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The concept of color-coded item rarity in video games was popularized by the game Diablo, released in 1996. The designer, David Brevik, drew inspiration from the roguelike game Angband. This system was further developed and refined in Diablo II and became a staple in many action RPGs.
The color-coded system provides players with a quick visual representation of an item’s rarity and quality, making it easier to manage inventory and prioritize loot. Typically, the color progression in many games follows a pattern from common to rare: white (common), green (uncommon), blue (rare), purple (epic), and orange (legendary).
The widespread adoption of this system was significantly influenced by World of Warcraft, which used a similar color scheme and helped standardize it across various genres, including RPGs and MMOs. This standardization has made the color-coded rarity system a familiar and intuitive way for players to assess item value at a glance.
