In a recent episode of Nightdive Studios’ Deep Dive podcast, the gaming community was treated to an intriguing revelation from the iconic developer John Romero. During the conversation, Romero shared a fascinating twist in his career trajectory and the broader narrative of gaming history. He disclosed that Paul Neurath, the visionary founder of Looking Glass Studios—renowned for titles such as System Shock and Thief—had extended an invitation to him to co-found the company. However, due to a prior commitment, Romero was unable to seize this opportunity.
Romero’s journey began at Origin Systems, a pioneering studio in the PC gaming landscape, established by the legendary Richard Garriott, creator of the Ultima series. Reflecting on his early days, Romero recounted, “I got my job there in 1987. My first job was porting 2400 AD from the Apple 2 to the Commodore 64.” Unfortunately, the cancellation of this port led him to collaborate with Neurath on a project called Space Rogue, an ambitious blend of space simulation and role-playing elements that would later influence titles like Wing Commander.
Reflecting on a Pivotal Moment
This moment in Romero’s career underscores the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry, where paths can diverge in unexpected ways. The collaboration between Romero and Neurath could have potentially altered the landscape of game development, leading to innovations that might have emerged from their partnership. Instead, Romero’s work at Origin Systems laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the gaming world, while Neurath went on to create a legacy with Looking Glass Studios.
As the podcast delved deeper into the evolution of the gaming industry, discussions also touched upon the rise of indie developers, the unique origins of various gaming genres, and the surprisingly relaxed timeline behind the development of classic titles like Wolfenstein. These insights not only highlight the rich tapestry of gaming history but also serve as a reminder of the myriad possibilities that exist within the realm of game development.
