Legendary game developer John Romero, a co-founder of id Software and instrumental in the creation of seminal titles like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show. The event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from October 29 to November 1, 2026.
Romero's keynote address, titled "Why We Still Make Games," is set to explore his extensive experience in game development, detailing his journey through industry shifts, overcoming obstacles, and reflecting on a career that has spanned multiple decades. His participation comes at a time when many in the industry are grappling with significant changes and challenges, including recent widespread layoffs.
Romero recently voiced his support for id Software employees affected by layoffs following Xbox's restructuring. He shared on social media his empathy for those departing the studio, describing the experience as "strange and painful" to leave a place intertwined with so much of one's work, friendships, and history. His own studio, Romero Games, also faced setbacks, with an unannounced shooter reportedly canceled in 2025 due to Microsoft withdrawing funding, providing him with direct experience of the industry's current climate.
He joins a growing roster of confirmed speakers, including Nick Herman and Dennis Lenart, co-founders of AdHoc Studio, the creators of the 2025 game Dispatch. Zhen Fang, VP and Head of International at Roblox, and Yoan Fanise, creative director and founder of indie developer DigixArt, are also slated to speak. The event organizers anticipate further speaker announcements in the lead-up to the show.
Last year's Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show featured notable keynotes from developers at Ubisoft and Naughty Dog, as well as a notable address from Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield, who described the industry as "broken, beaten, and battered." Schofield subsequently retired from game development.
The 2026 edition of Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show is expected to be the largest yet, with an expanded public area covering four halls and a total event space of 35,000 square meters. Major publishers such as Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Sega will be present, alongside a dedicated section for independent developers to showcase talent from Southeast Asia and beyond. The event will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.