Recently, a discussion on social media between John Romero and Sandy Petersen has captured the attention of video game history enthusiasts, centered on who deserves credit for the original story of the iconic game Doom. The controversy has been present since at least 2021, when Petersen began making claims about the game’s development, including sales figures, which Romero has accurately and courteously refuted through his Twitter account.
John Romero, educated but brutal until the end
The latest round of this exchange occurred after Petersen made a comment on Twitter about the difference between the old and new Doom narrative, claiming that he wrote the original story. Romero quickly responded with a tone marked by respect, debunking the claim and clarifying that the true author of the narrative was Tom Hall, who had written the story long before Petersen joined the team in September 1993.
The dynamics of these exchanges have transformed Romero’s responses into a meme among fans, especially those that start with “Hi Sandy, hope you’re doing well”. This phrase has become a symbol of the polite-but-brutal interaction, where Romero spares no effort in providing accurate information and verified data to counter his colleague’s claims, always maintaining a friendly tone.
Both developers are considered pioneers in video game design; Doom has had a monumental impact on the industry, setting the standards for first-person shooter games. Despite their differences, this discussion highlights the importance of collaboration and the diversity of ideas in the development of titles that have left an indelible mark on video game culture.
In the end, this debate can provide a glimpse into the complex history behind one of the most influential titles in the evolution of video games, reminding us that even great creatives do not always agree about their own past. And in Romero’s case, not even about the present of the industry.
