Romero Games' $50 Million FPS Project: Studio Seeks New Publisher Amid Microsoft Setback

Romero Games, the studio helmed by legendary DOOM and Quake co-creator John Romero, is once again in the spotlight following a tumultuous period that saw its next major first-person shooter (FPS) project lose key funding support.

Earlier this year, Romero Games publicly confirmed that its publisher—widely believed to be Microsoft—had withdrawn financial backing from their highly anticipated FPS title.

This news sparked concern and widespread rumors regarding the future of the Galway-based developer, including unfounded claims that the studio had closed due to insufficient resources. In response to the speculation, Romero Games promptly issued an official statement clarifying its operational status: the studio remains open, and development on the project continues as the team explores new publishing partnerships.

The studio described how, in the wake of the funding setback, they received interest from several publishers willing to help bring their ambitious game to completion.

The search for a new publisher has since emerged as a critical next step for the project’s future. Providing an update in a recent interview with GameReactor, John Romero detailed the current situation, explaining that Romero Games fully retains the intellectual property, source code, and all other assets related to the in-development title.

Romero highlighted that the project had already secured a significant investment—totalling $50 million to date.

This means that any new publishing partner would inherit these assets outright, offering a strong value proposition and substantial foundation for continuing development. Romero explained, in clear terms, that, “After putting several years and $50 million into building the game, if we find a new publisher, they benefit from that entire investment.

Many companies remain interested in picking up the project, knowing that there’s already a great deal of work completed.

Even if we don’t secure another publishing deal, we have $50 million in assets that can be repurposed for future projects, giving us a major head start no matter what direction we take.” When asked about the current progress, Romero stated the project is about halfway through development.

This positions the game as a substantial but incomplete venture—one that will require additional publisher support to reach the finish line.

While both John Romero and the studio have stayed largely quiet about the details of these negotiations, the willingness to seek new partners and the significant investment already made in the project demonstrate Romero Games’ commitment to completing the game. Romero Games continues to evaluate publishing opportunities, determined to bring this ambitious FPS title to platforms such as PC and potentially to consoles like the Nintendo Switch, depending on publisher strategy.

As fans and the gaming industry watch closely, the story of this $50 million FPS serves as a testament to studio resilience and the enduring appeal of Romero’s legacy in game development. For ongoing updates, keep an eye on trusted outlets and official statements from Romero Games as the search for a new publisher progresses.

DOOM Microsoft Xbox Series X|S John Romero Quake Romero Games publishers Xbox X|S GameReactor Nintendo Switch