John Romero’s ’Doom’ Memoir Is Full of Fascinating Details

John Romero, cocreator of the popular first-person shooters Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D is one of the video game industry’s best known designers. In his new book, Doom Guy: Life in First Person, Romero relates the many ups and downs of his life and career.

“It’s kind of an Id Software history book, plus my autobiography,” Romero says in Episode 546 of the Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy podcast. “It’s a chronicle of early game development by a team that was trying to make the best games ever, and it goes all the way up to today and everything that’s happened.”

The story of Id Software has previously been covered in books such as Masters of Doom and Rocket Jump, but Romero’s exuberant firsthand account fills in a number of fascinating details. “There was a lot of painstaking research into making sure that the dates that I had were absolutely correct because I wanted to make sure that this was going to be an authoritative book about Id’s games, so that was important to me,” he says.

Romero attracted heavy criticism after the failure of his much-hyped game studio Ion Storm. Doom Guy details the company’s many problems without dwelling on the past. “I have no bridges to burn or axes to grind, anything that went wrong I totally own it,” Romero says. “It’s just a positive energy book.”

Doom Guy also explores Romero’s tumultuous childhood, including his complicated relationship with his father and stepfather. “I hope the people who grew up like I did will find hope in this book when they read it and see that you can still have a great life,” he says.

Listen to the complete interview with John Romero in Episode 546 of Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy. And check out some highlights from the discussion below.