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{{Short description|1997 strategy video game}}
{{about|the original 1997 game|the entire series|Dungeon Keeper (series)|the 2014 game|Dungeon Keeper (2014 video game)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Dungeon Keeper
| image = Dungkeep.jpg
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Bullfrog Productions]]
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]
| director = 
| producer = [[Peter Molyneux]]
| designer = Peter Molyneux<br>[[Mark Healey]]
| programmer = Simon Carter
| artist = [[Mark Healey]]
| composer = [[Russell Shaw (composer)|Russell Shaw]]
| series = ''[[Dungeon Keeper (series)|Dungeon Keeper]]''
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|26 June 1997|EU/AU|3 July 1997}}
| genre = [[Real-time strategy]], [[god game]], [[dungeon management game]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Windows 95]]
}}
'''''Dungeon Keeper''''' is a [[strategy video game]] developed by [[Bullfrog Productions]] and released by [[Electronic Arts]] in June 1997 for [[MS-DOS]] and Windows 95. In ''Dungeon Keeper'', the player builds and manages a [[dungeon]], protecting it from invading 'hero' characters intent on stealing accumulated treasures, killing monsters and ultimately the player's demise. The ultimate goal is to conquer the world by destroying the heroic forces and rival dungeon keepers in each realm. A character known as the Avatar (resembling the [[Avatar (Ultima)|Avatar]] from ''[[Ultima VIII: Pagan]]'') appears as the final hero. ''Dungeon Keeper'' uses [[Creative Technology]]'s [[SoundFont]] technology to enhance its atmosphere. Multiplayer with up to four players is supported using a modem, or over a local network.

''Dungeon Keeper'' took over two years to develop, and an expansion pack, a [[Direct3D]] version, and a level editor were released. Midway through development, lead developer [[Peter Molyneux]] decided to leave Bullfrog when the game was complete, which was the motivation for its success. Versions for the [[Sega Saturn]] and [[PlayStation (console)|Sony PlayStation]] were in development, but cancelled. The game received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the uniqueness and depth. ''Dungeon Keeper'' was re-released on [[GOG.com]] in 2011,  [[Origin (service)|Origin]] in 2016, and [[Steam (service)|Steam]] in 2024. A fan-made [[Mod (video gaming)|mod]], ''KeeperFX'', was released, which fixes bugs and adds features. ''Dungeon Keeper'' was followed by a sequel, ''[[Dungeon Keeper 2]]'', in 1999, and influenced games such as ''[[Lego Rock Raiders (video game)|Lego Rock Raiders]]'' and ''[[Ghost Master]]''.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Dungeon Keeper ScrShot.jpg|thumb|left|Navigating the built-up dungeon with the Hand of Evil]]
The player constructs and manages a dungeon, recruiting and catering for minions to run it and defend it from enemy invaders.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook">{{cite book |date=1997 |title=Dungeon Keeper Premium Guide Book |publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] |pages=2–14, 22–24, 37–44, 46, 86–87, 94, 120}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Rick Lane|title=Remember when Dungeon Keeper was good?|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-02-14-remember-when-dungeon-keeper-was-good|website=Eurogamer|access-date=31 October 2016|date=14 February 2016}}</ref> The primary method of control is the hand, used to pick up creatures and objects in the dungeon, carry them around, and drop them. The hand allows the player to 'slap' creatures and objects, and interact with them.<ref>Manual, pp. 10–24,47,48.</ref> ''Dungeon Keeper''{{'s}} gameplay exemplifies a [[black comedy|dark sense of humour]].<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|location=Bournemouth|issn=1742-3155|title=Cheap As Chips: Dungeon Keeper|page=30|issue=104}}</ref>

The Dungeon Heart represents the Keeper's link to the world. If it is destroyed, the player loses.<ref name="NBeat"/> Along with the heart, the player begins with a small number of [[imp]]s, the generic work force for dungeon activities: they dig tunnels into the surrounding soil, capture enemy rooms and Portals, mine [[gold]] and [[Gemstone|gems]], and set traps. Imps are obtained by using the Create Imp spell.<ref>Manual, pp. 17,23,24,53.</ref> Slapping creatures forces them to work faster temporarily, but removes some of their [[Health (gaming)|health]].<ref>Manual, p. 48.</ref> Gold is obtained primarily by digging Gold Seams, and Gem Seams provide an unlimited supply, though take longer to accumulate. Gold is used to build rooms, cast spells, and train creatures.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/><ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook">{{cite book |date=1997 |title=Dungeon Keeper Official Guide Book |publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] |pages=13, 20, 32–34, 37, 42–89, 92, 94–95, 116–117, 119–124, 129–133, 138–139, 144–232, 234–249, 252–254, 259, 264}}</ref><ref>Manual, pp. 26,33.</ref> To order the imps to dig a tile, the player need flag the tile.<ref name="Manual 25">Manual, p. 25.</ref> Throughout the game, a "mentor" will advise the player as to various happenings and problems within the dungeon, as a sinister voiceover.<ref name="Mentor">{{cite web|author1=Alec Meer|title=War For The Overworld Recruits Dungeon Keeper's Voice|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/01/07/war-for-the-overworld-recruits-dungeon-keepers-voice/|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|access-date=30 October 2017|date=7 January 2013}}</ref>

Once the Imps are working, the player must then set up a basic [[infrastructure]]: Lairs for monsters, a Hatchery (where chickens, which serve as food, are grown), and a Treasury. After connecting the dungeon to a 'Portal', minions will arrive. Minions include dragons, warlocks, and the horned reaper, as well as undead creatures such as vampires and skeletons.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/> As the game progresses, the player moves along a technology tree, unlocking further rooms and spells.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Rooms can only be built on tiles belonging to the player.<ref name="Manual 25"/> The player is red and the tiles are coloured accordingly. Other keepers have different colours, and the heroes are white. Unaligned creatures and rooms are multicoloured.<ref>Manual, pp. 10,25,66.</ref> The player can build traps and doors, created in the workshop. Traps include lightning and boulder traps, the latter instantly killing creatures it comes into contact with. As with rooms, they can only be built on tiles that belong to the player. Traps are not built instantly; Imps need to place them on the blueprint.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/><ref>Manual, pp. 25,34,43,44.</ref> The Temple is a room where creatures are made happy, and the player can sacrifice creatures to the dark gods. The gods may reward or punish the player, or be indifferent depending on the sacrifice.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/><ref name="NBeat">{{cite web|last1=Meer|first1=Alec|title=Why Dungeon Keeper has never been beaten|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/why-dungeon-keeper-has-never-been-beaten/|website=PC Gamer|access-date=16 May 2016|date=7 August 2010}}</ref>

The dungeon has a fleshed-out [[ecology]]: certain creatures are natural enemies. For example, Flies and Spiders are often found at odds with one another.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Common behaviours when a creature is angry include vandalising the dungeon and deserting the player.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> The creatures are varied in their statistics; some excel at certain tasks, and others refuse to perform certain tasks. Which creatures enter the dungeon depends on which rooms the player has and how large they are; most creatures have prerequisites for entering service.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Creatures require paying regularly, and when 'Payday' comes, will head for the Treasure room to collect their wages.<ref>Manual, p. 12.</ref> Other ways to obtain creatures include imprisoning and torturing them, 'scavenging' (persuaded to defect to the player) from enemy keepers, and performing certain sacrifices at the Temple.<ref name="NBeat"/><ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Creatures entering via the Portal are at the lowest experience level, and must gain experience, usually by training in the training room. Training creatures increases their attributes (such as hit points) and abilities (such as which spells they can cast).<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Such spells include lightning bolts, rebounding projectiles, and increasing armour.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/><ref>Manual, pp. 33,58.</ref> Creatures will frequently enter combat with heroes or creatures belonging to another keeper. Each creature has a star of the colour of the keeper it belongs to above it, displaying its experience level. The star is a health meter; as a creature takes damage, the spikes turn black.<ref>Manual, pp. 65,66.</ref> The player has the ability to possess a creature, seeing the dungeon from its [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]] and using its attacks and abilities. This is one of the spells; others include speeding creatures up, and healing them.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/><ref>Manual, p. 63.</ref>

A world map is available and, at the beginning, the player is allocated one of the twenty regions of a fictional, idyllic country to destroy. As the player progresses through these regions, each representing a level, the areas previously conquered will appear ransacked, twisted, and evil.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/> The goals for each level are straightforward: they generally fall along the lines of eliminating the heroic force or destroying all other Dungeon Keepers.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> The first few levels are tutorials, teaching the player the basics.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/> Special items are hidden throughout certain levels. Such items perform actions such as increasing the player's creatures' experience level, or revealing the map. They can reveal a hidden level, where the player must perform a specific task, and is rewarded upon completion.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/>

Heroes will appear at various points and times, sometimes accompanied by a tunneller dwarf, who, like imps, are able to dig.<ref>Manual, pp. 29,66.</ref> The dungeon can be protected from being breached by having the imps fortify the walls.<ref name="Manual 25"/> Heroes include giants, wizards, and [[samurai]] warriors.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/> Most levels have a 'Lord of the Land', a heavily armoured knight, who must be defeated.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/><ref>Manual, p. 6.</ref> In the final level, the Avatar (resembling the Avatar from ''[[Ultima VIII]]''),<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/><ref>{{cite magazine|title=The best releases of the last two months...|issue=7|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|date=June 1994|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issn=1470-1693|page=25|location=Bath|volume=1}}</ref> the most powerful hero, appears as the Lord of the Land, and is resurrected after being defeated. He must be defeated again when he reappears with a large army.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/><ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/>

Multiplayer with up to four players is supported via a [[modem]] or over a [[local area network]] (LAN).<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/><ref name="CGW"/> The game features twenty multiplayer levels,<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> playable as single-player levels.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/>

==Development==
''Dungeon Keeper'' was developed by [[Bullfrog Productions]] under [[Peter Molyneux]], who wrote the game design, testbed, and the computer players and assistant.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> In an interview, Molyneux explained that he came up with the ideas for ''Dungeon Keeper'' while sitting in a traffic jam, and become so engrossed in them that when the traffic had moved, he did not notice.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Bullfrog's chairman [[Les Edgar]] stated that the intention was to use the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' theme with "slightly weird Bullfrog humour".<ref name=AudienceLE>{{cite magazine|magazine=Edge|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issn=1350-1593|department=Audience|pages=120–125|issue=74|date=August 1999|title=An Audience With Les Edgar|location=Bath}}</ref> Programmers Simon and Dene Carter also said ''Dungeon Keeper'' is a parody.<ref name="Elf"/> ''Dungeon Keeper'' is a simulation game because Molyneux viewed the villain's duty as a management exercise.<ref name="BTS">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[GamesTM]]|issue=80|pages=134–137|title=Behind The Scenes Dungeon Keeper|issn=1478-5889|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]}}</ref>

Development began in November 1994 by the lead programmer, Simon Carter, and took two and a half years to develop.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> The game used the engine for ''[[Magic Carpet (video game)|Magic Carpet]]'', and the first version was merely scrolling around a map and entering [[Third-person (video games)|third-person]].<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/> The engine was built by [[Glenn Corpes]].<ref name="ChairGC"/> Molyneux then developed a 2D prototype containing features that made it into the final game. The prototype focused on constructing the dungeon, and included the Treasure room, Hatchery, Training room, and Dungeon Heart. The characters were designed by the artist, [[Mark Healey]].<ref name="RetroGamerMaking">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|location=Bournemouth|issn=1742-3155|title=The Making Of: Dungeon Keeper|pages=64–69|issue=143}}</ref>

The navigation system proved difficult to develop because computers of the time lacked power. Artificial intelligence was considered crucial, as the navigation and other aspects relied on it. According to co-designer Jonty Barnes, the team wanted the creatures complex without high computational costs. Healey came up with the idea of slapping creatures to make them work faster, and Barnes considered it a "great game decision".<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/> A great deal of time was spent working on the user interface, and at one point the idea of having no interface was considered.<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/> Carter stated that the team tried to make the sounds atmospheric and industrial so players got a sense of power. Using others' 3D sound routines proved troublesome, so he and his colleague Tony Cox wrote their own.<ref name="Elf">{{cite magazine|magazine=Bullfrog Bulletin|publisher=Bullfrog Productions|date=1995|title=Elf Destruction|pages=4–6|issue=2|location=Guildford}}</ref> ''Dungeon Keeper'' uses lighting [[algorithm]]s used in ''Magic Carpet'', which provided effects such as fireballs lighting corridors.<ref name="EdgeBullfrog95">{{cite magazine|magazine=Edge|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issue=22|date=July 1995|pages=25–27|issn=1350-1593|title=Bullfrog|location=Bath}}</ref>

According to Molyneux, in May 1995 publisher [[Electronic Arts]] told him he had to ship ''Dungeon Keeper'' in six and a half weeks. Though he satisfied their demands by producing another game, ''[[Hi-Octane]]'', in the required time frame, his relationship with the publisher was strained.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Molyneux Returns to EA |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=34|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=October 1997|page=23}}</ref>

Development on the level editor began in May 1995. The first-person view was developed in September 1995, and the creatures had shadows added, which was believed impossible at the time.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Around that time, Barnes left the project to complete a degree at the [[University of East Anglia]], and returned in July 1996.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/><ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/> In November 1995, Barrie Parker began writing levels, and developed content for the script language.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Bullfrog tried to get a version out for Christmas 1995: it was originally scheduled for release in November 1995, and Molyneux, until September, believed that it would be ready by Christmas.<ref name=DKeeperOfficialBook/><ref name=DKFPrev>{{cite web|author1=Simon Carter|title=Dungeon Keeper Full Preview|url=http://www.vigilante.co.uk/ep/misc/dungeon2.htm|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030323052124/http://www.vigilante.co.uk/ep/misc/dungeon2.htm|archive-date=23 March 2003|date=August 1996}}</ref> He explained that it was mostly complete, but wanted to make sure that it was "absolutely brilliant".<ref name=DKFPrev/> It was then the development team realised the game should focus on a living world created by the player.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> A December 1995 ''[[PC Zone]]'' preview reported a feature that would have let the computer take control of the player's dungeon after logging out of an internet multiplayer game.<ref name="PCZoneDec95">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[PC Zone]]|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|issue=33|date=December 1995|pages=28–30 |issn=0967-8220|title=Dungeon Keeper|location=London|department=Blueprint}}</ref>

In February 1996, Molyneux decided to focus on the project full-time.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> According to Carter, the creatures were made from [[bitmap]]s, and there was around 90 megabytes of graphics data on screen as of April 1996.<ref name=EdgeBullfrog>{{cite magazine|magazine=Edge|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issue=31 |date=April 1996|pages=42–45|issn=1350-1593|title=Bullfrog|department=Prescreen |location=Bath}}</ref> In July 1996, Alex Peters joined the project and ported the game to Windows 95. ''Dungeon Keeper'' was shown at the [[European Computer Trade Show]] in September 1996,<ref name=DKeeperOfficialBook/> and was scheduled for release in December.<ref name=DKFPrev/> It became evident that the deadline would be missed, and the release was pushed back to March 1997.<ref name=DKFPrev /> The final testing began in April 1997, and ''Dungeon Keeper'' was signed off in June.<ref name=DKeeperOfficialBook/> ''Dungeon Keeper'' was released by Electronic Arts for Windows 95 and [[MS-DOS]] in North America on 26 June 1997,<ref>{{cite web|first=Helen|last=Lee|url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_06/26_dungeon/index.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990128171619/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_06/26_dungeon/index.html|title=Dungeon Keeper Ships|website=[[GameSpot]]|archivedate=January 28, 1999|date=June 26, 1997|accessdate=July 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name=CVGRev/><ref name=CGMRev/> and in Europe and Australia on 3 July.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 July 1997 |title=All the Latest Game Releases |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/752110527 |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |pages=13 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 July 1997 |title=Stocktake Shock Sellout |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/122936298 |access-date=17 April 2024 |work=[[The Age]] |pages=78 }}</ref> [[Sega Saturn]] and [[PlayStation (console)|Sony PlayStation]] versions were in development and due for release in 1997,<ref name=Elf/><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Killer Bullfrogs Launch Game|magazine=Mean Machines Sega|issue=36 |publisher=[[EMAP]]|date=October 1995|page=12|issn=0967-9014 |location=Peterborough|department=News|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-36|access-date=21 October 2016}}</ref> but cancelled.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Rich|last=Leadbetter|title=Q&A|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=19|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=May 1997|page=38}}</ref> An internet version was in development, and would have supported up to 250 players.<ref name=NGOnline>{{cite magazine|title=Online Games to watch for|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=27|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |page=39|volume=3|issn=1078-9693}}</ref>

Carter wrote and organised 800,000 lines of code.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> [[Richard Ridings]] provided voice-overs such as the overworld mentor.<ref name="Mentor"/><ref>Manual, p. 75.</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|date=5 February 2014|title=Dungeon Keeper Interview: Richard Ridings|publisher=EA Mobile Games|via=Youtube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weQqYThhMDg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/weQqYThhMDg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=16 May 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Julian Benson|title=War for the Overworld to be narrated by Richard Ridings, the voice of the mentor from Dungeon Keeper|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/indie/war-overworld-be-narrated-richard-ridings-voice-mentor-dungeon-keeper|website=PCGamesN|access-date=30 October 2017|date=6 January 2013}}</ref> The music was composed by [[Russell Shaw (composer)|Russell Shaw]] and, according to Healey, this came late in development.<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/> The prospect of working on ''Dungeon Keeper'' motivated artist and former Bullfrog employee [[Gary Carr (video game developer)|Gary Carr]] to return from [[The Bitmap Brothers]] (he had left Bullfrog because of a disagreement with Molyneux on ''[[Theme Park (video game)|Theme Park]]''),<ref name="Revisit"/> but he was assigned to ''[[Theme Hospital]]'' instead.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|location=Bournemouth|issn=1742-3155|title=The Making of Theme Hospital|pages=46–51|issue=130|date=June 2014}}</ref> Healey produced 90 per cent of the graphics.<ref name="Revisit">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|location=Bournemouth|issn=1742-3155|title=Revisiting Bullfrog: 25 Years On|pages=60–67|issue=110|date=December 2012}}</ref> Most of the creatures were the team members' ideas, although Molyneux was involved with the Imps.<ref name="NowGamerMaking"/> Healey designed the Horned Reaper (who is based on an ex-girlfriend of his),<ref>{{cite web|title=Bullfrog Productions: A History Of The Legendary UK Developer|url=https://www.nowgamer.com/bullfrog-productions-a-history-of-the-legendary-uk-developer/|website=NowGamer|access-date=16 July 2017|date=22 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706050106/https://www.nowgamer.com/bullfrog-productions-a-history-of-the-legendary-uk-developer/|archive-date=6 July 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> who ultimately become the game's mascot.<ref name="NowGamerMaking"/> According to Molyneux, each character takes 1024 bytes of memory.<ref name="EdgeBullfrog95"/> The game as it ended up was developed mostly in the final few months: the team started again from scratch long into the development cycle because they felt it played like ''[[Command & Conquer (1995 video game)|Command & Conquer]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ron Dulin|title=GameSpot Presents Legends Of Game Design: Peter Molyneux|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/petermolyneux/page11.html|website=GameSpot|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=5 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030901114654/http://www.gamespot.com/features/petermolyneux/page11.html|pages=11, 12|archive-date=1 September 2003}}</ref> Before the redesign, instead of having Imps dig the gold and minions entering through portals, the game had the player dig gold and use it and [[Magic (gaming)|mana]] to create minions.<ref name="BornAgain"/> The redesign included the replacement of the 3D graphics engine with a 2D one and the rewriting of the user interface.<ref name="BornAgain"/>

Molyneux was impressed with the creature's navigation code: he stated that it is the largest piece of code, and that players could change the map repeatedly and creatures will still find routes to their destinations.<ref name="House">{{cite magazine|title=Welcome to the House of Molyneux|issue=44|magazine=PC Gamer UK|date=June 1997|publisher=Future Publishing|issn=1470-1693|pages=74, 75}}</ref> Molyneux also liked the fact that the game adapts to the player, enabling the choice of the preferred methods and strategies,<ref name="House"/> and stated that his favourite part of the game is how the player digs out rather than build up, meaning the player has heavy involvement in building the level.<ref name=NowGamerMaking>{{cite web|title=The Making of Dungeon Keeper|url=https://www.nowgamer.com/the-making-of-dungeon-keeper/|website=NowGamer|access-date=17 November 2016|date=17 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117150133/https://www.nowgamer.com/the-making-of-dungeon-keeper/|archive-date=17 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> He stated that he was proud of ''Dungeon Keeper''{{'}}s concept, but remarked that doing original things takes time.<ref name="BornAgain">{{cite magazine|magazine=Bullfrog Bulletin|publisher=Bullfrog Productions|title=Born-Again Keeper|date=1997|issue=4|pages=8, 9|location=Guildford}}</ref> He also liked that people were unable to describe ''Dungeon Keeper'' in any particular way.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Molyneux disliked the user interface, saying the team overdid the control panel, and commented that it was a reminder that the player was playing a video game. This was a key reason the user interface of his next video game, ''[[Black & White (video game)|Black & White]]'', did not feature [[Panel (computer software)|panels]], [[Button (computing)|buttons]], or [[Icon (computing)|icons]].<ref name="BWPM">{{cite web|last1=Molyneux|first1=Peter|title=Postmortem: Lionhead Studios' Black & White|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3067/postmortem_lionhead_studios_.php?print=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227114502/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3067/postmortem_lionhead_studios_.php?print=1|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2008|website=Gamasutra|access-date=31 October 2016|date=13 June 2001}}</ref> Molyneux also disliked the lack of opponent personality, and some features being hidden too well, including (according to him) a cheat code that made the mistress creature naked.<ref name="GDCBW"/> In a 2000 [[Game Developers Conference]] demonstration of ''Black & White'', he stated that it remained undiscovered.<ref name="GDCBW">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69HTviSeQeE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/69HTviSeQeE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|publisher=[[Game Developers Conference]]|via=YouTube|title=Peter Molyneux Explains the Design of Black and White|date=3 August 2017|access-date=12 December 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

''Dungeon Keeper'' was Molyneux's final project with Bullfrog before he left in July 1997 to form [[Lionhead Studios]],<ref name="Chair">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|location=Bournemouth|issn=1742-3155|title=In The Chair With Peter Molyneux|pages=82–89|issue=71}}</ref> and after completion, he stated that he wanted to make "[[Black & White (video game)|the coolest game ever]]".<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> Molyneux decided to leave Bullfrog in July 1996 due to frustration over corporate meetings and other management responsibilities that ensued after it was sold to Electronic Arts in 1995. He intended to leave as soon as ''Dungeon Keeper'' was complete,<ref name="Audience">{{cite magazine|magazine=Edge|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issue=47|date=July 1997|pages=22–27|issn=1350-1593|title=An Audience With Peter Molyneux|department=audience|location=Bath}}</ref> and his departure was one reason he wanted to make the game good.<ref name="DKeeperOfficialBook"/> As a result of Molyneux's decision, Electronic Arts asked him to leave its offices, but Molyneux wanted to continue development, so the team moved into his house.<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/> Molyneux, Mark Webley, Tim Rance, and [[Steve Jackson (British game designer)|Steve Jackson]] made the decision to found Lionhead when ''Dungeon Keeper'' was nearing completion.<ref name="Chair"/> In 2017, Molyneux expressed regret at leaving Bullfrog, and explained that he was drunk when he handed his notice in, and that it was "such a silly thing to do".<ref>{{cite web|author1=Alex Osborn|title=Peter Molyneux Departed Bullfrog Over a Drunken Email|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2017/04/04/peter-molyneux-departed-bullfrog-over-a-drunken-email-a-ign-unfiltered|website=IGN|access-date=4 April 2017|date=4 April 2017}}</ref>
A sequel, ''[[Dungeon Keeper 2]]'' was released in 1999,<ref>{{cite web|title=Dungeon Keeper II – PC|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/dungeon-keeper-ii/pc-9944|website=IGN|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref> and the series was rebooted by [[Mythic Entertainment]] with the release of a remake (also titled ''[[Dungeon Keeper (2014 video game)|Dungeon Keeper]]'') for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] on 30 January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dungeon Keeper Out Now On Android And iOS|url=http://www.retrogamer.net/blog_post/dungeon-keeper-out-now-on-android-and-ios/|website=[[Retro Gamer]]|access-date=20 November 2016|date=30 January 2014}}</ref>

=== SoundFont support ===
The game uses SoundFonts to provide additional ambient sound effects. A [[Sound Blaster AWE32]] or [[Sound Blaster AWE64|AWE64]] is required to use this feature.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dungeon Keeper Soundfont Technology In Action|url=http://www.creaf.com/promo/dkeeper/|website=Creative Technology|access-date=13 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971009110023/http://www.creaf.com/promo/dkeeper/|archive-date=9 October 1997}}</ref> The player can load a SoundFont and use it for ambient sound effects. Customised SoundFonts can be created to personalise the dungeon.<ref name="Bank">{{cite web|title=How to Create a Dungeon Keeper Soundfont Bank|url=http://www.creaf.com/promo/dkeeper/how-to.html|website=Creative Technology|access-date=13 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971009112501/http://www.creaf.com/promo/dkeeper/how-to.html|archive-date=9 October 1997}}</ref> The game features three SoundFonts, one of which is loaded at game startup,<ref name="Bank"/> and Creative offered sample ''Dungeon Keeper'' SoundFonts for download.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dungeon Keeper Download a Soundfont Bank|url=http://www.creaf.com/promo/dkeeper/download.html|website=Creative Technology|access-date=13 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971009112448/http://www.creaf.com/promo/dkeeper/download.html|archive-date=9 October 1997}}</ref>

===Expansions===
An [[expansion pack]], ''The Deeper Dungeons'', was released on 26 November 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_11/26_dungeon/index.html |title=Dungeon Keeper Peeper |publisher=GameSpot.com |access-date=6 December 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000610002528/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_11/26_dungeon/index.html |archive-date=10 June 2000 }}</ref> It features fifteen new levels each for single player and multiplayer, and an improved [[game artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]] for the enemies.<ref name="GCSP">{{cite web|author1=Jason Ocampo|title=Delve deeper into Dungeon Keeper|url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/008/062/deeper_dungeon.html|website=Computer Games Strategy Plus|publisher=Computer Games Strategy Plus|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030523185003/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/008/062/deeper_dungeon.html|date=1997|archive-date=23 May 2003}}</ref> The Avatar also reappears in the final level.<ref name="DKeeperGuideBook"/> A Direct3D version, which brought improved graphics and [[3D acceleration]] support, and a level editor were released for the game.<ref name="GCSP" />

''KeeperFX'', an abbreviation of "Fan eXpansion" was released in 2010, and has been regularly updated since. This mod increases compatibility with later versions of [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], fixes bugs, and adds features such as [[TCP/IP]] multiplayer support and higher screen resolution options.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Meer|first1=Alec|title=A Deeper Dungeon: Dungeon KeeperFX|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/09/28/a-deeper-dungeon-dungeon-keeperfx/|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|access-date=16 May 2016|date=28 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=KeeperFX Readme file|url=http://keeper.lubiki.pl/html/dk_keeperfx_read.php|website=DK Maps'n'Tools Base|access-date=16 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/gog-make-bullfrogs-dungeon-keeper-free-play-after-fashion|title=GOG make Bullfrog's Dungeon Keeper free to play, after a fashion|website=PCGamesN|author=Jeremy Peel|date=29 May 2014|access-date=23 August 2020}}</ref>

===Re-releases===
The game was re-released in 1998 as ''Dungeon Keeper Gold Edition'', which included the ''Deeper Dungeons'' expansion as well as a ''Dungeon Keeper''-based [[desktop theme]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=Jason Ocampo|title=Dungeon Keeper Gold Edition|url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/011/105/dungeon_keeper_gold_qt.html|website=Computer Games Strategy Plus|publisher=Computer Games Strategy Plus|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030710200108/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/011/105/dungeon_keeper_gold_qt.html|archive-date=10 July 2003|date=27 April 1998}}</ref> In Japan, a similar edition was released as ''Dungeon Keeper Premium'',{{efn|{{nihongo|''Dungeon Keeper Premium''|ダンジョンキーパープレミアム}}}} under the EA Best Selection brand.<ref name="Premium">{{cite web|title=Dungeon Keeper|url=http://www.japan.ea.com/archive/dngn/findex.html|website=Electronic Arts Japan|access-date=13 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990220144151/http://www.japan.ea.com/archive/dngn/findex.html|archive-date=20 February 1999 |language=ja}}</ref> This version included the content from the ''Gold'' release, as well as both Japanese and English text and audio options.<ref name="Premium" />

The ''Gold'' version was re-released into [[digital distribution]] on [[GOG.com]] in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/06/03/good-old-games-add-good-old-ea-games/ |title=Good Old Games Add Good Old EA Games |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |first=John |last=Walker |date=3 June 2011 |access-date=19 December 2015}}</ref> GOG.com launched a [[macOS]] version in October 2012.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Michael McWhertor|title=GOG.com launches Mac OS X support for new and classic games today|url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/10/18/3523558/gog-com-launches-mac-os-x-support-for-new-and-classic-games-today|website=Polygon|access-date=13 December 2017|date=18 October 2012}}</ref> The game was available there free of charge for a few days in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grayson|first1=Nathan|title=Apologies With A Capital EA: Dungeon Keeper Free On GOG|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/02/15/apologies-with-a-capital-ea-dungeon-keeper-free-on-gog/|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|access-date=14 May 2016|date=15 February 2014}}</ref> In October 2016, ''Dungeon Keeper'' was released free of charge on [[Origin (service)|Origin]],<ref>{{cite web|author1=Adam Smith|title=Keep Forever: Dungeon Keeper Is Free Right Now|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/10/07/dungeon-keeper-free/#more-403973|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|access-date=31 October 2016|date=7 October 2016}}</ref> via its "On The House" programme.<ref>{{cite web|title=Original Dungeon Keeper now free on Origin|url=http://completegamereviews.com/original-dungeon-keeper-now-free-origin/|website=Complete Game Reviews|access-date=31 October 2016|date=7 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030044627/http://completegamereviews.com/original-dungeon-keeper-now-free-origin/|archive-date=30 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
 | GR = 92%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/197183-dungeon-keeper/index.html |title=Dungeon Keeper for PC |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref>
 | CGSP = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="CGMRev">{{cite web|author1=Robert Mayer|title=Dungeon Keeper|url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/002/183/dungeon_keeper_review.html|website=Computer Games Strategy Plus|publisher=Computer Games Strategy Plus|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030710201818/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/002/183/dungeon_keeper_review.html|date=1997|archive-date=10 July 2003}}</ref>
 | CGW = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="CGW">{{cite magazine|last=Lombardi |first=Chris |title=Dungeon Keeper: it Brings Bad Things to Life|magazine=Computer Gaming World|issue=159 |date=October 1997|issn=0744-6667|url=https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_159.pdf#page=263|access-date=13 May 2016|page=261}}</ref>
 | CVG = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="CVGRev">{{cite magazine|magazine=Computer and Video Games|publisher=[[EMAP]]|issn=0261-3697|pages=70–73|issue=188|date=July 1997|title=Dungeon Keeper|location=Peterborough}}</ref>
 | Edge = 9/10<ref name="Edge">{{cite magazine|magazine=Edge|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issue=46|date=June 1997|pages=82, 83|issn=1350-1593|title=Dungeon Keeper|department=Testscreen|location=Bath}}</ref>
 | GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web|last1=Ward|first1=Trent|title=Dungeon Keeper Review for PC|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/dungeonkeeper/review.html|website=GameSpot|access-date=16 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031206105414/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/dungeonkeeper/review.html|archive-date=6 December 2003|date=9 July 1997}}</ref>
 | GameRev = A<ref name="Revolution">{{cite web|title=Dungeon Keeper review|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/dungeon-keeper|website=Game Revolution|access-date=13 May 2016|date=7 May 1997}}</ref>
 | JXV = 17/20<ref name="Jeux">{{cite web|title=Test : Dungeon Keeper|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00011444-dungeon-keeper-test.htm|website=Jeuxvideo.com|access-date=31 October 2016|language=fr|date=1 September 2009}}</ref>
 | PCGUK = 95%<ref name="PCGamer">{{cite magazine|last=Flynn|first=James|title=Dungeon Keeper|issue=44|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|date=June 1997|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issn=1470-1693|pages=70–73|location=Bath}}</ref>
 | PCZone = 8/10<ref name="CVG">{{cite web|title=PC Review: Dungeon Keeper|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=2917|website=Computer and Video Games|access-date=15 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714032912/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=2917|archive-date=14 July 2007|date=13 August 2001}}</ref>
 | NGen = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name=NGRev>{{cite magazine |title=Dungeon Keeper|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=33 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=September 1997|page=140|volume=3|issn=1078-9693}}</ref>
 | rev1 = ''Gamezilla''
 | rev1Score = 93/100<ref name=Gamezilla>{{cite web|last=McDonald|first=Chris |title=Dungeon Keeper by Bullfrog|url=http://gamezilla.com/reviews/k/keeper.asp |website=Gamezilla|access-date=13 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020208182005/http://gamezilla.com/reviews/k/keeper.asp|archive-date=8 February 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | rev2 = ''[[:fr:Gen4|Génération 4]]''
 | rev2Score = {{rating|6|6}}<ref name="G4Rev">{{cite magazine|magazine=Génération 4|issn=1624-1088|title=Dungeon Keeper|pages=160–168|date=June 1997|issue=100|language=fr}}</ref>
}}

''Dungeon Keeper'' received critical acclaim. The gameplay and uniqueness were its most heavily complimented aspects. Chris Lombardi of ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' praised the multiplayer mode, saying that it "promises to be extraordinarily rich and subtle". His conclusion was that ''Dungeon Keeper'' is "The most unique game in years; stylish, multifaceted, and as deep as the pits of hell".<ref name="CGW"/> [[Game Revolution]]{{'s}} reviewer agreed with Lombardi by believing that "Dungeon Keeper is a revolutionary, terrific game", and also complimented the "terrific" graphics and the "nearly as impressive" sound.<ref name="Revolution"/> Rob Smith of ''[[GamePro]]'' argued that the multiplayer gameplay wasn't really a radical departure from other real-time strategy games, but the "bad guy" role and particular sense of humour make it stand-out. He added that the game benefits from strong music, sound effects, and overall depth.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Rob|last=Smith |title=PC GamePro Review: Dungeon Keeper|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=108 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=September 1997|page=68}}</ref> Gamezilla's Chris McDonald called the game a "classic" and concluded, "Any real-time gamer with a yearning for the dungeon life and the nerve to slaughter an army of Monks, Fairies and Lords will be pleasantly surprised with Dungeon Keeper".<ref name="Gamezilla"/> ''[[PC Gamer]]'' UK's James Flynn praised Bullfrog's attention to detail, calling it "amazing", and reiterated others' views by describing ''Dungeon Keeper'' as "A stunning achievement".<ref name="PCGamer"/>

In a 2001 review,'' [[PC Zone]]'', like Gamezilla, called the game "classic", but also criticised its "repetitive" gameplay.<ref name="CVG"/> Trent Ward of [[GameSpot]] remarked "It's a rich strategy game that is both intuitive and challenging, both innovative and polished", and felt the game was "among the best games released so far this year".<ref name="GameSpot"/> Gamezilla and ''PC Zone''{{'}}s beliefs were echoed by a reviewer of ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'', who described the game as a "masterpiece".<ref name="Edge"/> Another reviewer who agreed was from ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''. He described ''Dungeon Keeper'' as "totally awesome!", and praised the flexibility and detail.<ref name="CVGRev"/> A reviewer of [[Jeuxvideo.com]] commended the replayability and sound effects.<ref name="Jeux"/> Robert Mayer of ''[[Computer Games Strategy Plus]]'' complimented the humour, sound, and the 3D view, and liked the elements working together, but criticised the artificial intelligence.<ref name="CGMRev"/> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]''{{'s}} reviewer lauded the sense of humour, describing it as typical of Bullfrog, the "dark and edgy" soundtrack, further saying it mixes mediaeval themes with guitar sounds, and the gameplay's addictiveness. The only criticism was the "occasionally weak" artificial intelligence.<ref name="NGRev"/> Reviewers from the French magazine ''[[:fr:Gen4|Génération 4]]'' were highly complimentary: one reviewer commented that ''Dungeon Keeper'' is in-between ''[[Warcraft (video game)|Warcraft]]'' and ''Theme Park'' due to its creature management and real-time combat, and also believed that it is hard to leave a level after winning.<ref name="G4Rev"/> Another reviewer described ''Dungeon Keeper'' as "The game of the year!".<ref name="G4Rev"/> The magazine also listed ''Dungeon Keeper'' as their top PC CD game of summer 1997.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Génération 4|issn=1624-1088|title=Le top de l'été 1997|trans-title=The top of summer 1997|pages=40, 41|date=July 1997|issue=101|language=fr}}</ref>

''Dungeon Keeper'' was a finalist in the [[Software Publishers Association]]'s 13th Annual Excellence in Software Awards Best of 1997 [[Software and Information Industry Association#CODiE Awards|Codie award]]s for Best Strategy Software Game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Software Industry Unites in Celebration for 1998 Codie awards |url=https://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/whatsnew/spa/all98.htm|website=SuperKids|publisher=Software Publishers Association|access-date=17 May 2016|date=23 March 1998}}</ref> In 1997, ''Dungeon Keeper'' appeared #4 on ''PC Gamer''{{'}}s list of top 100 games,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The PC Gamer Top 100|issue=45|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|date=July 1997|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issn=1470-1693|page=73|location=Bath}}</ref> and, in June, was named as their Game Of The Month.<ref name="PCGamer"/> In June 2014, ''[[The Guardian]]'' listed ''Dungeon Keeper'' as one of Britain's 30 greatest video games.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Simon Parkin|author2=Rich Stanton|author3=Keith Stuart|title=The 30 greatest British video games|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/03/30-greatest-british-video-games|website=The Guardian|access-date=31 July 2017|date=3 June 2014}}</ref>

At the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]' [[1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards|inaugural Interactive Achievement Awards]] (now known as the [[D.I.C.E. Awards]]), ''Dungeon Keeper'' won "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Role-Playing Game of the Year|PC Role-Playing Game of the Year]]" and was nominated for "Computer Entertainment Title of the Year" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design|Outstanding Achievement in Interactive Design]]".<ref name="Finalists1998">{{cite web |title=The Award - Updates |url=http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardupdate.htm |website=Interactive.org |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980615090128fw_/http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardupdate.htm |archive-date=June 15, 1998 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Winners1998">{{cite web |title=The Award - Winners |url=http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardwin98.htm |website=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980615090115/http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardwin98.htm |archive-date=June 15, 1998 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Sales===
During 1997, ''Dungeon Keeper'' sold 113,407 copies in the United States alone.<ref name="pcgsales1">{{cite magazine| author=Staff| date=April 1998|volume=5|issue=4|title=How Did the ''PCG'' Award Winners Fare? |magazine=[[PC Gamer US]]|page=45}}</ref> It received a "Gold" award from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD) in August 1998,<ref name="vud1998">{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000713050154/http://www.vud.de/infopres/cebit98.htm | url=http://www.vud.de:80/infopres/cebit98.htm | title=Uhr TCM Hannover – ein glänzender Event auf der CebitHome | date=26 August 1998 | publisher=Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland | archive-date=13 July 2000 | language=de | url-status=dead | access-date=30 July 2019 }}</ref> for sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.<ref name="gameprogold">{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718145345/https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html | url=https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html | title=VUD-Gold-Awards 2003 | author=Horn, Andre | date=14 January 2004 | magazine=[[GamePro|GamePro Germany]] | archive-date=18 July 2018 | language=de | url-status=live }}</ref> The game's global sales reached 700,000 copies by 2003. Molyneux considered it a "missed opportunity" in comparison to his earlier games such as ''[[Theme Park (video game)|Theme Park]]'', which sold millions of units.<ref name="sales2">{{cite book| title=Andrew Rollings and Ernest Adams on Game Design | last1=Adams | first1=Ernest | last2=Rollings | first2=Andrew | year=2003 | publisher=New Riders Publishing | isbn=1-59273-001-9 | pages=184, 185}}</ref>

===Impact and legacy===
Many reviews of video games that have similar elements mention ''Dungeon Keeper'' as both an influence for the designers and a standard for comparison. These include:
* 1999's ''[[Lego Rock Raiders (video game)|Lego Rock Raiders]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lego Rock Raiders|url=https://www.the-nextlevel.com/reviews/pc/raiders/|website=The Next Level|access-date=25 February 2017|date=2000}}</ref> According to ''[[Retro Gamer]]'', this was asserted to be "the ultimate sequel to ''Dungeon Keeper''".<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/>
* 2001's ''[[Startopia]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ron Dulin|title=Startopia Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/startopia-review/1900-2777124/|website=GameSpot|access-date=25 February 2017|date=19 June 2001}}</ref> This game was developed by [[Mucky Foot Productions]], which consisted of staff from Bullfrog. ''Retro Gamer'' said that "they'd taken ''Dungeon Keeper'' and set it in space".<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/>
* 2004's ''[[Evil Genius (video game)|Evil Genius]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/552/552160p1.html |title=Evil Genius Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321183038/http://pc.ign.com/articles/552/552160p1.html |archive-date=21 March 2011 |date=28 September 2004 |website=IGN |author1=Dan Adams |access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref> the second game developed by [[Elixir Studios]]. Players control a James Bond-style lair and construct military and scientific installations, with the goal of expansion.<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/>
* 2003's ''[[Ghost Master]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.feralinteractive.com/data/games/ghostmaster/press/img_review.pdf|title=Ghost Master review|website=Inside Mac Games|access-date=25 February 2017|date=14 November 2003|author1=Ectal Greenhaw}}</ref> in which players play the role of the enemy.<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/>
* 2007's ''[[What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord?|Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman!]]'', another game in which players construct a dungeon and protect it from invading heroes.<ref name="RetroGamerMaking"/><ref name="AGG">{{cite web|url=http://asiangirlgamer.com/549/holy-invasion-of-privacy-badman-is-the-dungeon-keeper-of-this-decade/|title=Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! is the Dungeon Keeper of this Decade|date=22 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105034026/http://asiangirlgamer.com/549/holy-invasion-of-privacy-badman-is-the-dungeon-keeper-of-this-decade/|archive-date=5 January 2010|website=Asian Girl Gamer|access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref> It was described as "Dungeon Keeper meets [[Dig Dug]]".<ref name="AGG"/>
* 2011's ''[[Dungeons (video game)|Dungeons]]'' but with focus on care of the heroes instead of the monsters.<ref name="gs">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/dungeons/reviews/dungeons-review-6297349|title=Dungeons Review |publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=7 February 2011|access-date=25 February 2017 |quote=''Dungeons' mind-numbing, repetitive gameplay never reaches the greatness of Dungeon Keeper, its classic inspiration.'' |author1=Mark Walton|website=GameSpot}}</ref>
* 2011's ''Dungeon Overlord'', an Adobe Flash application via the social-networking website Facebook.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/727/view/reviews/load/180/Dungeon-Overlord-If-You-Loved-Dungeon-Keeper.html|title=Dungeon Overlord Review: If You Loved Dungeon Keeper...|date=16 January 2012|website=MMORPG.com|author1=Adam Tingle|access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref>
* 2013's ''[[Impire]]'' has been called "Dungeon Keeper with a side of ''[[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War|Dawn of War]]''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/impire-is-dungeon-keeper-with-a-side-of-dawn-of-war-244609.phtml|title=Impire is Dungeon Keeper with a side of Dawn of War|date=2 February 2013|author=Fraser Brown|website=Destructoid|access-date=25 February 2017|archive-date=25 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225205501/https://www.destructoid.com/impire-is-dungeon-keeper-with-a-side-of-dawn-of-war-244609.phtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 2013's ''[[The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot]]'' has been called "A weird combination of ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]'' and ''Dungeon Keeper''".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-a-competitive-dungeon-crawler-that-hates-archers|title=The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot: A Competitive Dungeon Crawler That Hates Archers|author=Jeremy Parish|website=USGamer|access-date=25 February 2017|date=1 June 2013|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008092742/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-a-competitive-dungeon-crawler-that-hates-archers|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 2015's ''[[War for the Overworld]]'' is a project held by its creators Subterranean Games as "a true spiritual successor to ''Dungeon Keeper''".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wftogame.com/update-11-kickstarter-demo-release-new-video|title=Update #11: Kickstarter Demo Release, New Video|website=War for the Overworld|access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref>
* 2015's ''[[Dungeons 2]]'' has been described as a combination between "Dungeon Keeper and an RTS".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2913641/dungeons-2-review-almost-the-dungeon-keeper-3-youve-been-waiting-for.html|title=Dungeons 2|author=Hayden Dingman|date=24 April 2015|website=PC World|access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref>

''Dungeon Keeper'' was referenced in ''[[Theme Hospital]]''{{'}}s introduction scene twice: a doctor is briefly seen playing a console version, and the Horned Reaper makes a cameo appearance as a patient.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Theme Hospital|developer=Bullfrog|publisher=Electronic Arts|date=1997|platform=PC|scene=Intro}}</ref> Early concept art for ''[[Black & White (video game)|Black & White]]'' used ''Dungeon Keeper''{{'}}s Horned Reaper to represent creatures.<ref>{{cite book|author1=James Leach|author2=Christian Bravery|title=The Making Of Black & White|date=2001|publisher=Prima Games|location=Roseville, Calif.|isbn=978-0-7615-3625-3|page=16}}</ref> The Horned Reaper unit was so popular that the producers of ''[[Dungeon Keeper 2]]'' made it a character with an important role in the game's story.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[PC Zone]]|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|issn=0967-8220|pages=44–49|issue=77|date=June 1999|title=Lock up your daughters, here comes&nbsp;... Dungeon Keeper 2|location=London}}</ref> ''Dungeon Keeper''{{'}}s engine was an inspiration for ''[[Minecraft]]''.<ref name="ChairGC">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|location=Bournemouth|issn=1742-3155|title=In The Chair With Glenn Corpes|pages=92–97|issue=160|date=October 2016}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Dungeon Lords (board game)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |author1=Melissa Tyler |author2=Shin Kanaoya |title=Bullfrog's Official Guide to Dungeon Keeper |isbn=978-0-7615-0714-7 |publisher=[[Prima Publishing]] |year=1997}}
* {{cite book |script-title=ja:ダンジョンキーパープレミアム勇者撃退ガイド |year=1998 |isbn=978-4-87188-897-4 |language=ja |publisher=[[NTT Publishing]]| trans-title=Dungeon Keeper Premium Hero Repel Guide |title=Danjon Kīpā Puremiamu Yūsha Gekitai Gaido |location=[[Tokyo]]}}
* {{cite book |title=Dungeon Keeper manual |year=1997 |author=Bullfrog |publisher=Electronic Art |location=[[Chertsey]]}}

==Footnotes==
{{notelist}}

==External links==
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971210123904/http://www.bullfrog.ea.com/dungeon_keeper/home.html |date=10 December 1997 |title=Official website (Bullfrog) }}
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020425231256/http://dk2.ea-europe.com/uk/dk1/index.html |date=25 April 2002 |title=Official website (Electronic Arts)}}
*{{moby game|id=/dungeon-keeper|name=''Dungeon Keeper''}}

{{portal bar|1990s|Speculative fiction|United Kingdom|Video games}}
{{Bullfrog Productions}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1997 video games]]
[[Category:Bullfrog Productions games]]
[[Category:Cancelled PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Sega Saturn games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:Dungeon management games]]
[[Category:Electronic Arts games]]
[[Category:Games commercially released with DOSBox]]
[[Category:God games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Real-time strategy video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Russell Shaw]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Dungeon Keeper (series)]]