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Masters of Doom

368 pages, 2004

business & management

business & management

1082 books
biographies & memoirs

biographies & memoirs

997 books
technology

technology

392 books
Takeaways
Description

Masters of Doom is the first book to chronicle this industry’s greatest story, written by one of the medium’s leading observers. David Kushner takes readers inside the rags-to-riches adventure of two rebellious entrepreneurs who came of age to shape a generation. 

The vivid portrait reveals why their games are so violent and why their immersion in their brilliantly designed fantasy worlds offered them solace. And it shows how they channeled their fury and imagination into products that are a formative influence on our culture, from MTV to the Internet to Columbine. 

This is a story of friendship and betrayal, commerce and artistry, a powerful and compassionate account of what it’s like to be young, driven, and wildly creative.

The Power of Passion

In Masters of Doom, David Kushner shows us how the creators of Doom, John Carmack and John Romero, were driven by their passion for video games. This passion led them to create one of the most influential games in history. It's a great reminder that when you love what you do, you can achieve extraordinary things.

The Importance of Teamwork

Kushner highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving success. Carmack and Romero, despite their differences, worked together to create Doom. Their collaboration and mutual respect for each other's skills were key to their success. So, if you're working on a project, remember to value your team members and their contributions.

The Impact of Technology

The book explores how Carmack and Romero used technology to revolutionize the gaming industry. They pushed the boundaries of what was possible, creating a game that was more immersive and interactive than anything before it. It's a great example of how technology can be used to create new experiences and change industries.

The Risks of Success

Masters of Doom also shows us the dark side of success. After the success of Doom, Carmack and Romero's relationship deteriorated, leading to their eventual split. This teaches us that success can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges and conflicts.

The Evolution of the Gaming Industry

If you're interested in the history of video games, you should definitely check out Masters of Doom. Kushner takes us on a journey through the early days of the gaming industry, showing us how it has evolved over time. It's a fascinating look into the world of video games and the people who create them.

Recommendations

2
authorAlexis Ohanian

Alexis Ohanian

entrepreneurtechnologyventure capitalist
Patrick Collison

Patrick Collison

entrepreneurtechnology

Masters of Doom found in libraries

1
498 books

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