I was just watching clips of John Carmack of id software demo'ing his new and amazing game engine, dubbed "id-Tech 5", at QuakeCon 2007. I couldn't help but reminisce about how, from few years prior since I've known of him, he has continually conveyed the qualities of a person with a wonderful character and grand stature. Hearing him speak about anything, from his takes on the present conditions of the games industry to his future outlooks, technical game engine discourses, personal projects and goals, is *always* a treat. You will understand that he is so true to his personal callings that it is ingrained into much of his actual work, for example, the push for open-source coding platforms. His humble personal level is on a universal level, and there is perhaps unequivocal beauty in the visions he holds true to. So any time I read or hear about anything from him, I get feelings of admiration and uplifting passion. Too bad I can't code worth shi... sawdust, to have a better understanding of his technical standpoints - a truly wasted opportunity. Sigh.
Anyway, let's turn up the fire. Let's pretend that basically everyone has their take on whom a good leader actually is. And there is no question that John Carmack holds, as one video description blurb of him mentions, "legendary" status. But aside from his expertise in the fields of game engine coding, innovation, aerospace technology, ferrari's, etc., what kind of leader would he be to helm the lead of say a team of thousands of other relatively top programmers and artistic game asset builders? Now, this is purly my own speculation (from my tiny head), but I'd be quicker to presume that many would believe that he's not the type of person that would take on such role. After all, from what we know of him, being an intellectual, he's probably best at what he does, that is, coding, but isn't at say marketing, accounting, macro-managing, etc. He's highly opinionated, though his opinions may be held in high regards throughout the industry, still, it's also what makes one too stubborn, sometimes. I believe I've also read quotes from him about how working in a tightly-knit environment is what he prefers, with perfectly valid points drawn across. So, in a very positive way, you do what works for you. John is more focussed that way.
However, I also have little doubt that everyone agrees he can still get the job done down pack. He's well-seasoned, has a wealth of experience, very mature, up-to-date, and broad-eye'd. But the overall point I wanted to make was that I generally don't think people see him as the forefront leader anymore, ever since I'd read people's comments comparing games engines between other games, such as Crytek's original Far Cry for PC, versus Doom 3. And in-between, Carmack was probably diggin' the aerospace scene, cell phone jarva games, his own jarva game, Orcs and Elves, etc. No one knew about id-Tech 5. The Unreal 3 Engine really cast a looming shadow across the multi-platforms. I had also read about him already thinking about putting down the keyboard so he could concentrate more on his aerospace hobby. Though I do forget whether he said that would be after the completion of Doom 3 engine, or after the next game engine iteration. But was Carmack really out of the game?
Most likely not, in the eyes of the professional and/or intelligent circle, but as a normal bystander, he kind of was to me, though. I remember him talking about his frustrations with both ATi's and nVidia's camps, or the PS3 vs. XBOX360 (of which he generally prefers the XBOX because of the better dev tools). Still, could that have just been resentment from up and across a more ideal plane? Of course it was! Again, he is highly opinionated and thankfully always honest in heart.
Maybe my belief in him also swayed. In that time, I did know id software had announced that they were going a new route with a new game IP. Think they said something about a clean slate. Strategically, I believe, a wonderful move on id software's part. And I hope that they continue to evolve games as now their game engines have evolved greatly. However, did this mean John was now settling back and adjusting his Doom 3 engine to balance and accomodate the demands of the new game IP? That's what I would've certainly bet. Multiplatforming? Most likely an after-thought, right? Wrong.
id-Tech 5, baby - an' it's beautiful.
The new IP, which reminds me of MadMax? Also beautiful. I was elated. That's one of my dream games, in fact!
After hearing John tell us about the new engine from video off a website, I can see... he's still the best! His goal of creating the best canvas for the artists to build up their vision for game worlds has the highest yielding trajectory. A multiplaform design with an emphasis to save on building costs, time, decrease learning curves, and to quickly exact out game bugs. Wow! John is definitely speaking to the entire industry. Damn he's smart! I still wish I could friggin' code! Or even be a game artist, for that matter. You know, speaking of that, a very worthy mention would be John's praise for the game artists. He always gives them distinction and huge recognition. I'd too, be so genuine and kind. But coming from the leagues of John is a whole other ballpark. It's amazing what we can take for granted these days, having so many things just handed down to us with little appreciation shown for it. That is key.
To those negative points of speculation as to his ability to lead, as you can now tell, has been redeemed in folds. And that is precisely what I wanted to point out in-case others hadn't noticed. In once the doubts of certain men and women out there, John Carmack is a leader of thousands, no less. He speaks out to a vast industry and has a great future vision with a wide-angle perspective. He's even getting it delivered, a little at a time. And he's looking out for "#1". After hearing his mention of id-Tech 6, more smiles :-)
Phenominal persistence.
Meritable effort.
The Carmack lives on!!! 4 eva!!!!!!111oneoneone!!!!
Monday, August 6, 2007
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