Line of sight, sometimes written line-of-sight or abbreviated to LoS, is a term used in wargames and some role-playing games (RPGs). It refers to visibility (that is, who can see what) on the playing field. Many abilities can only be used against an enemy within line of sight.
In some games, miniature figures are used to determine line of sight. Many wargames use counters to represent units and determine line of sight. A common technique is to hold a length of thread between two counters. If the thread, held straight, doesn't encounter any obstacles, the line of sight is valid.
The first computer game to implement line of sight graphics was Dungeon, which was played on a PDP-10 mainframe computer (1975).
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).
In an RPG, players may not see doors, objects or monsters located around the corner in a dungeon.
Line of sight is crucial to many types of video games, including, but not limited to, first-person shooters, strategy games, computer role-playing games and console role-playing games. In simplistic games with a top-down perspective, such as roguelikes, Bresenham's line algorithm can be used to determine 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.
In World of Warcraft players use pillars or other structures to "line of sight" enemy players (mages or warlocks), making it almost impossible for them to harm them and when an enemy mêlée player attacks them, they simply run around playing cat and mouse around the pillar.
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