3D Realms
3D Realms business and news from across the web.
Twisted Tower gets August 2026 release on PC — MP3s & NPCsThe action-adventure FPS Twisted Tower is set to release on August 18, 2026, for PC via Steam. Developed by Atmos Games, led by Thomas Brush, the game features a unique blend of Disneyland and BioShock aesthetics with fast-paced combat against corrupted mascots.
Doom dev id Software loses half its staff and all its coders in Xbox bloodbathid Software, the studio behind the Doom franchise, has reportedly lost approximately half of its staff, including most of its coders, in recent Xbox layoffs. This significant reduction in workforce has led to concerns about the studio's ability to continue developing its proprietary technology and future titles. Co-founder John Romero expressed concern for the preservation of id Software's legacy amidst these drastic cuts.
Report: The “majority” of ID software and up to half of Zenimax online have lost their jobsReports indicate significant layoffs across several Xbox-owned studios, including a majority of ID Software and up to half of ZeniMax Online Studios. These cuts affect teams working on titles like The Elder Scrolls Online, with roadmaps expected to shift. Other studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine are reportedly going independent.- Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threatRumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
- Tempest Rising's Highly Anticipated Third Faction Will Be Playable in a New Demo at TactiCon, Starting July 9 on SteamTempest Rising will feature its third faction, the Veti, in a new demo playable at TactiCon starting July 9 on Steam. The real-time strategy game, set in an alternate 1997 where the Cuban Missile Crisis escalated, offers single-player campaigns, multiplayer, and skirmish modes with unique asymmetrical factions.
- Planned Xbox Layoffs Will Be “The Largest Single Layoff Event In Gaming History”George Broussard, co-founder of 3D Realms, suggests that Xbox may be planning significant layoffs, potentially impacting over 2,000 employees. This information is currently unconfirmed and should be treated as a rumor until official verification.
Ori Studio Head Says Game Pass Would Have Worked if Xbox Could “Understand What’s a Good Game”Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler believes Xbox Game Pass could have succeeded if Microsoft had focused on quality over quantity, comparing it unfavorably to premium streaming services. He criticized Xbox's first-party output, citing Starfield as an example of a game that failed to meet the potential of its predecessor, and suggested that Xbox leadership needs a better understanding of what constitutes a "good game" to truly connect with gamers.
Something for the Weekend – 20/06/26This week's gaming news highlights a turbulent period for Xbox, with reports of layoffs at Zenimax and uncertainty surrounding game studios. Grand Theft Auto VI preorders are set to go live on June 25th, while Unreal Engine 6 is integrating generative AI tools. Several games received reviews, including The Adventures of Elliot and Constance, and previews for Control Resonant and Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush were also featured.
Bobby Prince, the legendary composer behind Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, has diedBobby Prince, the acclaimed composer and sound designer known for his work on classic PC games like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, has passed away at the age of 81. His iconic soundtracks, particularly for Doom, are celebrated for their heavy metal influences and have been recognized by the US Library of Congress. Prince's career spanned numerous titles from companies such as id Software, Apogee, and 3D Realms.
3D Realms co-founder reveals more about Zenimax redundancies3D Realms co-founder George Broussard revealed details about impending layoffs at Zenimax, suggesting that studios not directly working on Fallout or The Elder Scrolls are at risk. He indicated that new Microsoft management is prioritizing profitability, potentially leading to significant job losses across various Zenimax-owned studios like Arkane and Machine Games. While initial reports suggested closures, further information points to layoffs occurring after the fiscal year ends on June 30.
Doom and Wolfenstein 3D composer Bobby Prince dies aged 81Bobby Prince, the composer known for his iconic soundtracks for Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, has died at the age of 81. Prince also contributed music to other id Software titles like Doom 2 and Commander Keen, as well as games such as Duke Nukem 3D and Rise Of The Triad. His work on the original Doom soundtrack was recently inducted into the US National Recording Registry.
Bobby Prince, composer of classic id Software and 3DRealms FPS video game music, dead at 81Iconic video game composer Robert Caskin Prince III, known as Bobby Prince, has died at the age of 81. Prince was celebrated for his work on classic 1990s first-person shooter titles such as Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, Quake, and Duke Nukem 3D, significantly contributing to the recognition of video game music as an art form.- Rumor MillA rumor suggests that layoffs may have begun at Zenimax Studios, according to a co-founder of 3D Realms. The article does not provide specific details or confirmation of these claims.
Six years after its announcement, SiN Reloaded finally has a Steam demoSix years after its initial announcement, SiN Reloaded, a remaster of the classic 1990s first-person shooter, has released a demo on Steam. Developed by Nightdive Studios, the remaster features updated textures, 4K resolution, 144 FPS support, and an overhauled UI and control scheme. The project faced development hurdles, including a split with 3D Realms and Nightdive's focus on the System Shock remake, but is now slated for a full release before the end of the year.
Scott Miller, founder of Apogee, has over 1,000 hours in World of Warcraft and always plays a warrior in any RPG: 'I like to get right in their face and pound away'Scott Miller, founder of Apogee Software, discusses his extensive career in gaming and his current gaming habits. He has over 1,000 hours in World of Warcraft and prefers playing warrior characters in RPGs. Miller also shares his thoughts on recently played games like Far Far West, The Drifter, and Stray, and his ongoing work with Apogee Entertainment.- etc.An unpublished novel titled 'Tapper' by D. Lee Jackson, known for composing the Duke Nukem 3D theme song, has been made available for download. The novel offers a new perspective on the classic arcade game.
This wildly ambitious modpack transforms the third-person, N64 exclusive Duke Nukem: Zero Hour into a 'jank…A modpack called Duke Nukem: Zero Hour Overclocked transforms the Nintendo 64 exclusive Duke Nukem: Zero Hour into a first-person shooter experience for PC. This collection of modules aims to make the game feel like a janky 90s FPS, with changes to camera, aiming, and animations. Scott Miller, founder of 3D Realms, praised the first-person conversion.
Painkiller ReviewAnshar Studios' reboot of the Painkiller franchise attempts to revive the series as a co-op arena shooter but falls short of expectations. While featuring a variety of weapons with secondary modes and a roguelike option, the game suffers from a lack of mission and enemy variety, generic environments, and a forced co-op structure that hinders solo play. The game is rated M for Mature and is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Subscription service for indie games gets a rough receptionA new subscription service called Indie Pass has launched, offering a curated catalog of indie games for $6.99 per month. The service has faced criticism regarding its revenue model, which compensates developers based on playtime, and concerns about not owning the games. While some see potential for discoverability, many express skepticism about adding another recurring charge and launcher.
Wrath: Aeon of Ruin VR launches in AprilWrath: Aeon of Ruin VR, also subtitled "BRUTAL EDITION", will launch for SteamVR, Meta Quest 2 and 3, and PlayStation VR2 on April 9th. This VR version of the first-person shooter rebuilds the experience with enhanced movement, combat, and visual effects for a more visceral gameplay feel.