Id Software
History
Id Software is an American video game developer based in Dallas, Texas. The company was founded on February 1, 1991, by four members of the computer company Softdisk: programmers John Carmack and John Romero, game designer Tom Hall, and artist Adrian Carmack.
The company is known for pioneering the First-person shooter genre with its Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Quake franchises. These titles were notable for their pioneering use of immersive 3D graphics, networked multiplayer gaming, and support for player-created modifications via packaged files in a data archive known as "WADs".
Early Years and Breakthrough (1991-1993)
The founders of Id Software met in the offices of Softdisk developing games for the Apple II and IBM PC. Their first independent product, Commander Keen, was an overnight success, leading to a sequel and paving the way for their future titles.
Wolfenstein 3D and Doom (1992-1994)
In 1992, Id Software released Wolfenstein 3D, often considered as the first true FPS. The game was inspired by the 1980s Muse Software video games Castle Wolfenstein and Beyond Castle Wolfenstein. A year later, Id Software released Doom, which would have a far larger impact on the gaming industry.
Quake and the Growth of Online Gaming (1996-1999)
In 1996, Id Software released Quake, a revolutionary game that included a 3D engine and full-fledged multiplayer with a client-server model. This was a significant step forward for the FPS genre and the gaming industry as a whole.
Post-Romero Era and New Technologies (2000-2009)
After the departure of John Romero in 2000, Id Software continued to innovate, developing new technologies such as the Id Tech 4 engine, used in Doom 3 and other games.
Acquisition by ZeniMax (2009-Present)
In June 2009, Id Software was acquired by ZeniMax Media. Under the new parent company, Id Software went on to develop and release a new generation of games, including Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal.
Impact and Legacy
Id Software's impact on the video game industry is profound. The company's pioneering work in the FPS genre laid the groundwork for many of today's most popular video games. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in video game technology continues to inspire developers around the world.