (2022)Established form: Tactics II (1958)Earliest documented use: Tactics (1954)
Interrupts and ReactionsMille Bornes, 1954 · low
Example: Mille Bornes (1954)Example: Squad Leader (1977)Example: Magic: The Gathering (1993)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)Example: Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel (2022)Established form: Magic: The Gathering (1999)Earliest documented use: Mille Bornes (1954)
Secret ObjectivesCareers, 1955 · medium
Example: Careers (1955)Example: Paranoia (1984)Example: Ticket to Ride (2004)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Gloomhaven (digital) (2021)Example: Ark Nova (2021)Established form: Ticket to Ride (2004)Earliest documented use: Careers (1955)
Roll and WriteYahtzee, 1956 · medium
Example: Yahtzee (1956)Example: Qwixx (2012)Example: Welcome To... (2018)Example: Cartographers (2019)Example: Ganz schön clever (c. 2019)Example: Welcome to the Moon (2021)Established form: Qwixx (2012)Earliest documented use: Yahtzee (1956)
AlliancesDiplomacy, 1959 · medium
Example: Risk (1959)Example: Diplomacy (1959)Example: Cosmic Encounter (1977)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: Neptune's Pride (2010)Example: ARC Raiders (2025)Earliest documented use: Diplomacy (1959)
Area ControlNo defensible origin · first example 1959
Example: Risk (1959)Example: El Grande (1995)Example: Battlefield 1942 (2002)Example: Splatoon (2015)Example: Overwatch 2 (2022)Established form: El Grande (1995)
Deal-MakingDiplomacy, 1959 · medium
Example: Diplomacy (1959)Example: Cosmic Encounter (1977)Example: Junta (1978)Example: Chinatown (1999)Example: Neptune's Pride (2010)Example: Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017)Example: John Company: Second Edition (2022)Earliest documented use: Diplomacy (1959)
Opposed RollsNo defensible origin · first example 1959
Example: Risk (1959)Example: Tunnels & Trolls (1975)Example: Pendragon (1985)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Armello (2015)Example: Talisman: The Magical Quest Game – 5th Edition (2024)Established form: Risk (1959)
Simultaneous Action SelectionDiplomacy, 1959 · medium
Example: Diplomacy (1959)Example: RoboRally (1994)Example: Race for the Galaxy (2007)Example: Frozen Synapse (2011)Example: Heat: Pedal to the Metal (2022)Earliest documented use: Diplomacy (1959)
Rating and MatchmakingChess (USCF rating system), 1960 · high
Example: Chess (USCF rating system) (1960)Example: Halo 2 (2004)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: League of Legends (2009)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: FIFA Men's World Ranking (2018)Example: Counter-Strike 2 (2023)Earliest documented use: Chess (USCF rating system) (1960)
Grid MovementGettysburg, 1961 · medium
Example: Gettysburg (1961)Example: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Battle for Wesnoth (2003)Example: Into the Breach (2018)Example: Triangle Strategy (2022)Earliest documented use: Gettysburg (1961)
Zone of ControlD-Day, 1961 · medium
Example: D-Day (1961)Example: Afrika Korps (1964)Example: Civilization (1991)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Unity of Command (2011)Example: Civilization VII (2025)Established form: Afrika Korps (1964)Earliest documented use: D-Day (1961)
Hitboxes and HurtboxesNo defensible origin · first example 1962
Example: Spacewar! (1962)Example: Pong (1972)Example: Street Fighter II (1991)Example: Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)Example: Touhou Youyoumu ~ Perfect Cherry Blossom (2003)Example: Street Fighter 6 (2023)Established form: Street Fighter II (1991)
Supply LinesStalingrad, 1963 · medium
Example: Stalingrad (1963)Example: Afrika Korps (1964)Example: Paths of Glory (1999)Example: Unity of Command (2011)Example: Hearts of Iron IV (2016)Example: Shadow Empire (2020)Earliest documented use: Stalingrad (1963)
Hidden ScoringNo defensible origin · first example 1964
Example: Acquire (1964)Example: Tigris and Euphrates (1997)Example: Small World (2009)Example: Small World 2 (2013)Example: Small World of Warcraft (2020)Established form: Small World (2009)
MarketsNo defensible origin · first example 1964
Example: Acquire (1964)Example: Traveller (1977)Example: Elite (1984)Example: Power Grid (2004)Example: Offworld Trading Company (2016)Example: Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord (2022)Established form: Power Grid (2004)
Stock HoldingAcquire, 1964 · medium
Example: Acquire (1964)Example: 1829 (1974)Example: 1830 (1986)Example: Railroad Tycoon (1990)Example: Chicago Express (2008)Example: Pan Am (2020)Established form: 1829 (1974)Earliest documented use: Acquire (1964)
Upkeep and AttritionAfrika Korps, 1964 · medium
Example: Afrika Korps (1964)Example: Traveller (1977)Example: Rogue (1980)Example: Agricola (2007)Example: Torchbearer (2013)Example: Against the Storm (2023)Established form: Agricola (2007)Earliest documented use: Afrika Korps (1964)
Point-BuyWar Games Rules 1000 BC to 500 AD, 1969 · low
Example: War Games Rules 1000 BC to 500 AD (1969)Example: Chainmail (1971)Example: Champions (1981)Example: GURPS (1986)Example: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (1987)Example: Fallout (1997)Example: Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game (2012)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)Example: Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous (2021)Established form: Champions (1981)Earliest documented use: War Games Rules 1000 BC to 500 AD (1969)
Line of SightPanzerBlitz, 1970 · medium
Example: PanzerBlitz (1970)Example: Squad Leader (1977)Example: X-COM: UFO Defense (1994)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion (2020)Established form: Squad Leader (1977)Earliest documented use: PanzerBlitz (1970)
Cooperative PlayTogether, c. 1971 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Arkham Horror (1987)Example: Lord of the Rings (2000)Example: Pandemic (2008)Example: Left 4 Dead (2008)Example: Deep Rock Galactic (2020)Established form: Pandemic (2008)Earliest documented use: Together (c. 1971)
Initiative OrderChainmail, 1971 · medium
Example: Chainmail (1971)Example: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon Masters Guide (1979)Example: Final Fantasy IV (1991)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Frosthaven (2022)Example: Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)Established form: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Earliest documented use: Chainmail (1971)
Morale and RoutChainmail, 1971 · medium
Example: Chainmail (1971)Example: Squad Leader (1977)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, Basic Set (1981)Example: X-COM: UFO Defense (1994)Example: Shogun: Total War (2000)Example: Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord (2022)Established form: Squad Leader (1977)Earliest documented use: Chainmail (1971)
Target NumbersChainmail, 1971 · medium
Example: Chainmail (1971)Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Dungeon! (1975)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Disco Elysium (2019)Example: Cyberpunk RED (2020)Established form: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Earliest documented use: Chainmail (1971)
Base BuildingDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Utopia (1981)Example: Dune II (1992)Example: Minecraft (2011)Example: Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island (2012)Example: Valheim (2026)Established form: Dune II (1992)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Damage Types and ResistancesDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Final Fantasy (1987)Example: Pokémon Red and Green (1996)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: Mage Knight Board Game (2011)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)Example: Elden Ring (2022)Established form: Pokémon Red and Green (1996)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Equipment and LoadoutsDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (1987)Example: Counter-Strike (1999)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)Example: Dead by Daylight (2016)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Helldivers 2 (2024)Established form: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Experience LevelsDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · high
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Rogue (1980)Example: Dragon Quest (1986)Example: Mage Knight Board Game (2011)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Exploration ProceduresDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · high
Example: Outdoor Survival (1972)Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: The Oregon Trail (1985)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Darkest Dungeon (2016)Example: The 7th Continent (2017)Example: Shadowdark RPG (2023)Example: Last Epoch (2024)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Hit PointsDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · high
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Rogue (1980)Example: Magic: The Gathering (1993)Example: Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Elden Ring (2022)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Inventory and EncumbranceDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · high
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Colossal Cave Adventure (1976)Example: Talisman (1983)Example: Resident Evil (1996)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Death Stranding (2019)Example: Lethal Company (2023)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Item ModificationDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · low
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Diablo II (2000)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Path of Exile 2 (2024)Established form: Path of Exile (2013)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Loot TablesDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: HeroQuest (1989)Example: Diablo (1996)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Borderlands (2009)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: Diablo IV (2023)Established form: Diablo (1996)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
MulticlassingDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Dungeons & Dragons Supplement I: Greyhawk (1975)Example: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Players Handbook (1978)Example: Final Fantasy V (1992)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Titan Quest (2006)Example: Grim Dawn (2016)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 2024 edition (2024)Established form: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Network and Route BuildingNo defensible origin · first example 1974
Example: 1829 (1974)Example: Empire Builder (1982)Example: Railroad Tycoon (1990)Example: Ticket to Ride (2004)Example: Mini Metro (2015)Example: Next Station: London (2022)Established form: Ticket to Ride (2004)
Pick-Up and DeliverStar Trader, 1974 · low
Example: Cargoes (c. 1934)Example: Star Trader (1974)Example: Empire Builder (1982)Example: Elite (1984)Example: Merchant of Venus (1988)Example: Crazy Taxi (1999)Example: Age of Steam (2002)Example: Death Stranding (2019)Example: SnowRunner (2020)Established form: Empire Builder (1982)Earliest documented use: Star Trader (1974)
Random TablesDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · high
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Barbarian Prince (1981)Example: Tales of the Arabian Nights (1985)Example: Pokémon Red and Green (1996)Example: Ironsworn (2018)Example: Mothership (first edition) (2024)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Saving ThrowsDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · high
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Pool of Radiance (1988)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Pillars of Eternity (2015)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 2024 edition (2024)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Status EffectsDungeons & Dragons, 1974 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Final Fantasy (1987)Example: Pokémon Red and Green (1996)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)Example: Dead by Daylight (2016)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)Earliest documented use: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)
Boss Encountersdnd (PLATO), 1975 · medium
Example: Phoenix (1980)Example: The Legend of Zelda (1986)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 4th Edition (2008)Example: Dark Souls (2011)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Kingdom Death: Monster (2015)Example: Grim Dawn (2016)Example: Black Myth: Wukong (2024)Established form: The Legend of Zelda (1986)Earliest documented use: dnd (PLATO) (1975)
Critical HitsEmpire of the Petal Throne, 1975 · medium
Example: Empire of the Petal Throne (1975)Example: Pokémon Red and Green (1996)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous (2021)Earliest documented use: Empire of the Petal Throne (1975)
Skill TreesStellar Conquest, 1975 · low
Example: Stellar Conquest (1975)Example: Civilization (1991)Example: Diablo II (2000)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Sid Meier's Civilization: The Board Game (2010)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Grim Dawn (2016)Example: Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)Example: Last Epoch (2024)Established form: Diablo II (2000)Earliest documented use: Stellar Conquest (1975)
Branching DialogueNo defensible origin · first example 1976
Example: Buffalo Castle (1976)Example: Murder on the Zinderneuf (1983)Example: Tales of the Arabian Nights (1985)Example: Ultima IV (1985)Example: Fallout (1997)Example: Mass Effect (2007)Example: Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
High-Score TablesSea Wolf, 1976 · medium
Example: Sea Wolf (1976)Example: Solid-state pinball (c. 1977)Example: Space Invaders (1978)Example: Star Fire (1978)Example: Asteroids (1979)Example: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved (2005)Example: Hyper Demon (2022)Established form: Asteroids (1979)Earliest documented use: Sea Wolf (1976)
Lock and KeyColossal Cave Adventure, 1976 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Colossal Cave Adventure (1976)Example: The Legend of Zelda (1986)Example: Super Metroid (1994)Example: Exit: The Game - The Abandoned Cabin (2016)Example: Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025)Established form: The Legend of Zelda (1986)Earliest documented use: Colossal Cave Adventure (1976)
Quest StructuresNo defensible origin · first example 1976
Example: Palace of the Vampire Queen (1976)Example: Akalabeth (1980)Example: HeroQuest (1989)Example: EverQuest (1999)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)Example: Hogwarts Legacy (2023)Established form: World of Warcraft (2004)
Lifepath Character GenerationTraveller, 1977 · high
Example: Traveller (1977)Example: Cyberpunk 2013 (1988)Example: Darklands (1992)Example: Burning Wheel (2002)Example: Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)Example: Twilight: 2000 (fourth edition) (2021)Earliest documented use: Traveller (1977)
Variable Player PowersCosmic Encounter, 1977 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Cosmic Encounter (1977)Example: StarCraft (1998)Example: Apocalypse World (2010)Example: Descent: Journeys in the Dark (second edition) (2012)Example: Vast: The Crystal Caverns (2016)Example: Root (2018)Example: Dune: Imperium (2020)Earliest documented use: Cosmic Encounter (1977)
Degrees of SuccessRuneQuest, 1978 · medium
Example: Pendragon (1985)Example: Fallout (1997)Example: Apocalypse World (2010)Example: Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island (2012)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Example: Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game (2022)Established form: Apocalypse World (2010)Earliest documented use: RuneQuest (1978)
Hit LocationRuneQuest, 1978 · medium
Example: RuneQuest (1978)Example: BattleDroids (1984)Example: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (1986)Example: Fallout (1997)Example: Dwarf Fortress (2006)Example: Monster Hunter Wilds (2025)Earliest documented use: RuneQuest (1978)
Loot DistributionAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons, Players Handbook, 1978 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (Basic Set rulebook, Holmes edition) (1977)Example: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Players Handbook (1978)Example: EverQuest (1999)Example: Final Fantasy XI (2002)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: World of Warcraft: Dragonflight (2022)Established form: World of Warcraft (2004)Earliest documented use: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Players Handbook (1978)
Procedural GenerationBeneath Apple Manor, 1978 · medium
Example: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon Masters Guide (1979)Example: Rogue (1980)Example: Elite (1984)Example: Catan (1995)Example: Spelunky (2008)Example: Dead by Daylight (2016)Example: Deep Rock Galactic (2020)Established form: Rogue (1980)Earliest documented use: Beneath Apple Manor (1978)
VotingNo defensible origin · first example 1978
Example: Junta (1978)Example: Mafia (1986)Example: The Resistance (2009)Example: Among Us (2018)Example: Blood on the Clocktower (2022)Established form: Mafia (1986)
Constraint Logic PuzzlesNumber Place, 1979 · medium
Example: Number Place (1979)Example: Sudoku (Nikoli) (1984)Example: Mario's Picross (1995)Example: The Witness (2016)Example: Sagrada (2017)Example: Queens (2024)Established form: Sudoku (Nikoli) (1984)Earliest documented use: Number Place (1979)
Morality SystemsAdvanced Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon Masters Guide, 1979 · medium
Example: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon Masters Guide (1979)Example: Ultima IV (1985)Example: Pendragon (1985)Example: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)Example: Fable (2004)Example: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (video game) (2023)Established form: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)Earliest documented use: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon Masters Guide (1979)
Stealth and DetectionManbiki Shounen, 1979 · medium
Example: Castle Wolfenstein (1981)Example: Metal Gear (1987)Example: Thief: The Dark Project (1998)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Burgle Bros. (2015)Example: Ghost of Tsushima (2020)Established form: Metal Gear (1987)Earliest documented use: Manbiki Shounen (1979)
AchievementsActivision patch program, c. 1980 · medium
Example: Activision patch program (c. 1980)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Xbox 360 achievements (2005)Example: Team Fortress 2 (2007)Example: PlayStation 3 trophies (2008)Example: Vampire Survivors (2022)Established form: Xbox 360 achievements (2005)Earliest documented use: Activision patch program (c. 1980)
Difficulty SettingsNo defensible origin · first example 1980
Example: Pelé's Championship Soccer (1980)Example: Wolfenstein 3D (1992)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Pandemic (2008)Example: Left 4 Dead (2008)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Grim Dawn (2016)Example: Spirit Island (2017)Example: Celeste (2018)Example: Doom Eternal (2020)Example: Last Epoch (2024)
Map Markers and WaypointsRally-X, 1980 · low
Example: Rally-X (1980)Example: Grand Theft Auto (1997)Example: Grand Theft Auto III (2001)Example: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)Example: Elden Ring (2022)Example: Hogwarts Legacy (2023)Established form: Grand Theft Auto III (2001)Earliest documented use: Rally-X (1980)
MetacurrencyTop Secret, 1980 · medium
Example: Top Secret (1980)Example: James Bond 007 (1983)Example: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (1986)Example: Arkham Horror (second edition) (2005)Example: Fate Core System (2013)Example: Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)Established form: James Bond 007 (1983)Earliest documented use: Top Secret (1980)
PermadeathRogue, 1980 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons (1974)Example: Rogue (1980)Example: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990)Example: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)Example: Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015)Example: Noita (2020)Earliest documented use: Rogue (1980)
Power-UpsPac-Man, 1980 · medium
Example: Pac-Man (1980)Example: Super Mario Bros. (1985)Example: Quake (1996)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)Earliest documented use: Pac-Man (1980)
Resource ConversionCivilization (board game), 1980 · medium
Example: Civilization (board game) (1980)Example: Catan (1995)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Le Havre (2008)Example: Minecraft (2011)Example: Factorio (2020)Established form: Catan (1995)Earliest documented use: Civilization (board game) (1980)
PlatformingDonkey Kong, 1981 · medium
Example: Donkey Kong (1981)Example: Super Mario Bros. (1985)Example: Sasuke (1997)Example: Super Meat Boy (2010)Example: Celeste (2018)Example: Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)Established form: Super Mario Bros. (1985)Earliest documented use: Donkey Kong (1981)
SanityCall of Cthulhu, 1981 · medium
Example: Call of Cthulhu (1981)Example: Arkham Horror (1987)Example: Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem (2002)Example: Arkham Horror (second edition) (2005)Example: Darkest Dungeon (2016)Example: Phasmophobia (2020)Earliest documented use: Call of Cthulhu (1981)
Level EditorsPinball Construction Set, 1982 · medium
Example: Pinball Construction Set (1982)Example: Lode Runner (1983)Example: Excitebike (1984)Example: LittleBigPlanet (2008)Example: Super Mario Maker (2015)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)Established form: Super Mario Maker (2015)Earliest documented use: Pinball Construction Set (1982)
Hidden Movement PursuitScotland Yard, 1983 · high
Example: Scotland Yard (1983)Example: The Fury of Dracula (1987)Example: Letters from Whitechapel (2011)Example: Fury of Dracula: Digital Edition (2020)Example: Mind MGMT: The Psychic Espionage "Game" (2021)Earliest documented use: Scotland Yard (1983)
Quick-Time EventsDragon's Lair, 1983 · high
Example: Dragon's Lair (1983)Example: Bop It (1996)Example: Shenmue (1999)Example: Resident Evil 4 (2005)Example: Heavy Rain (2010)Example: The Quarry (2022)Established form: Shenmue (1999)Earliest documented use: Dragon's Lair (1983)
SubclassesDragon #69: The Entertainer Classes, 1983 · medium
Example: Dungeons & Dragons Supplement I: Greyhawk (1975)Example: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Players Handbook (1978)Example: Dragon #69: The Thief-Acrobat (1983)Example: Dragon #69: The Entertainer Classes (1983)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, Companion Set (1984)Example: Langrisser (1991)Example: Carrion Fields (1994)Example: Dark Age of Camelot (2001)Example: Ragnarok Online (2002)Example: MapleStory (c. 2004)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 4th Edition (2008)Example: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (2010)Example: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (2012)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)Example: Last Epoch (2024)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 2024 edition (2024)Example: Daggerheart (2025)Established form: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)Earliest documented use: Dragon #69: The Entertainer Classes (1983)
Lock-On TargetingElite, 1984 · low
Example: Star Raiders (c. 1979)Example: Elite (1984)Example: Panzer Dragoon (1995)Example: Star Fox 64 (1997)Example: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)Example: Metroid Prime (2002)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: Dark Souls (2011)Example: Black Myth: Wukong (2024)Established form: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)Earliest documented use: Elite (1984)
Parry and Dodge WindowsPunch-Out!!, 1984 · low
Example: Fencing (c. 1896)Example: Punch-Out!! (1984)Example: Street Fighter III (1997)Example: Dark Souls (2011)Example: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)Example: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)Established form: Dark Souls (2011)Earliest documented use: Punch-Out!! (1984)
Checkpoints and SavesNo defensible origin · first example 1985
Example: Super Mario Bros. (1985)Example: The Legend of Zelda (1986)Example: Resident Evil (1996)Example: Dark Souls (2011)Example: The 7th Continent (2017)Example: Lies of P (2023)
Downtime PhasesPendragon, 1985 · medium
Example: Pendragon (1985)Example: Ars Magica (1987)Example: Kingdom Death: Monster (2015)Example: Darkest Dungeon (2016)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Example: Daggerheart (2025)Established form: Blades in the Dark (2017)Earliest documented use: Pendragon (1985)
Needs and MoodsLittle Computer People, 1985 · medium
Example: Little Computer People (1985)Example: Tamagotchi (1996)Example: The Sims (2000)Example: This War of Mine: The Board Game (2017)Example: RimWorld (2018)Example: Palworld (2026)Established form: The Sims (2000)Earliest documented use: Little Computer People (1985)
Relationship SystemsPendragon, 1985 · low
Example: Pendragon (1985)Example: Tokimeki Memorial (1994)Example: Persona 3 (2006)Example: Apocalypse World (2010)Example: Fog of Love (2017)Example: Hades II (2025)Established form: Tokimeki Memorial (1994)Earliest documented use: Pendragon (1985)
Action PointsRebelstar, 1986 · low
Example: X-COM: UFO Defense (1994)Example: Fallout (1997)Example: Tikal (1999)Example: Pandemic (2008)Example: Pathfinder (second edition) (2019)Example: Wasteland 3 (2020)Established form: Tikal (1999)Earliest documented use: Rebelstar (1986)
Aspects and TagsGhostbusters, 1986 · low
Example: Ghostbusters (1986)Example: Over the Edge (1992)Example: Risus (1993)Example: HeroQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha (2003)Example: Spirit of the Century (2006)Example: Marvel Heroic Roleplaying (2012)Example: 13th Age (2013)Example: Legend in the Mist (2025)Established form: Spirit of the Century (2006)Earliest documented use: Ghostbusters (1986)
Dice PoolGhostbusters, 1986 · medium
Example: Ghostbusters (1986)Example: Shadowrun (1989)Example: Vampire: The Masquerade (1991)Example: Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game (2012)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Example: Vaesen (2020)Established form: Vampire: The Masquerade (1991)Earliest documented use: Ghostbusters (1986)
Full-Loot LossHabitat, 1986 · medium
Example: Habitat (1986)Example: Meridian 59 (1996)Example: Ultima Online (1997)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: Albion Online (2017)Example: Escape from Tarkov (2025)Established form: Ultima Online (1997)Earliest documented use: Habitat (1986)
Hidden RolesMafia, 1986 · high
Example: Mafia (1986)Example: The Werewolves of Millers Hollow (2001)Example: The Resistance (2009)Example: Town of Salem (2014)Example: Among Us (2018)Example: Goose Goose Duck (2021)Earliest documented use: Mafia (1986)
Reputation & FactionsStarflight, 1986 · low
Example: Sid Meier's Pirates! (1987)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Fallout: New Vegas (2010)Example: Grim Dawn (2016)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Last Epoch (2024)Example: Star Wars Outlaws (2024)Earliest documented use: Starflight (1986)
Adjacency BonusesNo defensible origin · first example 1989
Example: SimCity (1989)Example: Suburbia (2012)Example: Terraforming Mars (2016)Example: Civilization VI (2016)Example: Islanders (2019)Example: Backpack Battles (2025)
Ghost DataHard Drivin', 1989 · medium
Example: Hard Drivin' (1989)Example: Super Mario Kart (1992)Example: Mario Kart 64 (1996)Example: Mario Kart Wii (2008)Example: Demon's Souls (2009)Example: Forza Horizon 5 (2021)Established form: Mario Kart 64 (1996)Earliest documented use: Hard Drivin' (1989)
One Versus ManyHeroQuest, 1989 · medium
Example: HeroQuest (1989)Example: Pac-Man Vs. (2003)Example: Descent: Journeys in the Dark (2005)Example: Evolve (2015)Example: Dead by Daylight (2016)Example: Friday the 13th: The Game (2017)Example: Evil Dead: The Game (2022)Earliest documented use: HeroQuest (1989)
Pseudo-Random DistributionTetris (NES), 1989 · low
Example: Tetris (NES) (1989)Example: Tetris: The Grand Master (1998)Example: The New Tetris (1999)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Catan: Event Cards (2005)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Genshin Impact (2020)Example: Honkai: Star Rail (2023)Earliest documented use: Tetris (NES) (1989)
Semi-CooperativeThe Republic of Rome, 1990 · low
Example: The Republic of Rome (1990)Example: Cutthroat Caverns (2007)Example: CO2 (2012)Example: Archipelago (2012)Example: Dead of Winter (2014)Example: Forgotten Waters (2020)Earliest documented use: The Republic of Rome (1990)
Tower Defence PathingNo defensible origin · first example 1990
Example: Rampart (1990)Example: Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)Example: Desktop Tower Defense (2007)Example: Plants vs. Zombies (2009)Example: Castle Panic (2009)Example: Bloons TD Battles 2 (2021)Established form: Desktop Tower Defense (2007)
Combo SystemsStreet Fighter II, 1991 · medium
Example: Street Fighter II (1991)Example: Killer Instinct (1994)Example: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (1999)Example: Devil May Cry (2001)Example: Artistic gymnastics (c. 2006)Example: Guilty Gear -Strive- (2021)Earliest documented use: Street Fighter II (1991)
Death PenaltyDikuMUD, 1991 · low
Example: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Players Handbook (1978)Example: DikuMUD (1991)Example: Ultima Online (1997)Example: EverQuest (1999)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Demon's Souls (2009)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Grim Dawn (2016)Example: World of Warcraft: Dragonflight (2022)Earliest documented use: DikuMUD (1991)
End-Game TriggersNo defensible origin · first example 1991
Example: Civilization (1991)Example: Golden goal (association football) (1993)Example: Catan (1995)Example: Dominion (2008)Example: Dune: Imperium (2020)Example: Ark Nova (2021)
CooldownsNo defensible origin · first example 1993
Example: Magic: The Gathering (1993)Example: EverQuest (1999)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 4th Edition (2008)Example: League of Legends (2009)Example: Marvel Rivals (2024)Established form: World of Warcraft (2004)
Physics PuzzlesThe Incredible Machine, 1993 · medium
Example: Mouse Trap (1963)Example: The Incredible Machine (1993)Example: Angry Birds (2009)Example: Gravity Maze (c. 2014)Example: GraviTrax (2017)Example: Besiege (2020)Earliest documented use: The Incredible Machine (1993)
Shared NarrationOnce Upon a Time, 1993 · medium
Example: Once Upon a Time (1993)Example: Universalis (2002)Example: Rory's Story Cubes (2005)Example: Fiasco (2009)Example: Microscope (2011)Example: Wanderhome (2021)Established form: Fiasco (2009)Earliest documented use: Once Upon a Time (1993)
Match-ThreeShariki, 1994 · medium
Example: Shariki (1994)Example: Bejeweled (2001)Example: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (2007)Example: Candy Crush Saga (2012)Example: Potion Explosion (2015)Example: Royal Match (2021)Established form: Bejeweled (2001)Earliest documented use: Shariki (1994)
Prestige ResetsNo defensible origin · first example 1995
Example: Chrono Trigger (1995)Example: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)Example: Cookie Clicker (2013)Example: AdVenture Capitalist (2014)Example: Clicker Heroes (2014)Example: Revolution Idle (2025)Established form: Cookie Clicker (2013)
ProcsROM 2.4, 1995 · low
Example: ROM 2.4 (1995)Example: EverQuest (1999)Example: Diablo II (2000)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Risk of Rain 2 (2020)Established form: World of Warcraft (2004)Earliest documented use: ROM 2.4 (1995)
DraftingMagic: The Gathering (booster draft), c. 1996 · medium
Example: Magic: The Gathering (booster draft) (c. 1996)Example: Fairy Tale (2004)Example: 7 Wonders (2010)Example: Sushi Go! (2013)Example: Hearthstone (Arena mode) (2014)Example: Cascadia (2021)Earliest documented use: Magic: The Gathering (booster draft) (c. 1996)
Rhythm ActionPaRappa the Rapper, 1996 · low
Example: PaRappa the Rapper (1996)Example: Beatmania (1997)Example: Dance Dance Revolution (1998)Example: Guitar Hero (2005)Example: Crypt of the NecroDancer (2015)Example: Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! (2020)Earliest documented use: PaRappa the Rapper (1996)
Security ZonesMeridian 59, 1996 · medium
Example: Merc 2.1 (1993)Example: Meridian 59 (1996)Example: Ultima Online (1997)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Mortal Online 2 (2022)Established form: EVE Online (2003)Earliest documented use: Meridian 59 (1996)
Aim and RecoilNo defensible origin · first example 1997
Example: GoldenEye 007 (1997)Example: Counter-Strike (1999)Example: Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)Example: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)Example: Valorant (2020)Example: Counter-Strike 2 (2023)Established form: Counter-Strike (1999)
Hand ManagementNo defensible origin · first example 1997
Example: Bohnanza (1997)Example: Race for the Galaxy (2007)Example: Hearthstone (2014)Example: The Crew (2019)Example: Balatro (2024)
Resource GatheringUltima Online, 1997 · low
Example: Dune II (1992)Example: Warcraft II (1995)Example: Ultima Online (1997)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island (2012)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)Example: Valheim (2026)Established form: World of Warcraft (2004)Earliest documented use: Ultima Online (1997)
SocketingFinal Fantasy VII, 1997 · medium
Example: Final Fantasy VII (1997)Example: Diablo II (2000)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Grim Dawn (2016)Example: Pathfinder (second edition) (2019)Example: Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy (2020)Example: Diablo IV (2023)Example: Path of Exile 2 (2024)Established form: Path of Exile (2013)Earliest documented use: Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Tile PlacementNo defensible origin · first example 1997
Example: Tigris and Euphrates (1997)Example: Carcassonne (2000)Example: Patchwork (2014)Example: Kingdomino (2016)Example: Dorfromantik (2022)Established form: Carcassonne (2000)
Lane PushingAeon of Strife, c. 1998 · medium
Example: Future Cop: LAPD (1998)Example: Aeon of Strife (c. 1998)Example: Defense of the Ancients (2003)Example: League of Legends (2009)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: League of Legends: Wild Rift (2020)Example: Guards of Atlantis II (2022)Earliest documented use: Aeon of Strife (c. 1998)
Vulnerability WindowsLineage, 1998 · low
Example: Lineage (1998)Example: Shadowbane (2003)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: Albion Online (2017)Example: New World (2021)Established form: EVE Online (2015)Earliest documented use: Lineage (1998)
Worker PlacementKeydom, 1998 · medium
Example: Keydom (1998)Example: Caylus (2005)Example: Agricola (2007)Example: Lords of Waterdeep (digital edition) (2013)Example: Frostpunk (2018)Example: Lost Ruins of Arnak (2020)Established form: Caylus (2005)Earliest documented use: Keydom (1998)
Player JudgeApples to Apples, 1999 · low
Example: Apples to Apples (1999)Example: Say Anything (2008)Example: Cards Against Humanity (2011)Example: Evil Apples (2013)Example: Ransom Notes (2021)Earliest documented use: Apples to Apples (1999)
Threat and AggroEverQuest, 1999 · medium
Example: EverQuest (1999)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 4th Edition (2008)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (2013)Example: New World (2021)Earliest documented use: EverQuest (1999)
Cooperate or DefectTrust Me, 2000 · low
Example: Cosmic Encounter (1977)Example: Trust Me (2000)Example: Shafted (2001)Example: Friend or Foe? (2002)Example: Golden Balls (2007)Example: The Resistance (2009)Example: Split or Steal (2020)Established form: Golden Balls (2007)Earliest documented use: Trust Me (2000)
Seasonal LeaguesDiablo II, 2000 · medium
Example: Diablo II (2000)Example: Diablo III (2012)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Last Epoch (2024)Example: Path of Exile 2 (2024)Earliest documented use: Diablo II (2000)
Time LoopsThe Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, 2000 · low
Example: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000)Example: T.I.M.E Stories (2015)Example: The Sexy Brutale (2017)Example: Outer Wilds (2019)Example: Deathloop (2021)Earliest documented use: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000)
Appointment MechanicsNo defensible origin · first example 2001
Example: Animal Crossing (2001)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: FarmVille (2009)Example: Candy Crush Saga (2012)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: AdVenture Capitalist (2014)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)Established form: FarmVille (2009)
Divide and ChooseSan Marco, 2001 · low
Example: San Marco (2001)Example: Coloretto (2003)Example: Piece o' Cake (2008)Example: Hanamikoji (2013)Example: Agent Avenue (2024)Earliest documented use: San Marco (2001)
Scene FramingSorcerer, 2001 · medium
Example: Sorcerer (2001)Example: Primetime Adventures (2004)Example: Fiasco (2009)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Earliest documented use: Sorcerer (2001)
Engine BuildingPuerto Rico, 2002 · medium
Example: Puerto Rico (2002)Example: Race for the Galaxy (2007)Example: Terraforming Mars (2016)Example: Wingspan (2019)Example: Factorio (2020)Example: Satisfactory (2024)Earliest documented use: Puerto Rico (2002)
Player-Authored GoalsBurning Wheel, 2002 · medium
Example: Sorcerer (2001)Example: Burning Wheel (2002)Example: The Shadow of Yesterday (2004)Example: Mouse Guard (2008)Example: Lady Blackbird (2009)Example: The Wildsea (2022)Earliest documented use: Burning Wheel (2002)
Role SelectionPuerto Rico, 2002 · medium
Example: Verräter (1998)Example: Citadels (2000)Example: Puerto Rico (2002)Example: San Juan (2004)Example: Glory to Rome (2005)Example: Twilight Imperium (third edition) (2005)Example: Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition (2017)Earliest documented use: Puerto Rico (2002)
Advantage / DisadvantageNo defensible origin · first example 2003
Example: Savage Worlds (2003)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)Example: Shadow of the Demon Lord (2015)Example: Solasta: Crown of the Magister (2021)Example: Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)Established form: Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition (2014)
Cover SystemsKill Switch, 2003 · medium
Example: Squad Leader (1977)Example: Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd edition (2000)Example: Kill Switch (2003)Example: Gears of War (2006)Example: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)Example: Jagged Alliance 3 (2023)Established form: Gears of War (2006)Earliest documented use: Kill Switch (2003)
Last HittingDefense of the Ancients, 2003 · low
Example: Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)Example: Defense of the Ancients (2003)Example: Cutthroat Caverns (2007)Example: League of Legends (2009)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Heroes of the Storm (2015)Example: League of Legends: Wild Rift (2020)Example: Deadlock (2024)Earliest documented use: Defense of the Ancients (2003)
Shared HoldingsEVE Online, 2003 · medium
Example: Ultima Online (1997)Example: EVE Online (2003)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: New World (2021)Established form: World of Warcraft (2007)Earliest documented use: EVE Online (2003)
Group FinderWorld of Warcraft, 2004 · medium
Example: EverQuest (1999)Example: World of Warcraft (2004)Example: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (2013)Example: Destiny 2 (2017)Example: Throne and Liberty (2023)Earliest documented use: World of Warcraft (2004)
Loot Boxes and GachaMapleStory, c. 2004 · medium
Example: Capsule-toy vending (gacha) (c. 1965)Example: Magic: The Gathering (1993)Example: MapleStory (c. 2004)Example: Team Fortress 2 (Mann-Conomy Update) (2010)Example: Genshin Impact (2020)Established form: Team Fortress 2 (Mann-Conomy Update) (2010)Earliest documented use: MapleStory (c. 2004)
Time TrackNeuland, 2004 · low
Example: Feng Shui (1996)Example: Neuland (2004)Example: Exalted (second edition) (2006)Example: Thebes (2007)Example: Tokaido (2012)Example: Patchwork (2014)Example: The Search for Planet X (2020)Established form: Thebes (2007)Earliest documented use: Neuland (2004)
RondelAntike, 2005 · medium
Example: Antike (2005)Example: Imperial (2006)Example: Hamburgum (2007)Example: Navegador (2010)Example: Trajan (2011)Example: Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar (2012)Example: Viscounts of the West Kingdom (2020)Earliest documented use: Antike (2005)
Social ConflictThe Burning Wheel (Revised), 2005 · low
Example: Dogs in the Vineyard (2004)Example: The Burning Wheel (Revised) (2005)Example: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)Example: Burning Wheel Gold (2011)Example: Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)Example: Griftlands (2020)Earliest documented use: The Burning Wheel (Revised) (2005)
TraitorShadows over Camelot, 2005 · medium
Example: Paranoia (1984)Example: Shadows over Camelot (2005)Example: Battlestar Galactica (2008)Example: Dead of Winter (2014)Example: Project Winter (2019)Example: Unfathomable (2021)Earliest documented use: Shadows over Camelot (2005)
Dice PlacementKingsburg, 2007 · medium
Example: Yspahan (2006)Example: Kingsburg (2007)Example: Alien Frontiers (2010)Example: The Castles of Burgundy (2011)Example: Dicey Dungeons (2019)Example: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (2025)Earliest documented use: Kingsburg (2007)
Escape Room PuzzlesReal Escape Game, 2007 · medium
Example: Crimson Room (2004)Example: Real Escape Game (2007)Example: The Room (2012)Example: Exit: The Game (2016)Example: Unlock! (2017)Example: Escape Simulator (2021)Earliest documented use: Real Escape Game (2007)
Kill Streaks and BountiesCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007 · medium
Example: Unreal Tournament (1999)Example: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)Example: League of Legends (2009)Example: Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)Example: Dota 2 (2013)Example: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)Earliest documented use: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Deck-BuildingDominion, 2008 · high
Example: Dominion (2008)Example: Pathfinder Adventure Card Game (2013)Example: Dream Quest (2014)Example: Star Realms (2014)Example: Slay the Spire (2019)Example: Inscryption (2021)Earliest documented use: Dominion (2008)
Gifting(Lil) Green Patch, 2008 · low
Example: Animal Crossing (2001)Example: (Lil) Green Patch (2008)Example: FarmVille (2009)Example: Candy Crush Saga (2012)Example: Clash of Clans (2012)Example: Pokémon GO (2016)Example: Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)Established form: FarmVille (2009)Earliest documented use: (Lil) Green Patch (2008)
Crowd BlendingSpyParty, 2009 · medium
Example: Dueling Machine (2002)Example: The Ship (2006)Example: Assassin's Creed Brotherhood (2010)Example: Hidden in Plain Sight (2011)Example: SpyParty (2018)Example: Deceive Inc. (2023)Earliest documented use: SpyParty (2009)
Player InvasionsDemon's Souls, 2009 · medium
Example: Demon's Souls (2009)Example: Dark Souls (2011)Example: Resident Evil 6 (2012)Example: Watch Dogs (2014)Example: Bloodborne (2015)Example: Deathloop (2021)Example: Elden Ring (2022)Example: Lords of the Fallen (2023) (2023)Earliest documented use: Demon's Souls (2009)
Roguelike Meta-ProgressionSpelunky, 2009 · low
Example: Fushigi no Dungeon: Fūrai no Shiren DS (2006)Example: Spelunky (2008)Example: The Binding of Isaac (2011)Example: Rogue Legacy (2013)Example: Kingdom Death: Monster (2015)Example: Hades (2020)Established form: Rogue Legacy (2013)Earliest documented use: Spelunky (2009)
Fail ForwardNo defensible origin · first example 2010
Example: Apocalypse World (2010)Example: Burning Wheel Gold (2011)Example: 13th Age (2013)Example: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014)Example: Disco Elysium (2019)Example: Daggerheart (2025)Established form: Apocalypse World (2010)
FlashbacksLeverage, 2010 · medium
Example: Spirit of the Century (2006)Example: Leverage (2010)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Example: Scum and Villainy (2018)Established form: Blades in the Dark (2017)Earliest documented use: Leverage (2010)
GM MovesApocalypse World, 2010 · high
Example: Sorcerer (2001)Example: Apocalypse World (2010)Example: Dungeon World (2012)Example: Avatar Legends: The Roleplaying Game (2022)Earliest documented use: Apocalypse World (2010)
Progress ClocksApocalypse World, 2010 · medium
Example: Arkham Horror (second edition) (2005)Example: Apocalypse World (2010)Example: XCOM 2 (2016)Example: Blades in the Dark (2017)Example: Citizen Sleeper (2022)Established form: Blades in the Dark (2017)Earliest documented use: Apocalypse World (2010)
Legacy CampaignRisk Legacy, 2011 · high
Example: Pendragon (1985)Example: Risk Legacy (2011)Example: Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 (2015)Example: Gloomhaven (2017)Example: Pandemic Legacy: Season 0 (2020)Example: Wildermyth (2021)Earliest documented use: Risk Legacy (2011)
Random Upgrade OffersMage Knight Board Game, 2011 · low
Example: Crimsonland (2003)Example: Mage Knight Board Game (2011)Example: Fortnite (2017)Example: Slay the Spire (2019)Example: Hades (2020)Example: Vampire Survivors (2022)Example: Last Epoch (2024)Example: Hades II (2025)Earliest documented use: Mage Knight Board Game (2011)
Usage DiceCascading Dice: A House Rule for Tracking Ammunition, 2011 · medium
Example: Cascading Dice: A House Rule for Tracking Ammunition (2011)Example: The Black Hack (2016)Example: Forbidden Lands (2018)Example: Alien: The Roleplaying Game (2019)Example: Black Sword Hack (2020)Established form: The Black Hack (2016)Earliest documented use: Cascading Dice: A House Rule for Tracking Ammunition (2011)
Commodity CurrencyPath of Exile, 2013 · medium
Example: Diablo II (2000)Example: Le Havre (2008)Example: Metro 2033 (2010)Example: Path of Exile (2013)Example: Path of Exile 2 (2024)Earliest documented use: Path of Exile (2013)
Combat BuildingFortnite, 2017 · low
Example: Rampart (1990)Example: Ace of Spades (2011)Example: Fortnite (2017)Earliest documented use: Fortnite (2017)

Earliest documented use: Filled for high or medium confidence.
Earliest documented use, low confidence: The named earliest use is the earliest documented instance found, but earlier instances are plausible or the evidence is thin, so it is not defended as an origin.
Established form: The game that set the form the definition describes, where it is not the earliest documented use.
Dated example: Colour follows the mechanic's category.