What Romero's Zelda-Inspired Shooter Means for FPS Fans

For players, this signals a potential return to form for a genre pioneer, blending classic shooter action with modern exploration. It also shows how studios can recover from major setbacks with the ri…

For players, this signals a potential return to form for a genre pioneer, blending classic shooter action with modern exploration. It also shows how studios can recover from major setbacks with the ri…

Key points - Romero Games lost Microsoft funding in 2025, cutting staff from 110 to five. - The studio's new shooter has a publishing partner and runs on Unreal Engine 5.8. - Romero says the game carries over elements from the cancelled project. - He compares its exploration to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Blue Prince. - Romero claims he's 'doing better than [he'd] done in decades' despite the setback.

Timeline - 2025: Microsoft pulls funding from Romero Games, reducing staff from 110 to five. - December 2025: Romero says his new project is unlike anything he's played, akin to Elden Ring's novelty. - 2026: At Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show, Romero confirms new publisher and Unreal Engine 5.8.

FAQ

Q: What is John Romero's new game? A: It's an unnamed shooter built in Unreal Engine 5.8, with a new publishing partner. Romero says it emphasizes exploration and player freedom.

Q: Is it open-world like Breath of the Wild? A: Romero didn't confirm open-world, but implied more freedom than typical shooters, citing Zelda's ability to distract players.

Q: When will it release? A: No release date has been announced. Romero said the publisher controls that information.