DOOM
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Weekend PC Download Deals for July 24: Steam Train Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include the Steam Train Fest featuring train-themed games, alongside significant discounts on titles like Resident Evil Requiem, Hades 2, and Red Dead Redemption 2 across various digital storefronts. Several games are also available for free weekends or trials, including Killing Floor 3 and Metal Gear Solid.
There's a Breakout movie on the way as Atari signs deal to bring Pong, Asteroids, and other classic games to the big screen
Atari has partnered with Universal Pictures and Entertainment 360 to develop ten feature films based on its classic video game properties. The deal includes rights to games such as Pong, Asteroids, Breakout, and Centipede, with the aim of creating large-scale action-adventure movies. Universal has prior experience with video game adaptations, having distributed The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Five Nights at Freddy's.
Early '90s animation tools were so primitive that Doom's lead artist says he pretty much did the whole thing…
Doom's lead artist Adrian Carmack revealed that he used the undo key in Deluxe Paint as his primary animation tool for the original game. Due to primitive tools and frame limitations imposed by John Carmack, Adrian Carmack developed a method of cycling through frames using undo/redo to create animations for enemies and weapons.
Bethesda Canceled an Unannounced PvP Shooter Amidst Layoffs – Rumor
Bethesda has reportedly canceled an unannounced PvP shooter, with details emerging from a laid-off employee's LinkedIn profile. This cancellation comes amidst significant layoffs at the company, which also impacted other studios under ZeniMax Media. While the specifics of the canceled project are unknown, it is speculated to be the Rainbow Six Siege-like title previously rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
What sense can we make of the madness at id Software?
id Software, known for Doom and Quake, has laid off 136 employees, over half its workforce, amidst broader industry cuts at Microsoft. Conflicting reports suggest the studio is starting a new Doom game and its id-tech engine remains active, despite fears of it becoming a support studio. The article analyzes the potential reasons behind these drastic layoffs, including project phasing and cost-cutting, while also questioning Microsoft's strategy and the impact on team morale and institutional experience.
Comings and Goings
Hugo Martin, director of Doom, has denied reports that id Software has undergone significant staff departures. However, current and former employees reportedly disagree with his optimistic assessment of the studio's situation.
“Current and Former” Employees Disagree With DOOM Co-Director’s About id’s Current State
Current and former id Software employees have disputed co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio was not significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs. Developers expressed that approximately 50% of the workforce was cut, leading to a feeling that their contributions were undervalued and that the team has been 'nerfed'. The article also touches on past development challenges, including significant crunch and turnover during the creation of DOOM (2016).
After Doom director Hugo Martin denied reports that id Software had been gutted, "current and former employees" are disagreeing with his optimism
Current and former employees of id Software are disputing director Hugo Martin's optimistic statements following recent layoffs at the studio. Sources claim that a significant portion of the Doom (2016) development team was let go, contradicting Martin's assertion that the studio was not "gutted." These employees expressed disappointment, feeling their contributions were undervalued, and highlighted past struggles like the development of Doom 4 as evidence of the studio's fragility.
You can now play SNES Doom with modern dual analogue controls thanks to Blueretro dev
A developer has created a ROM hack for Super Nintendo's Doom that adds dual analogue stick support, leveraging the BlueRetro adapter firmware. This enhancement, built upon previous FX3 cart improvements, can now be experienced through the Mesen emulator on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible without physical hardware modifications.
The Xbox Characters That Defined 25 Years of Gaming
This article examines the iconic characters that have defined Xbox's 25-year history, from Master Chief and Marcus Fenix to Minecraft Steve and Ori. These characters represent the evolution of Xbox from a console newcomer to a multi-platform gaming brand, highlighting shifts in game design, company acquisitions, and the importance of personality in brand identity.
Games Inbox: What new Fallout game will be the best?
Readers discuss the future of the Fallout franchise, expressing excitement for potential remasters and a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas, while also lamenting the long wait for new entries. The conversation touches on Microsoft's influence, studio management, and the broader state of game development and preservation.
'The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters': David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung,…
David Szymanski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses his gaming history and preferences in a 'Disk Cleanup' feature. He highlights Myst as a foundational experience and considers the mid-2000s the golden era for first-person shooters due to their variety. Szymanski also shares his high playtime in Elden Ring and his enduring appreciation for Doom.
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are…
id Software studio director Hugo Martin addressed concerns about the studio's size and capabilities following recent Xbox layoffs. He stated that the studio is currently the same size as it was during the development of Doom 2016 and that the idTech engine remains active, with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. Martin also commented that successful games benefit everyone, including those who were let go.
id Software Creative Director Says Claims the Doom Developer Was 'Nerfed Into the Ground' by Xbox Layoffs Are Untrue
id Software creative director Hugo Martin stated that claims of the Doom developer being negatively impacted by Xbox layoffs are untrue. He insists the studio remains strong and active despite recent workforce reductions.
No, Doom maker id Software hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by the Xbox cuts, insists director Hugo Martin
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin has refuted claims that the studio has been significantly harmed by recent Xbox layoffs. Martin stated that the studio's size is comparable to when it developed Doom 2016 and that the id Tech engine remains active. These statements come amidst reports of substantial staff reductions at id Software following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Get Five Of The Best Carnage-Filled Games For Under $6
Fanatical is offering a 'Best of Killer Bundle' deal where customers can purchase five games for $5.99, with prices dropping further for larger purchases. The bundle includes titles like Chernobylite, multiple Sniper Elite games, Zombie Army Trilogy and 4, and Postal: Brain Damaged, focusing on carnage-filled and chaotic shooter experiences.
Microsoft Says Id Tech Is Safe, Former Staffers Say They’ve Fired Everyone Who Could Save It
Microsoft is facing scrutiny following significant layoffs at id Software, with former employees expressing concern that the studio's proprietary id Tech engine may be discontinued. While Microsoft maintains that id Software has sufficient staff and is committed to id Tech, reports suggest that key personnel responsible for the engine's development were among those let go. This situation raises questions about the future of the engine, which is known for its optimization in first-person shooters, and the broader implications of industry reliance on engines like Unreal Engine 5.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
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The Washington Post has recognized Doom as one of the 25 most influential works of American culture. This acknowledgment highlights the game's significant impact beyond the gaming industry, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
The Washington Post selects Doom as one of the 25 'most influential works of American culture'
The Washington Post has recognized the original 1993 shooter Doom as one of the 25 most influential works of American culture. The publication highlighted Doom's foundational role in digital entertainment, its pioneering use of the internet for distribution, and its impact on user-generated content. The article also touches on the game's controversial legacy and its cultural significance, as noted by Washington Post critic Gene Park and designer John Romero.