2026 marks the thirty fifth anniversary of id Software program’s founding! From the times of floppy disks to modern hits comparable to DOOM: The Darkish Ages, creating influential franchises like Wolfenstein and Quake, pushing technical boundaries with the idTech engine and way more, we’re couldn’t be prouder of our studio’s legacy, its influence on gaming historical past and most significantly, the numerous id Software program followers we’ve been in a position to share that pleasure with through the years.
Be part of us as we kick off the celebrations February 4 with a particular anniversary stream at 3pm PT/6pm ET to have a good time the id Software program’s legacy, that includes each Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin. Want a refresher? Learn on for a fast timeline protecting the studio’s highlights and releases over 35 years – even abridged, there’s nonetheless numerous historical past to cowl!
There’s extra: To salute the thirty fifth anniversary, all obtainable titles developed or revealed by id Software program might be on sale throughout Xbox, PlayStation and Steam, together with 66.6% off DOOM: The Darkish Ages! (Reductions, dates and availability differ by model, platform and area.)
1990
Apogee Software program publishes Commander Eager in ‘Invasion of the Vorticons’. Distributed by way of shareware in the course of the rise of private computer systems, the sport is a serious success for its developer, a small workforce referred to as “Concepts from the Deep.”
1991
In February, id Software program is formally based in Mesquite, TX by programmers John Carmack and John Romero, designer Tom Corridor and artist Adrian Carmack.
1992
id Software program releases Wolfenstein 3D. Gamers thrilled with the sport’s lightning-fast motion, iconic arsenal and secret-filled hallways paved the best way to the burgeoning reputation of the first-person shooter (FPS) style.
1993
id Software program releases DOOM (1993). From shareware legend to cultural phenomenon, DOOM skyrocketed the recognition of the FPS amongst players, builders and even the informal public on prime of pioneering native (and on-line) multiplayer deathmatches and group modding.
Expertise the DOOM franchise’s origins on fashionable platforms, plus enhancements, group developed Add Ons and extra, in DOOM + DOOM II
1994
id Software program releases DOOM II: Hell on Earth. Constructing upon the success of DOOM (1993)’s shareware distribution, this best-selling sequel is among the many first of id Software program’s library to be distributed worldwide at main retailers at launch.
That very same 12 months, developer Raven Software program releases Heretic, revealed and produced by id Software program. Stirring up the FPS style with parts from fantasy role-playing video games, Heretic would later obtain two sequels developed by Raven and revealed by id, Hexen: Past Heretic (1995) and Hexen II (1997).
Rereleased in 2025 on fashionable {hardware}, Hexen + Heretic options two traditional shooters with all-new enhancements and added content material – play immediately!
1996
id Software program releases Quake. Sporting real-time 3D rendering, immersive gothic environments teeming with eldritch monsters, extremely responsive participant motion and a praise of brutal ranged weapons, Quake served as fertile floor for the burgeoning FPS esports scene.
Bounce again into the otherworldly ‘scapes of Quake within the official rerelease, obtainable now on fashionable platforms
Later that 12 months, dozens of players flock to a lodge in Garland, Texas for a bring-your-own-computer gathering and Quake event. To this day, QuakeCon attracts hundreds of followers annually for North America’s longest-running LAN get together.
1997
id Software program releases Quake II. This bold sequel unveils id Software program’s idTech 3 engine alongside a full story marketing campaign introducing the Strogg, the alien menace that might proceed to threaten the Quake universe in Raven Software program’s Quake 4 (2005) and Splash Harm’s Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (2007).
Blast by way of the marketing campaign, workforce up with buddies or battle it out on-line within the official rerelease of Quake II on fashionable platforms immediately
Additionally in 1997, Halfway Video games releases DOOM 64. Developed beneath id Software program’s supervision, the sport used a custom-made model of DOOM (1993)’s engine together with unique demon and weapon sprites.
Initially unique for the Nintendo 64 console, gamers can expertise DOOM 64 on Recreation Go, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Change and PC
1999
id Software program releases Quake III Area. Targeted totally on on-line multiplayer, Quake III Area would shortly turn into a mainstay at LAN events and aggressive FPS occasions worldwide.
2004
id Software program releases DOOM 3. Plunging gamers right into a Martian facility overrun by demons, DOOM 3’s tense environment is amplified by developments made within the idTech 4 engine together with specular highlighting, bump mapping and dynamic per-pixel lighting.
2006
id Software program re-releases DOOM (1993) on Xbox Reside Market, amassing all 4 episodes together with on-line co-op and deathmatch for a brand new era of console homeowners – with none cartridges, plug-ins or compact discs!
2007
id Software program is honored with a Know-how Emmy for its growth of 3D software program engines, profitable a second Emmy the next 12 months in recognition of Quake’s modification skills.
So far, id Software program is the one online game developer with two distinct awards from the Nationwide Academy of Tv Arts and Sciences.
2010
id Software program releases Quake Reside. An up to date model of Quake III Area, Quake Reside initially launched as a browser plug-in to play matches proper inside the World Large Internet.
2011
id Software program releases RAGE. Rendered in excessive element utilizing idTech 5’s expanded MegaTexture expertise, gamers journey by way of a post-apocalyptic open world with a mix of perilous vehicular battles and id’s signature FPS gameplay.
Play RAGE on Recreation Go
2015
The Sturdy Nationwide Museum of Play inducts DOOM (1993) into World Video Recreation Corridor of Fame, one of many first Corridor of Fames devoted solely to the popularity of video video games.
A second id Software program title would be a part of the World Video Recreation Corridor of Fame ten years later when Quake is inducted in 2025.
2016
id Software program releases DOOM (2016). The DOOM Slayer awakens inside a UAC facility swarming with demons and instantly commences ripping and tearing.
Debuting a brand new period for DOOM with idTech 6, gamers may construct and share their very own ranges in-game with the SnapMap function.
Rejoice ten years of DOOM (2016), obtainable on Recreation Go, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Change and PC
2017
DOOM VFR releases on HTC Vive and PlayStation VR techniques, bringing DOOM’s signature motion to the frontier of digital actuality.
2019
id Software program, along side Avalanche Software program, releases RAGE 2. Gamers retake the Wasteland with devastating powers, upgradeable weapons and vehicular fight on the highway and within the skies.
Play RAGE 2 on Recreation Go, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC
That very same 12 months, id Software program is awarded a Guiness World File for Longest-Operating Developer of FPS Video Video games.
2020
id Software program releases DOOM Everlasting. The DOOM Slayer returns on this sequel to DOOM (2016), introducing idTech 7 and the 2-vs-1 BATTLEMODE multiplayer function.
The Slayer additionally faces his biggest confrontation but in The Historic Gods downloadable content material growth, launched over two elements for DOOM Everlasting beginning later that 12 months.
Play DOOM Everlasting on Recreation Go, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Change and PC
2022
Quake Champions launches its 1.0 launch, first obtainable to gamers by way of early entry in 2017. Warriors from throughout id Software program’s franchises converge onto interdimensional arenas for high-speed Quake fight, supplemented by every Champion’s distinctive expertise and skills.
2025
id Software program releases DOOM: The Darkish Ages. The prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Everlasting, the DOOM Slayer faces Hell’s amassed armies with his Protect Noticed and mace held excessive, plus a cybernetic dragon and multi-story Atlan mech at his facet – all dropped at life with the all-new idTech 8 engine.
Play DOOM: The Darkish Ages At present! Buy the Premium Version to realize entry to the Marketing campaign DLC growth, Digital Artbook & Soundtrack and Divinity Pores and skin Pack
2026
id Software program celebrates its thirty fifth anniversary. A 12 months of milestones for the studio, 2026 additionally marks 30 years because the launch of Quake (making it QuakeCon’s thirtieth too!), plus the tenth anniversary of DOOM (2016)’s launch.
Crave extra DOOM? There’s nonetheless time to submit Late Pledges for the DOOM Area Board Recreation on Kickstarter, arriving on tabletops later this 12 months!
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