The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
anthonylwolf's review against another edition
4.0
Years ago, when I first started writing about video games online, a friend of mine had this book in very high praise. He's a big Doom fan, and having a window into the lives of the Johns was priceless to him. Years later, I can see exactly why he loved it so much.
This book isn't just about John Romero or Carmack; it's a fantastic depiction of an era when video games were just being born, an era of creative genius and inventions at the dawn of the digital age. I listened to a superb audiobook from Audible for this and I was immersed in the story of the two Johns from the start – from their first steps at Softdisk to their fallout in the Quake era.
It's been a captivating, engaging and compelling read through and through, despite the abrasive personality of the two protagonists and Kushner basically depicting them as two gigantic douches. Which they probably were back then, to be fair.
I only wish this book had a new edition, a tiny update towards the end to know what the two Johns have been up to after their Doom years. Ion Storm was an interesting story by itself, but a look into Carmack moving into VR with Oculus would be intriguing as well.
A great read for anyone who's into learning more about the video games industry – if you can get past the rebellious, edgy and mostly unempathetic personality of the two core subjects.
This book isn't just about John Romero or Carmack; it's a fantastic depiction of an era when video games were just being born, an era of creative genius and inventions at the dawn of the digital age. I listened to a superb audiobook from Audible for this and I was immersed in the story of the two Johns from the start – from their first steps at Softdisk to their fallout in the Quake era.
It's been a captivating, engaging and compelling read through and through, despite the abrasive personality of the two protagonists and Kushner basically depicting them as two gigantic douches. Which they probably were back then, to be fair.
I only wish this book had a new edition, a tiny update towards the end to know what the two Johns have been up to after their Doom years. Ion Storm was an interesting story by itself, but a look into Carmack moving into VR with Oculus would be intriguing as well.
A great read for anyone who's into learning more about the video games industry – if you can get past the rebellious, edgy and mostly unempathetic personality of the two core subjects.
dorinlazar's review against another edition
4.0
Nice and informative, it handles well both the technical and the non-technical side. Pretty interesting read.
ein's review against another edition
4.0
К сожалению, это о людях. Мало технических подробностей, много выдуманных диалогов.
isd's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing and Domestic abuse
beorn_101's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoy video game journalism, and I kept hearing about this book, so I had to give it a try.
Doom and other ID games never had as drastic an impact on me personally, as on many other gamers, but I was familiar enough with the games to want to read about their inceptions.
The writing style is engaging, weaving together the tale of the various creators, their origins, and gaming philosophies. The story of their rags to riches, and then to drama, is compelling and poignant.
I think the most engaging section discussed the ways politicians jump frequently to blaming video games for societies ailments, while refusing to look at other causes.
Overall, if you like video games, want to know more about their development, and see the ways early games were made, this is a fascinating read.
It is dated, with later sections talking about "pocket PCs" aka early smart phones, and the update still originating to the early Xbox era I think.
If you have read Jason Schrier's work, and want something more, this is a good place to go.
Doom and other ID games never had as drastic an impact on me personally, as on many other gamers, but I was familiar enough with the games to want to read about their inceptions.
The writing style is engaging, weaving together the tale of the various creators, their origins, and gaming philosophies. The story of their rags to riches, and then to drama, is compelling and poignant.
I think the most engaging section discussed the ways politicians jump frequently to blaming video games for societies ailments, while refusing to look at other causes.
Overall, if you like video games, want to know more about their development, and see the ways early games were made, this is a fascinating read.
It is dated, with later sections talking about "pocket PCs" aka early smart phones, and the update still originating to the early Xbox era I think.
If you have read Jason Schrier's work, and want something more, this is a good place to go.
pfournier33's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent. Very addictive and fascinating read if you grew up with these games.
sujithpadar's review against another edition
3.0
Fast paced, reads like an action packed game, but tiring as it reaches the end.