Line of sight (gaming)

Line of sight, sometimes written line-of-sight, is a term used in wargames and some role-playing games. It refers to visibility (that is, who can see what) on the playing field.

In miniature wargames and some role-playing games, miniature figures are used to determine line of sight. Many wargames use counters to represent units and determine line of sight. The first computer game to implement line of sight graphics was "Dungeon",Fact|date=October 2007 which was played on a PDP-10 mainframe computer (1975).

Many abilities, such as targeted spells, can only be used against an enemy within line of sight.

In some live-action role-playing games, such as NERO International, line of sight is the duration for some spells and abilities. A "paralyze" spell, for example, only lasts as long as the caster remains within line of sight of the spell's target.

Examples

A tank behind a tall hill would not be able to see an enemy tank on the other side of the hill. Therefore, the first tank does not have a "line of sight" to the enemy tank. Conversely, a squad of soldiers atop the hill may be able to see both tanks, though the tanks may not be able to see them (since the tank's upward line of sight is limited).

For another example, a group of adventurers in an RPG may not see doors, objects or monsters located around the corner in a dungeon.