The Tim Ferris Show – #681: Doom Legend John Romero — The Path to Prolific Innovation and Making 130+ Games, How to Find the Soul of the Work, Audacious Ambition, and Building in Monk Mode

Intro

In this episode of “The Tim Ferris Show,” Tim Ferris interviews John Romero, a computer and video game legend who has designed and published over 130 games. They discuss Romero’s path to prolific innovation, the process of creating iconic games like Doom and Quake, and the importance of finding the soul of the work. Romero shares insights into his childhood, his experiences in the gaming industry, and his ambitious approach to game development.

Main Takeaways

John Romero’s Childhood and Background

• John Romero grew up in Tucson, Arizona, next to the Yaki reservation, and his family has Aztec and Yaki heritage.
• Romero’s childhood was culturally significant to him because he learned a lot about his Mexican side during that time.
• John Romero’s childhood was challenging due to his father’s alcoholism and witnessing domestic violence.
• Money and food were tight, and John’s father resorted to robbery to provide for the family.
• At one point, John and his younger brother were abandoned in the desert by their father.
• John’s tough upbringing contributed to his resilience and toughness.

The Path to Game Development

• John Romero got his first taste of programming by taking a computer programming class in 1983.
• He taught himself how to code in a college computer lab at the age of 11.
• His coding skills eventually landed him a job at the Aggressor Squadron, where he impressed Captain Spencer with his knowledge of assembly language and CPM operating system.
• Programming is an iterative process that involves solving problems and building on knowledge.
• Learning programming involves understanding keywords and how to put them together to achieve desired outcomes.
• Confidence in programming comes from solving problems and understanding how to architect solutions.
• Programming is for people who enjoy problem-solving and climbing walls to learn and achieve new things.

Revolutionizing the Gaming Industry

• John Romero made a significant advancement in gaming by creating a navigable 3D environment in 1991.
• The team at id Software, which Romero co-founded, focused on optimizing for speed and using elegant code to create breakthroughs in gaming.
• They made 13 games in one year by working efficiently and focusing on speed and optimization.
• Scoping was a key factor in their success, defining exactly what the game should be and not adding to it.
• The team’s focus and love for making games helped them work efficiently and cut unnecessary features when needed.
• Wolfenstein 3D and Doom were groundbreaking games that revolutionized the first-person shooter genre.
• Doom’s multiplayer feature and open modifiability were game-changing additions to the industry.

Lessons in Game Design and Success

• The team visualized and communicated the game’s design instead of using prototypes.
• They built the game’s functionality based on the original design, removing anything that didn’t contribute to the game’s soul.
• Scoping and focusing on the game’s main elements were essential for success.
• Playing many games over a long time helped recall solutions and avoid replicating failed designs of the past.
• The team’s small size and efficient work ethic contributed to their success.
• John Romero reflects on his fun career making games and the importance of pushing design boundaries.

Summary

John Romero’s Childhood and Background

John Romero’s childhood was marked by challenges, including his father’s alcoholism and witnessing domestic violence. Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, Romero learned about his Mexican heritage and developed resilience from his tough upbringing. These experiences shaped his character and contributed to his success in the gaming industry.

The Path to Game Development

John Romero’s journey into game development started with a computer programming class in 1983. He taught himself how to code and eventually landed a job at the Aggressor Squadron, where he impressed with his programming skills. Romero emphasizes that programming is an iterative process that requires problem-solving and a love for learning and achieving new things.

Revolutionizing the Gaming Industry

John Romero and his team at id Software made significant advancements in gaming by creating navigable 3D environments and optimizing for speed and efficiency. Their games, such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom, revolutionized the first-person shooter genre and introduced groundbreaking features like multiplayer and modifiability. Their love for making games and focus on scoping and optimization contributed to their success.

Lessons in Game Design and Success

John Romero and his team prioritized visualizing and communicating game design instead of relying on prototypes. They focused on building the game’s functionality based on the original design and removed anything that didn’t contribute to the game’s soul. Scoping and efficient work ethic were crucial for success. Romero reflects on the importance of playing many games, recalling solutions, and avoiding replicating failed designs. He also highlights the advantages of working in a small team and pushing design boundaries.

Conclusion

John Romero’s journey in the gaming industry is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a passion for creating groundbreaking games. From his challenging childhood to his role in revolutionizing the first-person shooter genre, Romero’s story inspires aspiring game developers to push boundaries and stay true to their vision. His insights into game design and success provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the gaming industry.