John Romero and John Carmack, the founders of id Software, have come together once again to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Doom. Their professional relationship faced a setback during the development of Quake, but any past animosity between them has since faded. This is evident from Carmack’s praises in Romero’s new autobiography.
Contrary to popular belief, the two Johns have maintained a close and extensive communication while working on the book, dispelling rumors of their adversarial relationship. Romero admits that in the early days of id Software, communication did break down, but he firmly believes that they could have resolved their differences and continued working together.
The week-long celebration, which is being livestreamed, focuses on the period before their professional split when they were united in pushing the boundaries and creating groundbreaking games. Romero shares that his Native American heritage had a major influence on his level design in Doom, even though he wasn’t consciously aware of it at the time. The game’s level design emphasized the importance of the environment and allowed players to revisit certain landmarks, reflecting the deep thinking of Native American culture.
One of the keys to Doom’s enduring popularity is its simplicity, solid movement mechanics, and a skillfully engineered game engine. The release of the game’s source code enabled modding, which has kept the game alive and continuously evolving, much to the delight of fans worldwide.
Excitingly, Romero has announced the launch of a new Doom episode titled Sigil II. In a testament to the passion and dedication of the Doom community, Romero constructed this episode using a fanmade level editor. It features secrets related to a notorious texture from the original Doom and is sure to bring a nostalgic rush to players.
What sets Romero’s level design in Doom apart is its playful antagonism, a rarity in an industry dominated by larger development teams. He has fully embraced the role of historian-at-large for Doom and early id Software. Romero believes it is paramount to correct errors and debunk misinformation to preserve the accurate history of these iconic games for future generations.
As John Romero and John Carmack reunite to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Doom, their camaraderie and shared passion for the game serve as a reminder of the lasting impact they have made on the gaming industry. Their collaboration has brought forth an innovative and timeless experience that continues to captivate players worldwide, ensuring Doom’s place in gaming history.
