What did you think of Masters of Doom?

[Tony_Danza_the_boss]

The exploration of Carmack and Romero's relationship was a very intriguing read, and seeing their interpersonal dilemmas when it came down to engine vs. design was always at the forefront of their differences during their time at Id, and I thought Kushner was wise to take that approach to the formation of Id and Romero's eventual departure after the development of Quake. It was also very cool to see the key beginnings of Romero's game, Daikatana, and be able to see the drama and little things that went on at Id during the early to late 90s. 

 

I'm curious to see who has read MOD, and what did you think?

[Lippeth]

Haven't read it in a good ten years or so, but I remember really enjoying it. Some of the more memorable parts were Carmack unceremoniously getting rid of his cat, losing control of his faculties after a few drinks, and opening an office door with a decorative axe. Actually a lot of that book is coming back to me as I think about it, I may have to crack open a diet coke and give it another read.

[spineapple tea]

I was reading it near the beginning of quarantine and really enjoyed it, although I lost interest when it got into the stuff after Quake's release. I don't think I finished it, just kinda forgot about it until now. For a dumb 16 year old who doesn't read often, any book getting my attention like that is pretty impressive and for the somewhat niche topic it goes over, it does a great job of being fairly in depth (from what I remember).

[azerty]

I didn't read it all the way through but from what I read it was very entertaining. It's weird to say that someones life is entertaining but it's true. I read a lot about the development on doom and when it started talking about quake I stopped. Not because I don't like quake no I love that game I just stopped reading for some reason. You talked about the relationship between Carmack and Romero and that sounds very interesting. I might actually continue reading just for that. Even after hearing lots of interviews I still find their relation pretty weird and vague. Overall I enjoyed it a lot and I think it was pretty well written.

[Sneezy McGlassFace]

I'm reading it, and living it. I really appreciate all the background. Sure, some of it is to pad the book a bit but it's really cool to be told why commander keen was such a big deal. Among plenty other things. 

Like Tom Hall loving the Keen games so much. Really makes me wonder what he thought of Chex Quest. The cutesy alien theme with Doom under the skin. 

 

For those who don't know, it's covering the entire history of how id got together and their path to glory. Easy recommendation to fellow doom nerds.

 

I found it funny that the two Johns are referred to by their last names, and everybody else by their first. 

[Rudolph]

There were plans for a small screen adaptation back in 2019, but with the ongoing pandemic, I do not know what happened with them.

[david_a]

What are you talking about, they did make a show 😛

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dv6MEstMLw

 

Anyway, for anybody who liked the book I also highly recommend Rocket Jump. It's a book-sized article from Shack News about the development of Quake (I think they might even sell it as an ebook).

Edited April 8, 2022 by david_a

[Captain Ventris]

It was great! Really interesting to see how our beloved game came together. I did actually stop just as it moved on to Quake though, to be honest.

[DoomGater]

About a thousand times I started reading it. Then I get in the DOOM-mood,

put the book back on the shelf and play some Doom. Rewind and repeat.

[TheFocus]

great book if want to learn more about Doom. that's all there is to say.

[pantheon]

It's a very comfy book although it's sad to see the different relationships coming apart. Reading it took me back to being a kid and mailing Apogee money for registered Wolfenstein and being crushed that the IBM I played it on couldn't run the Doom shareware. Cool to now think about what they were up to during that time. I agree the engine vs. design narrative was presented well and it's so straightforward and readable it's easy to recommend to anyone registered on this board.

Edited April 13, 2022 by pantheon

[Biodegradable]

I read my copy I bought off Amazon some time in either late 2020/early 2021 and it's a fascinating read. I love how it delves into Romero and Carmack's early lives growing up, becoming fascinated with computers and eventually coming together along with how the id Soft boys built their team, ran their first development studio out of a lake house and all their shenanigans as young lads with stars in their eyes who had no idea what an incredible and powerful influence they would have in the history of gaming. There's a lot of great moments and tidbits that really humanise those familiar names we see on the credits page when you boot up Doom and get to know who they really are, what their contributions were and what it was like to make PC games during the 1990s.

 

I agree with Pantheon, it's written really well in a way that anyone can get a grasp of id Soft's technological achievements in a language anyone can understand. It's a terrifically accessible and entertaining book that does a great job capturing the company's history from their humble beginning until the end of Quake. It's pretty much THE quintessential book to read about Doom and id Software in my opinion.

Edited April 13, 2022 by Biodegradable

[DuckReconMajor]

Great read, couldn't put it down until I finished it. I wanted to read it again recently but don't know where my copy is. probably will just buy again on kindle

My heart still breaks for the burgers Jay Wilbur grilled that went uneaten

Thanks for the Rocket Jump reccomendation david_