John Romero
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John Carmack reacts to massive layoffs at id Software: 'My 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the…
Co-founder of id Software, John Carmack, has commented on the recent layoffs at the studio, expressing disappointment that his previous statement about Microsoft being a good steward of the brand "isn't aging well." While saddened, Carmack stated he doesn't "muster anger or outrage," suspecting id Software was a marginal business for Microsoft. He also discussed hypothetical strategies that could have prevented the team's decimation, while co-founder John Romero expressed grief for those affected.
Carmack says his 'Microsoft will be a good steward' of the id Software brand take didn't age well
Following significant layoffs at id Software amidst a broader Xbox reorganization, co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness and acknowledged that his previous statement about Microsoft being a good steward of the brand has not aged well. Carmack suspects id Software may have been a marginal business for Microsoft, contributing to the cuts despite recent releases like Doom: The Dark Ages.
Doom and Quake studio id Software reportedly gutted, leaving standalone capabilities in doubt and newly revealed game ideas dead
Microsoft's restructuring has severely impacted id Software, with 136 employees laid off, leaving fewer than 50 staff. This reduction in force has reportedly led to the cancellation of new game ideas like 'Fury' and a 'Perfect Dark' title, and casts doubt on the studio's ability to develop full-scale games independently. The future of id Software appears to be shifting towards a support role for other Xbox studios, potentially focusing on its proprietary id Tech engine.
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cuts
id Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Id Software veteran of over 20 years absolutely rips and tears into Microsoft after devastating layoffs: "XBOX decided half the team was no longer needed"
Long-time id Software developer Michael Maynard expressed his anger and sadness following significant layoffs at the studio, which he states impacted roughly half the team. Maynard, who had been with id Software for over 20 years, criticized Microsoft and Xbox for the decision, highlighting the loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on the studio's legacy. The article also briefly mentions Sony and Bungie's recent workforce reductions and John Romero's support for the affected developers.
John Romero has a private collection of "critically important" id Software history "including materials and assets that, as far as I know, id itself no longer has"
Following major layoffs at id Software under Microsoft's Xbox division, co-founder John Romero highlighted the critical importance of preserving the studio's history. Romero revealed he has personally archived significant early materials from id Software that the company may no longer possess. The article also touches on the impact of the layoffs on id Software's development teams and the broader discussion of game preservation.
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.
Game History and Preservation
John Romero expressed sympathy for id Software employees reportedly laid off, emphasizing the importance of preserving the studio's game history. He highlighted his own efforts in game preservation before his departure from the company.
"I know how devastating it is, and my heart's with all of you": Doom's John Romero responds to id Software reportedly losing half their team
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly laying off approximately half of the staff at id Software, with a significant impact on the studio's technology team. Former id Software co-founder John Romero has responded to the news, expressing sorrow for those affected and emphasizing the importance of preserving the studio's historical code and assets.
John Romero commiserates with ousted id devs as around half the studio reported axed, says he hopes someone is preserving its work like he did before he left
Following widespread layoffs at Xbox, id Software has reportedly lost around half of its studio staff, significantly impacting the QA department. Co-founder John Romero expressed his sympathy for those affected and hopes the studio's legacy and work are being preserved, sharing his own efforts in archiving id's early history.
Doom co-creator John Romero weighs in on Xbox's cuts to id Software, underlines the importance of digital preservation and the studio's history
Doom co-creator John Romero expressed his sorrow over the recent layoffs at id Software, acknowledging the personal impact of such events. He also emphasized the critical importance of preserving id Software's historical contributions to gaming, including its code and assets, as the company faces potential restructuring and rumors about the future of its id Tech engine.
Doom creator John Romero praises the devs who carried on id Software's legacy as Microsoft reportedly lays off half of the studio: "The last few games showed real care, skill, and respect"
Doom co-creator John Romero has expressed his sympathy for id Software employees affected by recent layoffs, which reportedly cut the studio in half. Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant restructure, impacting ZeniMax Studios and its subsidiaries, including id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, and Arkane Studios. Despite reports of Bethesda focusing on its strongest franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein, the extensive layoffs at id Software, particularly among coders working on the id Tech engine, raise concerns about the future of these series.
'My Heart's With All of You' — John Romero Says id Software Has 'Done a Great Job' Moving the Studio's Legacy Forward and Hopes Someone Is Working to Preserve It All Amid Xbox Layoffs
John Romero expressed his support for id Software, stating the studio has done a great job with its legacy and hopes for its preservation amidst recent Xbox layoffs. He commented on the impact of these cuts on the company.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Ahead of next week's expected Xbox bloodbath, IO Interactive loses funding for its online fantasy RPG
IO Interactive has lost external funding for its online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, leading to anticipated layoffs. Microsoft confirmed it was the partner that pulled funding as it re-evaluates its investments. This news comes shortly after the successful launch of 007 First Light, but casts a shadow over the future of Project Fantasy and potentially other studios working with Microsoft.
Doom legend John Romero says the FPS game's 20 million shareware players "were not 'pirates' by default" and "history is messier than 'pirates killed the companies'"
Legendary Doom designer John Romero disputes the notion that video game piracy destroyed companies in the 1990s. He argues that Doom's shareware model, where the first episode was freely distributed, means many of its 20 million players were not 'pirates' by default. Romero suggests that while piracy did cost money, it wasn't the sole reason for the decline of certain studios, and that the messy history of game distribution is more complex than a simple 'pirates killed companies' narrative.
John Carmack apologizes after Sandy Petersen says 'Quake ruined id Software,' and for once John Romero…
Following the 30th anniversary of Quake, co-designer Sandy Petersen stated that the game 'ruined id Software' spiritually due to its intense development cycle, leading to many key figures leaving. John Carmack apologized for pushing the team too hard and for the overly ambitious technical scope of Quake, while John Romero echoed sentiments about the unsustainable pace. Despite the toll, all involved acknowledged Quake's status as an iconic game.
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.
Doom and Wolfenstein 3D composer Bobby Prince dies aged 81
Bobby 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.
Why so many game developers don't want to use generative AI
Many game developers express strong reservations about using generative AI, citing ethical concerns, environmental impact, copyright issues, and job security risks. Despite some executives championing AI as a tool for efficiency, a significant portion of the industry views it as unproven, potentially harmful to creativity, and undesirable by players.
