From Doom to Quake: The Evolution of Game Development

This chapter explores the dynamics of team collaboration in creating groundbreaking video games like Doom and Quake, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and innovative design processes. It highlights the challenges faced during development, including the addition of multiplayer features and the evolution of game engines, while reflecting on the pressures of success. The speaker also shares personal insights into their journey in the gaming industry, including the origins of the name 'Doom' and the motivations behind their memoir.

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Computer and video game legend John Romero (@romero) has designed and published more than 130 games since his first sale at the age of 16. A teenage programming prodigy, his major achievements include co-inventing a series of revolutionary computer games—DOOM, Quake, Wolfenstein 3-D, and Commander Keen—that launched the industry’s most popular genre, the first-person shooter.

The memoir DOOM GUY: Life in First Person is his first book.

Please enjoy!

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[07:39] Childhood.

[11:30] Aggressor Squadron.

[14:55] John’s first exposure to computers and coding.

[21:34] Early innovations in 3D gaming.

[26:01] The id Software team.

[28:00] Side-scrolling games.

[30:41] Developing 13 games in one year. How?

[37:28] Designing with movable and removable parts in mind.

[42:45] Warning the world of its inevitable DOOM.

[53:04] Hyperthymesia.

[59:49] Working on two games at once.

[1:02:34] When John realized DOOM would be a hit.