John Romero's Irish Adventure

In our first episode of Noclip Profiles we travel to Ireland to talk to John Romero about his incredible career making some of the most influential first person shooters of all time. We learn about his young passion for programming, the reasons he left id Software and what he hopes to achieve with his new life in Galway.
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Produced by Danny O'Dwyer
Funded by Gamers.
00:00 - Intro
02:28 - Welcome to Galway
04:23 - Why Ireland?
09:00 - Memory Lane
13:52 - Making the Jump to PC
17:00 - Growing with id
21:32 - Doom
25:44 - Quaking in their Boots
32:14 - Leaving id
35:25 - Contemporary Gaming
37:52 - The Family Business
38:46 - In the Community
39:42 - A Videogames Oracle
41:20 - Credits

[@NoclipDocs]

Thanks for watching our first Noclip profile. We hope you enjoyed meeting John Romero as much as we did! Our third doc series is already in production and will be live in February. We've got a stacked 2017 planned already, make sure you sub :)

[@KogaSagara]

its awesome look a guy like him talking normal, with out thinking he is like a god, im learning a lot about his way of thinking to aply to my life, thank you so much for doing this, poor people like me get inspiration from things like this

[@JoPeTuYaTroJoueY]

amazing work Danny ! thanks for all these inside views on dev / personality we love !

[@Jordansynth]

Incredible video. The original Doom changed my life.

[@c0mmanderKeen]

You guys are doing such a great job... What you said in your Patreon trailer? It's all happening. At last someone is taking this seriously. Much love!!!

[@SizzlingOne]

On to even bigger things! Great and amazing work guys.

[@WritingOnGames]

Goddamn, he just seems so COOL. Like, he's SO happy about the fact he can have all the gravy he wants. YOU'VE EARNED YOUR GRAVY JOHN

[@HowieGaming]

John Romero: Professional Gravy Master.

[@psppwng]

He's ridin' the gravy train!

[@yksnimus]

the hell is gravy

[@robertnewman4854]

GRAVY...SUCK IT DOWN.

[@badungajunga7749]

yksnimus r u serious ?

[@KungFuKuya]

I love how metalheads, and indeed creators of games like Doom/Quake, are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Romero is truly a cool dude.

[@RealEngineering]

Woo galway, my home town. Nicest place in Ireland

[@sharkymcshark3392]

Real Engineering Agreed, my family come from Galway, it's the most "Irish" part of Ireland in my opinion.

[@Coolman0451]

My 7th Great Grandfather was from county Galway. Would love to visit it at some point in the future!

[@DuSlothster]

Lets not get ahead of ourselves now. It's clearly Westport

[@kduhtdkzrt]

Real Engineering I‘m going on a road trip to Ireland this year. Including a stay in Galway. Any insider tips are very welcome.

[@moredetonation3755]

My family's from there and we make an effort to go back and visit relations every few years, it's lovely

[@ThePhantomTommy]

Hearing John say words like Tayto and Centra makes me happy.

[@notoriousbmc1]

Totally ignored Supermac's though :(

[@7EEVEE]

Hahahaha I know, I love it.

[@slidewineder3953]

That opening series of shots was stunning.

[@NoclipDocs]

Dridor thanks so much! It's not hard when the landscape is that beautiful

[@tmack729]

Aye, but Galway's a hole :p

[@kduhtdkzrt]

Dridor Yep. Ayre is incredible. Fell in love on vacation two years ago and planing to go back as often as I can.

[@007nikster2]

were*

[@slidewineder3953]

The word "series" is both singular and plural. "Was" works.

[@darovi]

Man I could listen to Romero talking about games forever, such a legend.

[@MattGabnai]

This channel is what youtube, or even what the internet is supposed to be about for me. I'm always amazed and with a dropped jaw watching any noclip episode, not only because these are probably the most touching, compelling and inspiring stories of a generation of behind the screen "rockstars" I've ever seen, but because these episodes are also done with such attention to detail... the editing on this one was fantastic storytelling. The person who does your audio, I tip my hat to you. And all this at my fingertips, practically for free... sharing meticulously collected values. Again, what the internet should be about, for me at least. Danny O'Dwyer, and the rest of the team, thank you for your hard work!

[@FrenXIII]

Amen!

[@Vub.]

My favorite channel and favorite gaming journalist for sure

[@suto9233]

Romero's hair is luscious and beautiful.

[@mattsisland7101]

You should see it in real life resolution... About 6 months ago I walked past him near the coach station in Galway, it took me a while to realise who it was as I never expected to see him here.

[@Neo2266.]

Matt's Island Ever saw him again?

[@rerez]

Damn dude, you're making some great stuff.

[@Jayy997]

Romero really needs to get onto DOOM 2016 ASAP. I reckon it would be right up his alley and he would have an absolute blast.

[@Trashware]

*) Doom 4. It's Doom 4. Even John says so :p

[@sigmaprojects]

I wouldn't say that, Doom 4 was the game they were trying to make, but was totally missing what Doom was about, they eventually scrapped that and made Doom (2016). But you have to realize Doom4 was being worked on for years and then when finally someone decided to make the right decision was to end it, most game companies would close doors after that. Thus why he said it's amazing that they survived because most companies can't do that.

[@Trashware]

I'm still calling it Doom 4 though. It's a principle thing :p

[@sigmaprojects]

Trashware But Doom 4 is a very different game. It was a game about how hell invaded Earth and the repercussions of that. It was too much like a COD game and eventually they realized it wasn't Doom anymore.

[@Trashware]

You're not wrong, and also I'm not entirely serious ;) Although I do hate it when games just use the same title as the original titles (Thief, Shadow Warrior, Tomb Raider, Hitman etc). It's confusing when talking about games, and it also kinda implies you should disregard the originals altogether. Just name your game properly already.

[@Fleshfeast]

v_idlescale 1 This is the Quake variable he's talking about at 29:32

[@nimbusstev]

Magazine articles back in the day always painted John Romero as this notorious, larger than life rock star with a ton of attitude. But in reality he's just a soft spoken indie dev with an immense love of games and an endless amount of game history knowledge. Thanks so much for putting together this wonderful documentary. I could listen to John talk for hours!

[@rbdriftin]

What a cool, laid back, intelligent, and warm guy. His past glories are probably the best thing he'll ever do but the man seems happy and fulfilled.

[@Wladislav]

Loving the Noclip Profiles idea. I hope there will be many more to come!

[@Haririsoon]

The first part seems like a huge tourism advertisement for Ireland. I'm not even going to deny the fact that I really want to go to Ireland now, especially considering the culture is already very similar to my home in Cornwall. Great video though Danny!

[@Haririsoon]

I feel like that'd be a massive problem for me all the time regardless of county xD

[@mylesfrost335]

same, Ireland still feels very different and refreshing despite having all the things we love about Cornwall. im cornish as well

[@kavalogue]

Fuck Cornwall. You as individuals are all very welcome tho we’d love to have ye

[@Dylanquinn666]

I always find it so novel hearing famous Americans saying Irish place names and talking about Irish things. The Romeros briefly dropped by my table at Dublin Comic Con last year and took one of my cards. I was speechless! Lovely people. Great stuff as always, keep up the great work!

[@JohnMollaghan]

Born and bred in Cork myself, it's so nice to hear someone speak so fondly about Ireland. It's very easy for us Irish to find fault with things, we probably forget that overall, it's a great country. Great doc Danny, big fan of DOOM and Quake myself.

[@krashd]

Seemingly people from Cork type in English but speak something else as somewhere between Dublin and cork all decipherability just falls through the floor.

[@kevinhayes3672]

John Romero speaking in Irish is heartwarming

[@pwnyou2295]

It seems like he's handed over the torch to the next generation of game designers. I'm glad he still designs, but lives a simpler life now. Ireland looks beautiful. From personal experience, anywhere outside of California is great. North Carolina is sort of like the Silicon Valley of the east coast. I moved here about a year ago and can't get enough of it. Tech companies are everywhere (e.g Insomniac, Red Storm, Epic, etc.), jobs are plentiful, people are much nicer, and the overall lifestyle is more relaxed and family oriented. In California, society is a lot more industrialized. Here in NC, mom and pop stores are everywhere (like in Ireland). In fact, in 2015, Money Magazine voted Apex as the best place to live in America. I'm only 23, but I've been all over the US (and several countries as well). California is on life support now. If your happy there, by all means stay, this is just my opinion. However, we live in a huge country, take advantage of that.

[@RyuRanXII]

I loved the mix of docummentary and interview. Also, I liked the fact that Danny and his team brought something new to the story that we heard many times already.

[@androidt800]

The Irish tourism board needs to cut Danny a John a check for this piece. I've never seen the country profiled this way. So good.

[@meelans6126]

man, noclip is the best quality is key

[@HorrorUberAlles]

Absolutely fantastic episode!! George Broussard (3dRealms, Duke Nukem 3D creator) profile WHEN?!?!

[@eoinmcguire5071]

I live in Galway and occasionally see John Romero walking around. It's bizarre, you're heading out for a pint and suddenly "Oh there's the lad who made Doom." I'm so glad you were able to come interview him, this channel is spectacular.

[@mpjme]

As far as this patron is concerned, another solid delivery. Great job!

[@Duggy123]

Yay for Galway, love the place! :D

[@pokerboy4395]

what about tipperary:(

[@UXXV]

Ive seen tons of Romero videos. This one expanded my universe! Thank you 👌

[@GameplayandTalk]

"The chain gun [sound] was the best thing in the world." QFTT.

[@9TO5G4MERS]

keep this amazing shit coming my good sir love these... one of the best things on the net.

[@basedSHARK]

Holy crap. I wanna move to Ireland now. Thanks for the work you do Noclip!

[@wattersmd]

At 3.02 you pass my workplace! This is so surreal haha. Great work Danny and Co!

[@Sam-lr9oi]

Holy shit, I chose to watch this today, and now googling John, his new game is being revealed tomorrow apparently!? What a coincidence!

[@ShapelessMedia]

This is such a fantastic work from start to finish. The music is subtle and fitting, the shots are gorgeous and the Nat-Pops make such a calming mood for it. John's interview is incredible- Danny I am blown away again, you are an incredible creator and I can't wait to see more.

[@Dosgamert]

Fantastic Profile! Loving the stuff John Romero made and what he stands for. He get's it.

[@sharkymcshark3392]

Awesome documentary, who knew John Romero was living in my own country.

[@LordLOC]

You must have loved being able to go back home for this one Danny :) Also, terrific interview. I just started playing Gunman Taco Truck and was wondering how John Romero was doing. So this is great stuff!

[@sebastianwardana1527]

I cant help but totally be happy for the man!

[@rich_rohan]

was looking forward to hearing his impression on the new Doom but too bad he hasnt played it. I'm sure he would love it

[@sigmaprojects]

If he only plays the first couple levels he'll hate it. I hope he plays the whole campaign.

[@sigmaprojects]

***** So did I, but he's Romero, level design is his thing. The first few levels are very basic to help with the majority of customers ease into the game. Romero's hallmark is his abstract level design. I've talked to some programmers who couldn't get past the first couple levels because they thought it was just boring level design. I'm not a programmer so I don't have the same lense they see from.

[@rich_rohan]

+Sigma Projects Yeah I agree with you. I enjoyed the game right off the bat and the first level had a few branching paths and well placed secrets but I think Romero himself would find it a bit linear. However I do think he would enjoy the combat/glory kills. The game truly picks up with its non-linear level design at the Foundry Level so I think he would really like it from that point.

[@sigmaprojects]

richter3456 I wish there was more Hell levels, I thought they were great. And Hugo seems to really get what Doom is about. I'm bummed that I haven't seen any new DLC for Doom for the single player campaign. I didn't really get into the Multiplayer.

[@rich_rohan]

+Sigma Projects Yeah Hugo is a pretty cool guy and he knows what made Doom what it was and what it is today. I'm sure they are probably going to release some sort of expansion like they did for Wolfenstien Old Blood. I really hope that one of the bosses is the Titan that we see in the titan realm or the icon of sin. I really want to see that boss fight recreated.

[@BucketOfNuggets]

I would really love to see a no holds interview from the point of view of the other devs that were around during the Quake time. Romero is awesome but I feel like we should hear the other side too.

[@TheLuisberg]

Man Ireland sounds like an amazing place to live

[@michieldevries977]

What a fantastic trip down memory lane. John is a great guy and indeed, a living oracle when it comes to games. Thanks for making this Danny! Proud to be a patron.

[@krissklein]

Danny, this was fantastic. And Romero is such a cool person too! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@BackwardsCombatable]

His passion is truly contagious. I can't wait to see what he's been working on. Also, this interview made me think it would be cool to get a games podcast from John. Would be interesting to hear his opinions on the genre that he helped create.

[@DerekRaponi]

WOW Danny - this was amazing! I was completely glued for 45 minutes. Keep up the incredible work

[@mynameisfatmike6742]

Fabulous video Danny boy, another home-run. I love the id software story and the roots that it holds in video game history. Masters of Doom is one of the best books I've ever read (and read multiple times at that). Romero is the perfect candidate to be the first Noclip profile.

[@thebomb78]

As a Limerick man, a metalhead and a gamer, this video delights me!

[@clawhammr666]

Thanks a lot for making this, so much fun seeing so many game dev videos coming out and in high quality/production

[@HelderP1337]

these are so well done, i had goosebumps from the get go.

[@jamalbayliss8523]

Amazing job Danny, keep the profiles and the full doc's coming. Awesome.

[@speedhuntr]

Been waiting all day for this! Thanks Danny! Excited to check it out.

[@HAZARDOUS88]

Thanks for the interview! Can't wait to see what he does next!

[@MrMarlby]

The quality of your videos so far is really something else, far above anything else out there! Keep 'em coming :D

[@MemoryDealer]

What an amazing production, it's rare to see a documentary/interview as engaging as this.

[@darkriff777]

Great interview guys. I definitely look forward to seeing more of these.

[@whiskeyjuliet]

Totally fantastic video, I hope there's many more to come.

[@mugenjouproject]

Truly an inspirational guy and the games he made took such a large part of my youth. Groundbreaking game developer and look forward to his future stuff.

[@BenTiede]

This was FANTASTIC Danny! Thank you so much!

[@HeyLookaSandwich]

This was amazing. Fantastic video as always!

[@Suvzillaa]

Again, absolute quality from you guys! Always a joy to see.

[@Primouf]

what a legend !! thanks for the great doc, can't wait for the next one :)

[@MetalHorrorGamer]

that was a fantastic Documentary/interview. Awesome job

[@zenmastah9051]

Such a lovely interview. Well done Danny!

[@Di0nysys]

Such an awesome guy. Loved every minute of it. Thanks for putting the effort into making all of these.

[@RandomAssaultPodcast]

I'm so excited about this channel, I can't wait for another Noclip Profile

[@Darkborn]

Very Inspirational. Just what I needed. Thanks!

[@joshm4960]

Awesome, awesome work, cant wait to see more

[@MrNicvdb]

The content on this channel is just incredible. Amazing interview.

[@DomeCandyGames]

Great interview coming at Romero's history from a direction we've not really seen before. Can't wait to see more!

[@ScowlingTobey]

Thanks Danny for these amazing videos! I love seeing more into the industry.

[@sntxrrr]

That was a great interview. It was wonderful to see Romero's passion for games but also the passion that went into making this episode.

[@trexcanswim]

Awesome job, the opening shots were stunning with a great choice of music. Keep it up Danny!

[@roommaster]

great interview! only discovered your channel recently and enjoying it alot!

[@darraghmol9157]

The quality of the content really shines through in ever scene. Keep making more!

[@tungstenkraken2929]

Love this channel so much!

[@palofmino]

Danny, you're awesome. These documentaries are truly great, and I can't wait to see more.

[@ryancampbell4924]

This video was really great. Thank You!

[@buggy89]

Thanks for this clip! ❤

[@cybergun01]

Great interview. Seeing the old Quake footage brings back some memories. Loved those days

[@00dDodo]

Great interview really like this style, keep up the great work.

[@JAKX091]

That opening made me shed a true, Irish tear. Thank you so much for this little documentary noclip, I can see this being my personal favourite from you yet and I can't wait to see more profiles!

[@DarkMangaman]

The quality of this production is just mental. You guys rock so much. Thank you !!!

[@theuncanny2500]

Good job man, interesting, picturesque, informative.

[@c0mmanderKeen]

This is so good. Don't stop! Thanks!!

[@SanxionMusic]

Bloody brilliant Danny. Well done.

[@aluminumman897]

The quality of the videos you are putting out is just fantastic. Thanks so much for doing this.

[@EposVox]

Great episode :)

[@Badders1977]

Fantastic documentary, thank you guys.

[@MrChamesy]

Man this was a beautiful interview you nailed it man! He really is such an inspirational individual and has some great philosophies about all kinds of stuff

[@sachavykos3206]

Outstanding interview, no idea how I missed it for two years! Glad to hear some Gaelic in this interview as well.

[@EmmaEquinox]

these documentaries are sooo good! and beautiful shots on this one. Ireland is so pretty. well done!

[@carzyconker91]

absolutely fantastic keep up the great work danny!!!

[@trevstauf1771]

this is seriously such an amazing high quality channel 🤘

[@SebLeCaribou]

I find all the content of NoClip just heartwarming.

[@HeliconPath]

i only wish this was 3 times as long, would love to hear more about the development of the really early stuff pre Wolfenstein.

[@miseryindex01]

Always surprised at the quality and passion that is put into these great features. Keep it up

[@lilbikedude]

Wow, I came into this expecting a 10 - 15 minute profile, but Noclip has done it again! Keep up the amazing work, I cannot wait to see what comes next.

[@TheGhostGalleon]

I'm loving all the NoClip videos. This one is probably my favorite, as John Romero just seems like a great person.

[@Ghohst]

Definitely, the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. GJ no clip!

[@kaymackgee]

Congrats on the launch of the new 'profiles' format :) Great capsule :)