Talking about the origins of the modern video game industry means talking about John Romero. A game designer, programmer, and creator of some of the most influential franchises in gaming history, his work helped define the first-person shooter genre and forever changed the way action games are designed.

Romero was one of the co-founders of id Software, the studio behind one of the industry’s biggest revolutions during the 1990s. There, he played a key role in the creation of landmark titles such as Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D, DOOM, DOOM II, and Quake, games that established many of the foundations on which modern shooters are still built today.

His contribution to DOOM was particularly groundbreaking. Widely regarded as one of the most important and influential video games of all time, its level design, fast-paced gameplay, and relentless action transformed the genre and left a legacy that remains evident more than three decades later.

After leaving id Software, Romero founded Ion Storm, where he developed new projects and continued exploring innovative approaches to game design. Throughout his career, he has also launched several independent studios and continued creating games, consistently pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Beyond his work as a developer, John Romero has become one of the industry’s most respected voices. A frequent speaker at international conferences and events, he regularly shares his expertise on game design, programming, and the evolution of video games, inspiring new generations of creators.

In recent years, he has continued developing new projects while remaining actively involved with the gaming and development communities, maintaining the same passion for the medium that helped shape it from its earliest days.

At San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026, you’ll have the opportunity to meet one of the true pioneers of video games and an essential figure in understanding the evolution of the industry over the past four decades.