DOOM, first released nearly three decades ago, still reverberates through the gaming landscape today. It changed how developers think about speed, power, and player agency, setting a benchmark that continues to shape first-person shooters. The original game’s design pushed boundaries and inspired a generation of programmers, designers, and artists to pursue bold ideas in interactive entertainment. In that story, John Romero stands out not just as a cocreator of a landmark title, but as a persistent advocate for building games that speak directly to the instincts of players. His contributions helped stitch together a new era for PC games and an evolving culture of modding, speedrunning, and community-led experimentation that persists to this day.
Romero has often spoken about the long path that led to the release of DOOM. The effort involved countless hours of prototyping, iteration, and collaboration among a team that believed in a shared vision of immersive action and tactile feedback. In a recent post, he reflected on DOOM as the 90th title he has created, a milestone that underscores his long career and a willingness to keep starting new projects rather than clinging to past successes. The message he conveyed to aspiring developers is clear: begin now, and keep making games across different genres and styles. He cautioned against overthinking game design or trying to imitate someone else, encouraging creators to trust their inner impulses and pursue authentic ideas with conviction. This stance resonates with many in the game development community who value originality, experimentation, and the craft of shaping strong gameplay experiences.
Today, Romero is actively assembling a development team for a new first-person shooter. The project signals a continuation of his lifelong interest in pushing the boundaries of player immersion, pacing, and challenge. By gathering talent and aligning on a clear creative direction, he aims to build a title that speaks to both longtime fans and newcomers. The ambition behind this effort reflects a broader pattern in the industry where experienced creators continue to churn out ambitious projects that blend nostalgic design with modern technology, offering fresh takes on familiar mechanics. The work involves sourcing collaborators with complementary skills, refining engine choices, and outlining a vision that can sustain momentum through early prototypes, tests, and iterations. The pursuit is not merely about releasing a new game, but about sustaining a creative process that invites others to contribute and grow alongside the project.
From a broader perspective, Romero’s career illustrates how a single groundbreaking work can ripple outward, encouraging developers to experiment with new ideas while honoring the core instincts that make games engaging. The narrative of DOOM shows how a daring concept can outlive its original platform and continue to influence design decisions across generations of titles. It reminds creators that progress often starts with a willingness to take risks, to learn from setbacks, and to persist even when the road ahead looks uncertain. The ongoing effort to craft a new shooter also reinforces the idea that the search for meaningful, energetic gameplay is a continual journey rather than a finished chapter. This ongoing development reflects the evolving relationship between game design and audience expectations, a dynamic that keeps the industry vibrant and forward-looking.
In the ever-changing world of video games, Romero’s message still resonates: begin making games now, explore diverse formats, and trust the instincts that drew many creators to the craft in the first place. The path may be tough, but it is also deeply rewarding for those who commit to learning, iterating, and collaborating with others who share a love for the medium. The future of first-person shooters, shaped in part by Romero’s decades-long influence, promises to blend the lessons of the past with the capabilities of the present, inviting players to dive into new adventures that feel both fresh and familiar. For enthusiasts and aspiring developers alike, the takeaway is simple yet powerful: start building, stay curious, and keep the fire alive in every project you undertake. The journey continues.
Source attribution: VG Times