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StarCraftDefinition

WoWWiki defines creep:

A creep is any monster in the game or any non-quest-giving and non-shopkeeper NPC combatant.

Typically used on Battle.net on Warcraft III. The term mob is more often used in World of Warcraft.

Comes from Warcraft III where the neutral (but aggressive) packs of monsters would guard certain areas from your armies. Originally, in Starcraft, creep was a layer of slime where zergs could build similar to blight.

As far as I can tell, creep was first used as a type of neutral creature in Warcraft III "to make its maps seem more like a world, rather than a game board. This will create an immersive atmosphere as well as create unique strategies and tactics."

World of Warcraft, 2004

The earliest definition in Urban Dictionary is from 2004 for Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft:

Creeps

New terminology for MOBs that Blizzard is trying to instill in the World of Warcraft playing community.

Character 1: Let's go kill that 'creep'.
Character 2: WTF is a 'creep'?
Character 1: Any bad guy we can kill.
Character 2: It is called a MOB you fucking looney tunes bitch.

by Mangina2004 Jan 30, 2004

WarCraft III, 2000

The term was used by Blizzard on their official preview website for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (aka War3 or WC3 or RoC, released 2002).

The oldest archive of http://www.blizzard.com/war3/neutrals/creeps.shtml is from 15th December 2001:

Even the most expert travelers must be wary, for in the exploration of any map they're bound to encounter a variety of Creeps. Creeps are neutral units that generally don't like you, regardless of what type of blood runs through your veins. They will attack unprovoked, and they're very protective of their camps. This camp loyalty means that the Creeps will be in the same place on any given map anytime you explore that map. If your hale and hearty band of travelers can keep their wits about them long enough to do battle with the various Creeps that populate each map, they stand to profit from their bravery. It's a well-known fact that once vanquished, Creeps give up varying amounts of experience, gold, and sometimes even valuable, mystical items--the tougher the Creep, the greater the reward. Creeps also give up the ghost permanently when you vanquish them, so your stalwart troops won't ever have to re-vanquish any Creep respawns. Some Creeps might be willing to suppress their distaste for you long enough to join your cause...for the right price. These Creeps can be purchased at the Mercenary Camp. Otherwise, expect to stumble across hostile Creeps near town exits, at various choke points around the map, around extra Gold Mines, and defending Neutral Buildings. Ah the variety of Creeps you'll see...this page lists but a few of them C r e e p s Ogre Lord Using their immense bulk to terrorize their lesser ilk into service, Ogre Lords are often encountered guarding Gold Mines, Healing Pools and other valuable locations. Although they do not cast spells, Ogre Lords make up for their lack of magic with pure brawn, blasting their tree-trunk sized clubs into their enemies' skulls with unequaled fury.

The Blizzard Warcraft III preview homepage announced the creeps on December 14, 2001:

1 2 | 1 4 | 0 1

Warcraft III Creeps Revealed

"Even the most expert travelers must be wary, for in the exploration of any map they're bound to encounter a variety of Creeps." Learn more about these units on the new Creeps page, currently featuring the Ogre Lord.

Earlier, it was used in 2000 Usenet in a Warcraft III preview.

"news [ÎÅÊÔÒÁÌØÎÙÅ ÓÏÚÄÁÎÉÑ] -war3-" - fido7.ru.game.blizzard - Ildar Ahmetzhanov - May 13 2000:

The Infoceptor ÏÂÎÏ×ÉÌ %subj'Å×ÕÀ ÓÔÒÁÎÉÞËÕ: (http://www.infoceptor.com/information/war3/miscunits.shtml)

Warcraft 3 will feature a wide range of neutral creatures to make it_s maps seem more like a world, rather than a game board. This will create an immersive atmosphere as well as create unique strategies and tactics.

...

Creeps:
Creeps are wondering citizens of Azeroth, littered across the map. Upon encountered by players, they have different reactions depending on the players race and power. Some may attack outright, while other may offer their services of money, while other_s will give specific quests. Creeps are always armed, and hence are sometimes a threat, especially to fledgling forces.

StarCraft, 1997

There was creep in StarCraftBlizzard's StarCraft which was released on 31st March 1998, but this was a different thing altogether. Examples can be found in Usenet in 1997 and 1998Mentioning it here for completeness only.

"The UBERLIST" - alt.games.starcraft - David Jarrett Fate quoting Blizzard rep Pat N. - Nov 14, 1997:

ThisBut this isn't quite the same thing as a neutral unit. From the StarCraft Wiki:

At some point, creep colonies were present in the game engine of StarCraft II. However, the creep colony was replaced by the creep tumor, and the defenses with the spine crawler and the spore crawler respectively.

World of Warcraft, 2004

But perhaps it evolved in other games from this starting point, and it at least had this meaning in this Urban Dictionary definition from 2004:

Creeps

New terminology for MOBs that Blizzard is trying to instill in the World of Warcraft playing community.

Character 1: Let's go kill that 'creep'.
Character 2: WTF is a 'creep'?
Character 1: Any bad guy we can kill.
Character 2: It is called a MOB you fucking looney tunes bitch.

by Mangina2004 Jan 30, 2004

StarCraft, 1997

There was creep in StarCraft which was released on 31st March 1998. Examples can be found in Usenet in 1997 and 1998.

"The UBERLIST" - alt.games.starcraft David Jarrett Fate quoting Blizzard rep Pat N. - Nov 14, 1997:

This isn't quite the same thing as a neutral unit. From the StarCraft Wiki:

At some point, creep colonies were present in the game engine of StarCraft II. However, the creep colony was replaced by the creep tumor, and the defenses with the spine crawler and the spore crawler respectively.

World of Warcraft, 2004

But perhaps it evolved in other games from this starting point, and it at least had this meaning in this Urban Dictionary definition from 2004:

Creeps

New terminology for MOBs that Blizzard is trying to instill in the World of Warcraft playing community.

Character 1: Let's go kill that 'creep'.
Character 2: WTF is a 'creep'?
Character 1: Any bad guy we can kill.
Character 2: It is called a MOB you fucking looney tunes bitch.

by Mangina2004 Jan 30, 2004

Definition

WoWWiki defines creep:

A creep is any monster in the game or any non-quest-giving and non-shopkeeper NPC combatant.

Typically used on Battle.net on Warcraft III. The term mob is more often used in World of Warcraft.

Comes from Warcraft III where the neutral (but aggressive) packs of monsters would guard certain areas from your armies. Originally, in Starcraft, creep was a layer of slime where zergs could build similar to blight.

As far as I can tell, creep was first used as a type of neutral creature in Warcraft III "to make its maps seem more like a world, rather than a game board. This will create an immersive atmosphere as well as create unique strategies and tactics."

World of Warcraft, 2004

The earliest definition in Urban Dictionary is from 2004 for Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft:

Creeps

New terminology for MOBs that Blizzard is trying to instill in the World of Warcraft playing community.

Character 1: Let's go kill that 'creep'.
Character 2: WTF is a 'creep'?
Character 1: Any bad guy we can kill.
Character 2: It is called a MOB you fucking looney tunes bitch.

by Mangina2004 Jan 30, 2004

WarCraft III, 2000

The term was used by Blizzard on their official preview website for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (aka War3 or WC3 or RoC, released 2002).

The oldest archive of http://www.blizzard.com/war3/neutrals/creeps.shtml is from 15th December 2001:

Even the most expert travelers must be wary, for in the exploration of any map they're bound to encounter a variety of Creeps. Creeps are neutral units that generally don't like you, regardless of what type of blood runs through your veins. They will attack unprovoked, and they're very protective of their camps. This camp loyalty means that the Creeps will be in the same place on any given map anytime you explore that map. If your hale and hearty band of travelers can keep their wits about them long enough to do battle with the various Creeps that populate each map, they stand to profit from their bravery. It's a well-known fact that once vanquished, Creeps give up varying amounts of experience, gold, and sometimes even valuable, mystical items--the tougher the Creep, the greater the reward. Creeps also give up the ghost permanently when you vanquish them, so your stalwart troops won't ever have to re-vanquish any Creep respawns. Some Creeps might be willing to suppress their distaste for you long enough to join your cause...for the right price. These Creeps can be purchased at the Mercenary Camp. Otherwise, expect to stumble across hostile Creeps near town exits, at various choke points around the map, around extra Gold Mines, and defending Neutral Buildings. Ah the variety of Creeps you'll see...this page lists but a few of them C r e e p s Ogre Lord Using their immense bulk to terrorize their lesser ilk into service, Ogre Lords are often encountered guarding Gold Mines, Healing Pools and other valuable locations. Although they do not cast spells, Ogre Lords make up for their lack of magic with pure brawn, blasting their tree-trunk sized clubs into their enemies' skulls with unequaled fury.

The Blizzard Warcraft III preview homepage announced the creeps on December 14, 2001:

1 2 | 1 4 | 0 1

Warcraft III Creeps Revealed

"Even the most expert travelers must be wary, for in the exploration of any map they're bound to encounter a variety of Creeps." Learn more about these units on the new Creeps page, currently featuring the Ogre Lord.

Earlier, it was used in 2000 Usenet in a Warcraft III preview.

"news [ÎÅÊÔÒÁÌØÎÙÅ ÓÏÚÄÁÎÉÑ] -war3-" - fido7.ru.game.blizzard - Ildar Ahmetzhanov - May 13 2000:

The Infoceptor ÏÂÎÏ×ÉÌ %subj'Å×ÕÀ ÓÔÒÁÎÉÞËÕ: (http://www.infoceptor.com/information/war3/miscunits.shtml)

Warcraft 3 will feature a wide range of neutral creatures to make it_s maps seem more like a world, rather than a game board. This will create an immersive atmosphere as well as create unique strategies and tactics.

...

Creeps:
Creeps are wondering citizens of Azeroth, littered across the map. Upon encountered by players, they have different reactions depending on the players race and power. Some may attack outright, while other may offer their services of money, while other_s will give specific quests. Creeps are always armed, and hence are sometimes a threat, especially to fledgling forces.

StarCraft, 1997

There was creep in Blizzard's StarCraft which was released on 31st March 1998, but this was a different thing altogether. Mentioning it here for completeness only.

"The UBERLIST" - alt.games.starcraft - David Jarrett Fate quoting Blizzard rep Pat N. - Nov 14, 1997:

But this isn't the same thing as a neutral unit. From the StarCraft Wiki:

At some point, creep colonies were present in the game engine of StarCraft II. However, the creep colony was replaced by the creep tumor, and the defenses with the spine crawler and the spore crawler respectively.

Post Undeleted by Hugo
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Hugo
Hugo
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StarCraft, 1997

It dates back to at leastThere was creep in StarCraft which was released on 31st March 1998. Examples can be found in Usenet in April1997 and 1998.

alt.games.starcraft - "Re: What's the best race?" - alt.games.starcraft - Josh Wooley - April 18, 1998:

the zerg are ok, but theyre units are usually weaker than the other 2. they are very cheap, however. everybodys favorite rush race, as far as i can tell. cant heal units/buildings, but they do regenerate themselves. have to build a fair amount of creeps though.

"The UBERLIST" - alt.games.starcraft David Jarrett Fate quoting Blizzard rep Pat N. - Nov 14, 1997:

Q:Must creep be destroyed by certain weapon types?
A:Well, the way to destroy some creep is to take out Zerg buildings within the creep (when you do this, it will begin to recede).

This isn't quite the same thing as a neutral unit. From the StarCraft Wiki:

reep colonies are zerg structures used to extend the creep. Colonies have to be established on pre-existing creep.

A creep colony can evolve into defensive structures: the sunken colony for ground defense, or the a spore colony for air defense and detection.

At some point, creep colonies were present in the game engine of StarCraft II. However, the creep colony was replaced by the creep tumor, and the defenses with the spine crawler and the spore crawler respectively.

World of Warcraft, 2004

But perhaps it evolved in other games from this starting point, and it at least had this meaning in this Urban Dictionary definition from 2004:

Creeps

New terminology for MOBs that Blizzard is trying to instill in the World of Warcraft playing community.

Character 1: Let's go kill that 'creep'.
Character 2: WTF is a 'creep'?
Character 1: Any bad guy we can kill.
Character 2: It is called a MOB you fucking looney tunes bitch.

by Mangina2004 Jan 30, 2004

It dates back to at least StarCraft which was released on 31st March 1998. Examples can be found in Usenet in April 1998.

alt.games.starcraft - "Re: What's the best race?" - Josh Wooley - April 18, 1998:

the zerg are ok, but theyre units are usually weaker than the other 2. they are very cheap, however. everybodys favorite rush race, as far as i can tell. cant heal units/buildings, but they do regenerate themselves. have to build a fair amount of creeps though.

StarCraft, 1997

There was creep in StarCraft which was released on 31st March 1998. Examples can be found in Usenet in 1997 and 1998.

"Re: What's the best race?" - alt.games.starcraft - Josh Wooley - April 18, 1998:

the zerg are ok, but theyre units are usually weaker than the other 2. they are very cheap, however. everybodys favorite rush race, as far as i can tell. cant heal units/buildings, but they do regenerate themselves. have to build a fair amount of creeps though.

"The UBERLIST" - alt.games.starcraft David Jarrett Fate quoting Blizzard rep Pat N. - Nov 14, 1997:

Q:Must creep be destroyed by certain weapon types?
A:Well, the way to destroy some creep is to take out Zerg buildings within the creep (when you do this, it will begin to recede).

This isn't quite the same thing as a neutral unit. From the StarCraft Wiki:

reep colonies are zerg structures used to extend the creep. Colonies have to be established on pre-existing creep.

A creep colony can evolve into defensive structures: the sunken colony for ground defense, or the a spore colony for air defense and detection.

At some point, creep colonies were present in the game engine of StarCraft II. However, the creep colony was replaced by the creep tumor, and the defenses with the spine crawler and the spore crawler respectively.

World of Warcraft, 2004

But perhaps it evolved in other games from this starting point, and it at least had this meaning in this Urban Dictionary definition from 2004:

Creeps

New terminology for MOBs that Blizzard is trying to instill in the World of Warcraft playing community.

Character 1: Let's go kill that 'creep'.
Character 2: WTF is a 'creep'?
Character 1: Any bad guy we can kill.
Character 2: It is called a MOB you fucking looney tunes bitch.

by Mangina2004 Jan 30, 2004

Post Deleted by Hugo
Source Link
Hugo
Hugo
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It dates back to at least StarCraft which was released on 31st March 1998. Examples can be found in Usenet in April 1998.

alt.games.starcraft - "Re: What's the best race?" - Josh Wooley - April 18, 1998:

the zerg are ok, but theyre units are usually weaker than the other 2. they are very cheap, however. everybodys favorite rush race, as far as i can tell. cant heal units/buildings, but they do regenerate themselves. have to build a fair amount of creeps though.