What the Doom Deathmatch Spat Means for Players

This public disagreement highlights how even legendary developers can remember key moments differently, but for players, it's a reminder of how deeply Doom's Deathmatch shaped multiplayer shooters.

This public disagreement highlights how even legendary developers can remember key moments differently, but for players, it's a reminder of how deeply Doom's Deathmatch shaped multiplayer shooters.

Key points - John Romero and Sandy Petersen are publicly debating the origin of Doom's Deathmatch mode on X. - Petersen claimed id staff thought Deathmatch would be niche but kept it because they enjoyed it. - Romero countered that a January 1993 press release, before Petersen joined, showed they knew it would be huge. - Petersen insisted Romero once agreed Deathmatch wouldn't be a big deal after he joined. - Doom released in December 1993 and its Deathmatch mode became hugely influential.

Timeline - January 1, 1993: id Software sends a press release confirming multiplayer in Doom, calling it a productivity killer. - Before Petersen joined id: Romero says the team already knew Deathmatch would be huge. - After Petersen joined: Petersen claims Romero agreed Deathmatch wouldn't be a big deal in a discussion. - December 1993: Doom ships and Deathmatch becomes a massive hit.

FAQ

Q: Who actually created Deathmatch in Doom? A: Both Romero and Petersen contributed to Doom's development, but the exact origin of the Deathmatch idea is what they're currently disputing.

Q: What is Deathmatch? A: Deathmatch is a free-for-all multiplayer mode where players compete to get the most kills, popularized by Doom.

Q: Did Romero and Petersen work together on Doom? A: Yes, Petersen joined id Software during Doom's development, and both are credited on the game.