It’s not very often I “scoop” the real news sites, but I guess this rumor hasn’t broken yet: Slipgate Ironworks, part of Gazillion, in San Mateo (headed by John Romero) – who were working on an unannounced MOG – has allegedly shut down it’s offices & laid everyone off in that office.
No idea how this is going to play out, but I was a bit surprised that the Great and Powerful Romero had another epic fail. Yeah, I know, I’m a fool like that.
I guess the MOG market certainly is no more immune to economics than any other business, but I just kept waiting to hear something new and exciting coming from them. I know, I know, I’m a silly goose – but I’m left wondering how the Hell Romero still manages to get investors? I’m not trying to say anything bad about him. He’s probably a great guy and loves his mother, yadda yadda. But has he done anything since Daikatana, which I don’t think really comes close to qualifying as impressive?
Again, I’m not trying to detract from what he has accomplished in the past. Wolfenstein 3D and Quake continue to hold a special place in my heart, as they were some of the first video games that really ‘hooked’ me. But that was what, 15 years ago?
I’m really curious as to what he’s been doing that still manages to entice investors. Or is he not getting investors, is he financing these things on his own? Obviously I know nothing about what it takes to start a company. But I would think that there has to be SOMEthing being shown to people to inspire confidence.
If you know or have your own thoughts, feel free to chime in. Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Romero himself stops by – he manages to find most of the things written about himself (as his own contributions to his Wiki article will testify).
Update 10/17/09 7:15pm: As expected, Kotaku is right on the ball with details on the matter. The details are definitely worth reading. Now to wait with bated breath for Lum’s take on the matter…