John Romero, a legendary figure in the realm of first-person shooters, is known for co-founding id Software and creating iconic games like Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, Hexen, and Quake. Today, he operates on a smaller scale with Romero Games, a studio that recently released the mafia-themed strategy game, Empire of Sin, in late 2020. Although the game received mixed reviews, Romero remains a significant figure in the gaming industry.
New Ventures and Challenges
Romero Games had partnered with Microsoft for a new project, but this collaboration faced setbacks amid the recent Xbox layoffs. Despite the project’s cancellation, the studio remains operational. John Romero provided an update during the San Diego Comic Con Malaga, revealing that the game was halfway through development and several publishers are interested in funding it.
We’re still figuring out what we’re going to do with our big game. We own the intellectual property, we own the code, we own everything about the game. Romero assured that the investment of $50 million into the game so far makes it an attractive prospect for many partners. Even if they were to switch partners, the assets already developed could expedite the completion of the project.
The Road Ahead
Romero is optimistic about finding a publisher to help bring the project to fruition and hopes to avoid the fate of many other game cancellations this year. Fans of his work eagerly anticipate the outcome, trusting in Romero’s enduring legacy in the gaming world.