Legendary game designer John Romero, known for his foundational work on titles like Doom and Quake, has provided an update on his studio's latest project. Following a significant blow in 2025 when Microsoft pulled funding for a new shooter amid broader Xbox business cuts, Romero Games has secured a new publishing partner and is moving forward.
Romero described the funding loss as a "brutal blindsiding" but expressed a forward-looking attitude, stating, "I don't have bitterness because that's not who I am, really. I always move forward." The studio, which was reduced from 110 staff members to just five following the funding withdrawal, is now in a better position than it has been in decades, according to Romero.
While specifics about the publisher, release date, and the game itself remain under wraps, Romero confirmed that the project is a shooter built in Unreal Engine 5.8. He indicated that elements from the previously cancelled game are being incorporated into the new title.
Romero has previously suggested that his new game will offer a novel experience, comparing its potential impact to the way Elden Ring felt new to players. He elaborated in a recent interview that the game emphasizes exploration and player freedom, a stark contrast to more linear shooter experiences. "Exploration is really a big deal for me when I play a game," Romero said. "I don't like to be told how to play."
He drew a parallel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, highlighting how players can easily become sidetracked from their main objectives due to the wealth of discoverable content. "You want to go to that tower over there, but you're going to run into all kinds of stuff in between here and there and that might change everything you're doing," he explained. The goal, Romero stated, is to provide players with a sense of adventure and fun.
This approach suggests a first-person shooter that moves beyond traditional objectives, offering a more open-ended and emergent gameplay experience. Romero expressed his desire for players to "feel like they're just going to have an adventure and just have fun."