In a significant turn of events, Romero Games, the studio co-founded by renowned game designers John and Brenda Romero, has officially shuttered its doors. This closure follows the withdrawal of crucial funding from a publisher for its anticipated first-person shooter (FPS) project. Sources indicate that Microsoft was the publisher involved, marking yet another impact of the tech giant’s recent restructuring efforts, which have included widespread layoffs across various sectors.
Insights from Former Employees
Former employees of Romero Games have shared insights into the abrupt nature of the studio’s closure. One individual recounted that meetings with the publisher occurred just a day prior to the funding withdrawal, with no indication of the impending decision being communicated. This unexpected turn of events has left many in the gaming community reflecting on what could have been—a full-fledged triple-A FPS that might have echoed the design excellence seen in the studio’s previous works.
While the studio’s most recent title, Empire of Sin, received a mixed reception, it did see a surprise expansion launched last month by developer Moonmana. In contrast, Romero Games has successfully released unofficial expansions for the iconic Doom series, namely Sigil and Sigil 2, which have been well-received and integrated into Nightdive’s remaster of the original game.
Future Prospects
Despite the studio’s closure, there remains a glimmer of hope for the future of Romero Games. A former employee mentioned efforts to explore alternative funding avenues for the in-development FPS project. “We’re trying to find other ways of funding the project,” they stated, although they acknowledged the current situation as one of complete closure.
Interestingly, the studio had been ramping up its social media presence in anticipation of an announcement, including a new “FPS Fridays” series on Twitch where John Romero showcased various FPS titles, such as New Blood’s Dusk. This proactive engagement with the gaming community hints at the studio’s commitment to its projects, even in the face of adversity.
While the fate of Romero Games remains uncertain, the gaming industry has seen instances of revival before. For example, Tango Gameworks was brought back to life by Krafton following its own closure by Microsoft last year. As the dust settles on this latest development, the community watches closely, hoping for a potential turnaround that could see Romero Games rise again.
