In an exciting turn of events, legendary game designer John Romero, co-creator of Doom, has shared that while his last shooter project was canceled, its essence will live on in his latest venture. This revelation has stirred anticipation and curiosity among fans awaiting his next creation.
From Setback to New Beginnings
Romero Games, the brainchild of John and Brenda Romero, faced a significant hurdle this past summer when funding for their upcoming project was reportedly withdrawn by Microsoft. This decision was part of a larger wave of budget cuts, which also impacted internal Xbox studios, leading to the cancellation of projects such as Everwild, Perfect Dark, and other undisclosed titles. Despite the setback, the studio remains operational, with the Romeros actively exploring new publishing partnerships. Although details about the game were sparse, it has been confirmed as a first-person shooter.
Reviving a Vision
In a recent interview at the Salón del Videojuego de Madrid, John Romero announced to an enthusiastic audience that despite the cancellation, the spirit of the game persists in a new form. Although his current project diverges from the original, it retains many elements from the canceled shooter. “We have 50 million worth of a game,” Romero explained. “We can take pieces out and put [them] into a brand new indie game, so we have a lot of stuff to put in the game, and the design is completely different, but the team is really excited.” This new endeavor represents a fresh start, leveraging prior work to create something innovative and exhilarating.
The smaller scale of the new game allows team members, previously confined to directorial roles, to engage deeply in the creative process. This return to hands-on development is invigorating for the team, promising a unique and passionate result.
A New Gaming Experience
While specifics about the gameplay remain under wraps, Romero hinted at its innovative nature, noting he has “never played a game like it” before. It’s being developed as a shooter, yet promises to introduce novel experiences akin to the groundbreaking exploration seen in Elden Ring. The game’s design aims to immerse players in a unique world filled with surprises and discoveries.
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