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Evening Reading - August 6, 2026 - Happy QuakeCon!
This article rounds up news and events from August 6, 2026, with a strong focus on QuakeCon. Highlights include a new Quake update, merchandise collaborations with Nine Inch Nails, and tournament announcements. Other news includes updates on Grand Theft Auto 6, Ghost Recon Wildlands, and Onimusha, as well as Nintendo's financial reporting and a review of Chop Chop Inc.
John Romero announced as keynote speaker for Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show
id Software co-founder John Romero has been announced as the keynote speaker for the business conference at Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show in Bangkok. The event, running from October 29th to November 1st, will feature speakers from companies like Tencent and Godot, and has expanded its floor space by 20% following a successful 2025 debut.
Doom dev id Software loses half its staff and all its coders in Xbox bloodbath
id 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.
Doom soundtrack composer Bobby Prince dies aged 81
Bobby Prince, the composer behind the iconic soundtracks for Doom, Doom II, Wolfenstein 3D, and Duke Nukem 3D, has died at the age of 81. His innovative work helped define an era of gaming and influenced generations of players, with his contributions to Doom being preserved in the Library of Congress.
Bobby Prince, the legendary composer behind Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, has died
Bobby 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.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
Original Doom soundtrack to be inducted into US National Recording Registry
The original 1993 Doom soundtrack, composed by Bobby Prince, is being inducted into the US National Recording Registry. This marks the third video game soundtrack to receive this honor, following Minecraft: Volume Alpha and the Super Mario Bros. theme. The registry recognized Prince's innovative use of MIDI technology in creating the iconic score.
Doom co-designer still has the real chainsaw that inspired the OG FPS's iconic weapon, even though it leaks oil and…
Doom co-designer Tom Hall still possesses the actual "Eager Beaver" chainsaw that inspired the iconic weapon in the original first-person shooter. The chainsaw, which leaked oil and was kept in a bowl at id Software offices, was modeled after Hall's personal tool. Hall, who also co-founded Ion Storm and contributed to Deus Ex, was a key figure in Doom's development.
John and Brenda Romero reflect on the industry crisis
John and Brenda Romero reflect on the current crisis within the video game industry, noting the significant downsizing of their studio, Romero Games. Despite financial challenges, they express determination to continue game development.
Iconic Devs Say the Industry Feels 'Crashier' Now Than the Actual Video Game Crash of the 80s
John and Brenda Romero, founders of Romero Games, believe the current state of the video game industry is more challenging than the 1983 crash. They cite difficulties in securing funding and widespread layoffs, even at successful studios like EA's Battlefield division, as evidence of the industry's instability.
The industry is in a 'really horrible place,' say Brenda and John Romero
Brenda and John Romero describe the current state of the video game industry as 'horrible,' drawing parallels to the 1983 crash due to widespread layoffs and studio closures at companies like EA, PlayStation, and Epic Games. Brenda Romero also expressed concern over the push for generative AI, stating that Romero Games is not utilizing the technology.
Doom co-creator John Romero is "not going to stop making games" despite the state of the industry because…
Despite the current challenging state of the video game industry marked by layoffs and concerns over generative AI, Doom co-creator John Romero remains determined to continue making games. He and his wife Brenda Romero, who also runs Romero Games, acknowledge the difficulties but are committed to their craft, finding inspiration in the potential for creating new and exciting projects.
"We were there in the 80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier." John and Brenda Romero reflect on the industry crisis
John and Brenda Romero reflect on the current state of the video game industry, likening it to the 1983 crash and describing it as "definitely crashier." Romero Games faced significant downsizing due to a funding pull, leading to a dramatic reduction in staff. Despite these challenges and industry-wide layoffs, the Romeros remain committed to developing their new game and express passion for creating games.
