Celebrate 35 years of id Software

2026 marks the thirty fifth anniversary of id Software’s founding! From the times of floppy disks to modern hits equivalent to DOOM: The Darkish Ages, creating influential franchises like Wolfenstein and Quake, pushing technical boundaries with the idTech engine and far more, we’re couldn’t be prouder of our studio’s legacy, its affect on gaming historical past and most significantly, the various id Software followers we’ve been in a position to share that pleasure with over the years.

Be a part of us as we kick off the celebrations February 4 with a special anniversary stream at 3pm PT/6pm ET to rejoice the id Software’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 quite a bit of historical past to cowl!

A reverse-chronological look at id Software's releases promoting the 35th Anniversary sale

There’s extra: To salute the thirty fifth anniversary, all obtainable titles developed or printed by id Software might be on sale throughout Xbox, PlayStation and Steam, together with 66.6% off DOOM: The Darkish Ages! (Reductions, dates and availability fluctuate by model, platform and area.)

1990

Commander Keen gameplay featuring a smiling green Dopefish

Apogee Software publishes Commander Eager in ‘Invasion of the Vorticons’. Distributed through shareware through the rise of private computer systems, the sport is a significant success for its developer, a small staff known as “Concepts from the Deep.”

1991

In February, id Software is formally based in Mesquite, TX by programmers John Carmack and John Romero, designer Tom Corridor and artist Adrian Carmack.

1992

Wolfenstein 3D gameplay featuring the player in a gunfight with enemies

id Software releases Wolfenstein 3D. Gamers thrilled with the recreation’s lightning-fast motion, iconic arsenal and secret-filled hallways paved the way in which to the burgeoning reputation of the first-person shooter (FPS) style.

1993

id Software releases DOOM (1993). From shareware legend to cultural phenomenon, DOOM skyrocketed the recognition of the FPS amongst avid gamers, 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 trendy platforms, plus enhancements, group developed Add Ons and extra, in DOOM + DOOM II

1994

The player charges their BFG 9000 at an Archvile in DOOM II

id Software 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’s library to be distributed worldwide at main retailers at launch.

The player looses powerful magic during combat in Heretic

That very same 12 months, developer Raven Software releases Heretic, printed and produced by id Software. Stirring up the FPS style with components from fantasy role-playing video games, Heretic would later obtain two sequels developed by Raven and printed by id, Hexen: Past Heretic (1995) and Hexen II (1997).

Rereleased in 2025 on trendy {hardware}, Hexen + Heretic options two basic shooters with all-new enhancements and added content material – play at present!

1996

A Shambler monster faces the player during a Quake encounter

id Software 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.

Soar again into the otherworldly ‘scapes of Quake within the official rerelease, obtainable now on trendy platforms

Fans huddle around a monitor at the first-ever QuakeCon

Later that 12 months, dozens of avid gamers flock to a lodge in Garland, Texas for a bring-your-own-computer gathering and Quake match. To this day, QuakeCon attracts 1000’s of followers every year for North America’s longest-running LAN get together.

1997

The player fires upon a boss creature in Quake II

id Software releases Quake II. This bold sequel unveils id Software’s idTech 3 engine alongside a full story marketing campaign introducing the Strogg, the alien menace that will proceed to threaten the Quake universe in Raven Software’s Quake 4 (2005) and Splash Harm’s Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (2007).

Blast by means of the marketing campaign, staff up with pals or battle it out on-line within the official rerelease of Quake II on trendy platforms at present

The player storms a hallway with the Unmakyr weapon in DOOM 64

Additionally in 1997, Halfway Video games releases DOOM 64. Developed below id Software’s supervision, the sport used a custom-made model of DOOM (1993)’s engine together with authentic demon and weapon sprites.

Initially unique for the Nintendo 64 console, gamers can expertise DOOM 64 on Recreation Move, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Swap and PC

1999

Gameplay of Quake III Arena, looking over a sunlit map

id Software releases Quake III Area. Targeted totally on on-line multiplayer, Quake III Area would shortly grow to be a mainstay at LAN events and aggressive FPS occasions worldwide.

2004

The player attempts to attack a demon with a plasma weapon in DOOM 3

id Software 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

DOOMguy faces against the imposing Spider Mastermind in DOOM (1993)

id Software re-releases DOOM (1993) on Xbox Stay Market, amassing all 4 episodes together with on-line co-op and deathmatch for a brand new era of console house owners – with none cartridges, plug-ins or compact discs!

2007

id Software is honored with a Expertise Emmy for its growth of 3D software program engines, profitable a second Emmy the next 12 months in recognition of Quake’s modification talents.

Up to now, id Software is the one online game developer with two distinct awards from the Nationwide Academy of Tv Arts and Sciences.

2010

Two players duel in a match of Quake Live

id Software releases Quake Stay. An up to date model of Quake III Area, Quake Stay initially launched as a browser plug-in to play matches proper inside the World Extensive Net.

2011

A fervent enemy takes a swing at the player during a battle in RAGE

id Software releases RAGE. Rendered in excessive element utilizing idTech 5’s expanded MegaTexture expertise, gamers journey by means of a post-apocalyptic open world with a mix of perilous vehicular battles and id’s signature FPS gameplay.

Play RAGE on Recreation Move

2015

The Robust Nationwide Museum of Play inducts DOOM (1993) into World Video Recreation Corridor of Fame, one of the primary Corridor of Fames devoted solely to the popularity of video video games.

A second id Software 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 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.

Celebrate ten years of DOOM (2016), obtainable on Recreation Move, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Swap and PC

2017

A Lost Soul lunges at the player in DOOM VFR

DOOM VFR releases on HTC Vive and PlayStation VR programs, bringing DOOM’s signature motion to the frontier of digital actuality.

2019

Multiple vehicles duke it out in the wasteland of RAGE 2

id Software, along with Avalanche Software, 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 Move, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC

That very same 12 months, id Software is awarded a Guiness World Report for Longest-Operating Developer of FPS Video Video games.

2020

Hell takes over the entirety of planet Earth in DOOM Eternal

id Software 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 components for DOOM Everlasting beginning later that 12 months.

Play DOOM Eternal on Recreation Move, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Swap and PC

2022

Two players battle it out in a match of Quake Champions

Quake Champions launches its 1.0 launch, first obtainable to gamers by means of early entry in 2017. Warriors from throughout id Software’s franchises converge onto interdimensional arenas for high-speed Quake fight, supplemented by every Champion’s distinctive abilities and skills.

2025

The Slayer rides his Dragon full throttle towards a demon-controlled warship.

id Software releases DOOM: The Darkish Ages. The prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Everlasting, the DOOM Slayer faces Hell’s amassed armies with his Defend Noticed and mace held excessive, plus a cybernetic dragon and multi-story Atlan mech at his aspect – all delivered to life with the all-new idTech 8 engine.

Play DOOM: The Dark Ages At this time! Buy the Premium Version to achieve entry to the Marketing campaign DLC growth, Digital Artbook & Soundtrack and Divinity Pores and skin Pack

2026

id Software 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 Arena Board Game on Kickstarter, arriving on tabletops later this 12 months!