John Romero Spoke After Id Software’s Layoffs
John Romero shared an emotional message for id Software, one of the most influential studios in the gaming world. The layoffs at the studio, known for series that shaped the FPS genre such as DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein, seem to have deeply affected not only current employees but also those who contributed to building this legacy in the past.
John Romero Wants the id Software Legacy to Be Preserved
In his statement, John Romero expressed support for the developers affected by the layoffs. Speaking about id Software, which he co-founded in 1991, Romero emphasized that the bonds formed between the game development teams over the years are not easily forgotten. According to him, the importance of this studio comes not only from the games it produces but also from its role in laying the foundations of the FPS genre.
Romero stated that the current team carries a great responsibility to keep the spirit of series like DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein alive. He said that maintaining such brands isn’t just about technical skill, but also about understanding what the games mean to players. He specifically expressed his appreciation for the passion and contribution that id Software employees have shown over the years.
In his statement, Romero also dedicated a separate section to preserving the studio’s history, saying that he personally keeps a large archive of the company’s early development process. This archive reportedly includes source materials, development documents, visuals, and various recordings dating from the Softdisk era to 1996. Romero believes these documents will be valuable for those who want to study the history of gaming in the future.
The layoffs are said to be part of Microsoft’s restructuring process on the Xbox side. While the exact number hasn’t been released, it’s suggested that id Software has suffered significant losses. The departure of some developers who have worked at the studio for many years has raised questions about the team’s future. Romero’s message is both a call for support for employees and a message to preserve the history of gaming.
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