John Romero, the renowned video game designer known for his pioneering work on the likes of Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, and Quake, released a memoir last year that is now getting adapted for the silver screen.
As reported by Deadline, two projects are in the works based on Romero’s autobiography Doom Guy: Life in First Person. The first is a documentary created by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Rob McCallum, and the second is a scripted drama series about the life and storied career of video gaming’s original rock star.
Naomi Harvey, executive producer of both projects under her Golden Possum Productions banner, said, “John’s story is incredibly powerful—not just the part about the revolutionary games he created, but his profound impact on those around him. His story is one of triumph over trauma, filled with compassion and inspiration.”
It’s an unbelievable rock n’ roll, boundary-shattering, thrill ride. McCallum added: “Romero’s journey is the missing antidote for all of us misfit toys looking for hope and kindred spirits in the darkness of the world. It’s an unbelievable rock n’ roll, boundary-shattering, thrill ride grounded in humanity, integrity, patience, and clever chess moves slathered in innocence, tenacity and pure coolness.”
Romero is considered by many as the godfather of the first-person shooter, having co-founded id Software and designed their early games, popularizing the genre. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2023 for his outstanding contribution to the video game industry.
His autobiography, published in July 2023, chronicles a “difficult childhood and storied career, beginning with his early days submitting Apple II game code to computer magazines and sneaking computers out the back door of his day job to write code at night,” according to the book’s blurb, which calls it an “inspiring” tale.
“Talking with both Rob [McCallum] and Naomi [Harvey], I knew they were the perfect team to bring Doom Guy to life,” Romero said of the adaptations. “Our backgrounds and aspirations have uncanny similarities, and I trust them to tell the story.”
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter here.
