It's the end of an era, ladies and gentlemen, as id Software co-founder and Doom creator John Carmack has left the studio to put all his efforts in his new Chief Technical Officer role at Oculus VR. For the uninitiated, Oculus VR is the company behind the Oculus Rift virtual reality device.
Carmack leading id Software is a huge blow to the company as he is the man behind iconic games like Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein. Gamers who have enjoyed these titles in the past will miss Carmack, as it is not certain if he will ever return to video game development.
According to John Carmack via his Twitter account, "I wanted to remain a technical adviser for Id, but it just didn't work out. Probably for the best, as the divided focus was challenging."
I wanted to remain a technical adviser for Id, but it just didn't work out. Probably for the best, as the divided focus was challenging.
— John Carmack (@ID_AA_Carmack) November 22, 2013
It would have been very difficult for Carmack to juggle between two companies, especially since Oculus VR is still putting a lot of effort behind its Rift virtual reality device. The big question is, will id Software survive without Carmack because he is seen as the visionary at the studio.
"John Carmack, who has become interested in focusing on things other than game development at id, has resigned from the studio," id Software studio director Tim Willits said. "John's work on id Tech 5 and the technology for the current development work at id is complete, and his departure will not affect any current projects. We are fortunate to have a brilliant group of programmers at id who worked with John and will carry on id's tradition of making great games with cutting-edge technology. As colleagues of John for many years, we wish him well."
A lot of Doom and Quake fans might not find this news pleasing, but for those who are keeping a keen eye on the Oculus Rift, this is awesome news. By doing this, Carmack would be able to pour all his talent and energy into making the Oculus Rift the must-have virtual reality wearable display in the coming years.
It would be very interesting to see what greatness will come from Oculus VR now that John Carmack is fully onboard.
