John Carmack Leaves id Software [Nov 22, 2013, 9:28 pm ET] – Share – Viewing Comments
John Carmack has parted ways with id Software, a move that was once
inconceivable when he was part owner of the Mesquite-based developer, but had
become possible when Bethesda Softworks parent Zenimax
bought id in 2009, and perhaps
inevitable when Carmack joined
Oculus Rift over the summer.
John's
twitter feed has his comment (thanks Paul): "I wanted to remain a technical
adviser for Id, but it just didn't work out. Probably for the best, as the
divided focus was challenging."
IGN has id's statement: "John Carmack, who has become interested in focusing
on things other than game development at id, has resigned from the studio," id's
studio director Tim Willits told IGN. "John’s work on id Tech 5 and the
technology for the current development work at id is complete, and his departure
will not affect any current projects. We are fortunate to have a brilliant group
of programmers at id who worked with John and will carry on id’s tradition of
making great games with cutting-edge technology. As colleagues of John for many
years, we wish him well." John later
tweeted
once more about this: "If they don't want me to talk on stage at Quakecon
next year, we'll just have to fill up the lobby like the old days. :-)"
How long until id closes, especially if its games continue along the current trajectory?
Some of id's early games, running on Carmack's engines, were trendsetters and certainly left me with some wonderful memories. I was a gamer from age of four or so, but the first time I saw Doom running in its gothic 2.5D glory, it was a life-changing event. Commander Keen, Hovertank 3D, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, Doom II, Quake, the accelerated graphics of Quake 2, and Quake III Arena - I have fond memories of these games, not to mention the gaming joy third parties brought (Raven, Ritual, Rogue, Splash Damage, Valve, etc.)
As for Carmack, I hope he is able to improve the Oculus Rift and bring it to market with game developer support and a widely appealing combination of price and functionality. Looking back at his history, especially his more recent games, I question if he understands gameplay any has any real passion for the act of gaming. Rage sacrificed everything for 60FPS and shoving a mediocre game engine down our throats. Even on the tech side, his embracing of 1080p is profoundly disheartening. Otherwise, let him go tinker on stuff and let other people design great gaming experiences for old and new gamers alike.
Still waiting on my Quake sequel
,
Ray Piss off, you stupid space marine...
Some of id's early games, running on Carmack's engines, were trendsetters and certainly left me with some wonderful memories. I was a gamer from age of four or so, but the first time I saw Doom running in its gothic 2.5D glory, it was a life-changing event. Commander Keen, Hovertank 3D, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, Doom II, Quake, the accelerated graphics of Quake 2, and Quake III Arena - I have fond memories of these games, not to mention the gaming joy third parties brought (Raven, Ritual, Rogue, Splash Damage, Valve, etc.)
As for Carmack, I hope he is able to improve the Oculus Rift and bring it to market with game developer support and a widely appealing combination of price and functionality. Looking back at his history, especially his more recent games, I question if he understands gameplay any has any real passion for the act of gaming. Rage sacrificed everything for 60FPS and shoving a mediocre game engine down our throats. Even on the tech side, his embracing of 1080p is profoundly disheartening. Otherwise, let him go tinker on stuff and let other people design great gaming experiences for old and new gamers alike.
Still waiting on my Quake sequel
,Ray Piss off, you stupid space marine...
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