‘Thank you so much for the best weekend ever’: The id Software gang got together at QuakeCon, and it sure looks like everyone had a great time
The 30th anniversary QuakeCon concluded with a historic reunion of id Software’s four co-founders—Adrian Carmack, John Carmack, Tom Hall, and John Romero—gathering together for the first time in years. The event carried particular significance given the studio’s complex internal history, marked by documented conflicts and legal disputes.
While tensions between the Johns were reportedly “over-dramatized” in public narratives, real conflicts shaped the studio’s trajectory, including Adrian Carmack’s 2005 lawsuit over his removal from id Software and internal disputes that led to the departures of notable developers like American McGee and Paul Steed. The gaming industry’s recent wave of consolidation added another chapter to id Software’s challenges, with the studio affected by Xbox’s recent layoffs.
Despite these historical grievances spanning decades, the QuakeCon reunion proved positive, demonstrating the enduring power of the shared legacy created by these founders. The success of bringing together the architects of one of PC gaming’s most influential franchises suggests the possibility of healing past wounds and celebrating their collective impact on gaming history.