Romero Games, an Irish independent studio co-founded by John Romero, reportedly shut down following Microsoft's layoffs, with over 100 staff affected. The decision was made at a high level within Microsoft, and the studio had no warning or remaining funds to continue operations, despite hitting all project milestones.
Romero Games, founded by John Romero, has lost funding for its upcoming first-person shooter due to Microsoft's recent layoffs and strategic cuts, putting the project and team at risk, despite the studio's consistent performance and milestones.
Following a wave of layoffs in the gaming industry, including major cuts at EA, FPS legend John Romero expresses concern, stating that he has never seen anything like the current situation. He acknowledges the impact of these job losses on the identity and culture of game developers. Reflecting on the past, Romero notes that the industry's current scale makes comparisons to the 1980s crash difficult. Highlighting the transferable nature of programming skills, he suggests potential opportunities outside of gaming. Major layoffs have affected companies such as Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Zenimax, Riot, Sony, and Unity, prompting industry analysts to emphasize the need for successful releases like GTA 6 to navigate the challenges ahead.
In a joint interview during Doom's 30th-anniversary celebration, id co-founders John Carmack and John Romero reflected on the game's success, highlighting how it struck a perfect balance between technology and simplicity. They discussed the limitations of their previous game, Wolfenstein 3D, and how Doom's introduction of angled walls and variable heights allowed for more design variation. They also discussed the challenges they faced with Quake's full 3D design, acknowledging that they may not have chosen the optimal direction. Ultimately, they considered Doom to be "as close to a perfect game as anything we made."
John Romero, the original designer of Doom, has released Sigil 2, an unofficial sixth episode for the iconic first-person shooter. Available as a free download for consoles and PC, Sigil 2 features nine new maps that continue the story of Doom 2. The episode can be downloaded from Romero's website and requires a copy of Doom to run. A paid digital version with a metal soundtrack and a physical edition on a floppy disc-shaped USB stick are also available.
John Romero, co-creator of Doom, celebrates the game's 30th anniversary by releasing Sigil 2, a free expansion pack featuring nine punishing levels. Acting as a direct sequel to Sigil, the expansion extends the story of Doom and offers a challenging experience reminiscent of the original game. Sigil 2 can be downloaded from Romero's website, with physical editions available for purchase.
Doom, the seminal first-person shooter, celebrated its 30th anniversary with co-creator John Romero releasing new levels for the game and reflecting on its impact on IT careers. Romero and co-creator John Carmack highlighted how Doom's multiplayer mode encouraged players to acquire the hardware and skills necessary for networked gaming, leading to many IT professionals entering the field. They also discussed the game's pioneering release to the internet and its influence on software packaging. Despite its breakthrough gameplay, Doom required merchandising to succeed, and Carmack expressed nostalgia for the creative packaging and marketing efforts of the era. The game continues to be enjoyed by players and developers alike, with its level editor being praised for its accessibility.
John Romero releases a new Doom episode called "Sigil II" to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Doom. The episode includes nine new maps and offers an upgrade with a THORR soundtrack. The official page also sells various merchandise, including boxed editions of the original game Sigil and a "Megawad Beast Box" featuring artwork by Christopher Lovell. John Romero and John Carmack appeared on a special 30th anniversary stream on Twitch to discuss their experiences with Doom.
John Romero, co-creator of DOOM, has released SIGIL II, an unofficial DOOM campaign for the game's 30th anniversary. The new campaign features nine levels, eight multiplayer arenas, a new OST, and new art. Romero will also be hosting a live Twitch event with fellow co-creator John Carmack to discuss the original game. The release of SIGIL II highlights the enduring popularity of the DOOM franchise, which continues to captivate both longtime fans and newer players.
John Romero, the original designer of Doom, reflects on his relationship with John Carmack and their impact on the gaming industry. Romero's new autobiography, 'Doom Guy: Life In First Person', features a glowing endorsement from Carmack, dispelling any lingering acrimony between the two. Romero discusses the early days of id Software, the development of Quake, and the ways they could have avoided their professional split. He also highlights his Native American heritage and how it subconsciously influenced the level design in Doom. Romero and Carmack have reunited for a livestream to celebrate Doom's 30th anniversary, emphasizing the timeless appeal and enduring legacy of the game.
John Romero, co-founder of iD Software, shares an excerpt from his upcoming autobiography, discussing the early days of the company and the impact of their games like Doom and Quake on establishing the PC as a gaming platform. He reflects on the moment he realized the potential of PC gaming when he saw the scrolling scenery and seamless gameplay in a game he had created. Romero's autobiography, titled "Doom Guy: Life in First Person," will be released soon.
John Romero, co-creator of Doom, played the infamous "MyHouse" WAD file created by Steve "Veddge" Nelson. The custom level is a unique take on classic Doom and has been making rounds on YouTube. Romero was impressed with the level and particularly liked the way the music alters as he progresses through it. He is still making games and working on SIGIL 2. The "MyHouse" WAD file can be downloaded from Doom World, but GZDoom is needed to run it.
John Romero, one of the creators of Doom, played the infamous MyHouse WAD, a custom-made WAD for the iconic FPS game that blends the classic shooter’s guns and mechanics with a trippy, House-of-Leaves-inspired descent into surrealism and horror. Romero was highly impressed with its unique style and also completed the first level of Doom 2, Underhalls, 100%. Romero is currently working on a new shooter in UE5 and his autobiography, DoomGuy, launches in July.