John Romero Explores the World of Mobile Gaming in New Autobiography

John Romero, the acclaimed game developer behind iconic titles like Doom and Quake, is set to release his autobiography. Abrams Press has provided an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 23, “Open-World Exploration,” where Romero discusses his transition into mobile game development after leaving Ion Storm.

John Romero was at the forefront of the gaming industry, shaping the first-person shooter genre and witnessing the rise of handheld gaming. After parting ways with Ion Storm, Romero established Monkeystone and released several successful titles, including the inventive Congo Cube and the impressive N-Gage version of Red Faction.

Following our reading of Romero’s autobiography, we had the opportunity to sit down with him for an exclusive interview about his career, passions, and skills. Read the full interview here on PocketGamer.biz.

Doom Guy: Life in First Person by John Romero

Don’t miss your chance to delve into John Romero’s captivating journey when his autobiography, Doom Guy: Life in First Person, hits shelves on Thursday, July 20th. Published by Abrams Press, this book is a must-read for any gaming enthusiast.

Feeling that he had exhausted the possibilities in shooter design, Romero expressed his desire to explore new opportunities. The ever-evolving game industry presented a wide array of choices, with Japanese role-playing games receiving numerous awards and titles like The Sims introducing innovative gameplay mechanics.

Recognizing the growing potential of mobile gaming, Romero was eager to tap into this emerging market. Despite the limited capabilities of early mobile phones, he foresaw the massive impact they would have on the industry. With the formation of JAMDAT in 2001, a company spearheaded by Activision veterans, Romero saw the perfect opportunity to join the mobile gaming revolution.

A Fresh Start with Monkeystone Games

Seeking a change from the demanding nature of managing a large company, Romero, along with Tom Hall and Stevie Case, established Monkeystone Games in August 2001. Their first project, Hyperspace Delivery Boy!, exemplified Tom’s creative design, offering players an exciting puzzle adventure with humorous characters and challenging missions.

Romero, eager to return to full-time coding, dedicated himself to writing the necessary tools and an innovative game engine to bring Hyperspace Delivery Boy! to life. The team finished the game within four months, receiving critical acclaim although it didn’t reach commercial success.

Transitioning to Congo Cube, a wild and action-packed match-3 game, Monkeystone Games continued their pursuit of captivating gameplay experiences. However, with limited advertising channels and the absence of the App Store, promoting and distributing games proved to be an expensive challenge.

A Technological Breakthrough: Red Faction on the N-Gage

Undeterred by the hardships, Monkeystone Games set out to develop a port of Red Faction for the Nokia N-Gage. The unique console-phone hybrid offered an innovative gaming experience with its button-like joystick and distinctive design.

Despite facing significant obstacles, Romero and his team persevered, completing the project and proving their ability to adapt to new platforms and technologies.

John Romero’s autobiography provides a unique glimpse into the life of a pioneering game developer, showcasing his passion for exploration and innovation in the ever-evolving gaming industry. Doom Guy: Life in First Person is a testament to Romero’s influential career and his unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries in the world of gaming.