Well, Would You Look At That: id Software's Brewing Something Mysterious (And Probably Full of Gibs)

AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·

Well, Would You Look At That: id Software's Brewing Something Mysterious (And Probably Full of Gibs)

Rumours are swirling that id Software, the legendary FPS studio, is developing an unannounced new first-person shooter, with a recent job listing for a 'Lead Gameplay Features Programmer' pointing towards a new id Tech-powered title for multiple platforms. While the project's stage remains a mystery, it's clear the masters of mayhem are brewing something exciting for gamers.

Right, so apparently id Software – yeah, *those* id Software, the legends who basically blew a hole through reality to invent the modern FPS – has been a bit quiet lately, hasn't it? After we all got stuck into *Doom: The Dark Ages* (and fair dinkum, what a blast that looks to be for 2025!), the air's been thick with that 'what's next?' buzz. And I've been tinkering with this rumour all morning, and bloody hell, it's wilder than it first appeared... or maybe just exactly what we hoped for.

See, when a studio goes radio silent, it usually means one of two things: either they're all off on a digital retreat learning interpretive dance, or they're absolutely heads-down on something so massive, so secret, that even the dust motes in their office are sworn to secrecy. This time, it looks like it's the latter, mate. Some clever clogs on Twitter (shoutout to Timur222, you digital detective, you!) spotted a job listing that's sent ripples through the gaming world faster than a well-placed rocket jump.

Apparently, id Software is on the hunt for a 'Lead Gameplay Features Programmer' for an 'unannounced video game project.' Now, that's corporate speak for 'we're cooking something up, and we need a wizard to make the magic happen.' But here's the kicker: they're specifically asking for folks with at least six years of experience in the industry, or, more tellingly, demonstrable work on *FPS games*. So, if you were hoping for an id Software farming sim, you might be out of luck. This tidbit serves as a strong indication that whatever the mysterious project is, it's likely to materialize as another id Software first-person shooter. And let's be honest, who's really surprised? They practically wrote the book on 'em!

But wait, there's more! The listing also drops another juicy detail: this announced title is being forged using 'id Tech.' Now, for the uninitiated, id Tech is like id Software's secret sauce, their very own magical spellbook that powers the vast majority of their games. From the very first *Doom* all the way to *Doom Eternal* (and presumably *The Dark Ages*), this engine has been at the bleeding edge of graphical fidelity and performance. The latest iteration, id Tech 8, was announced not too long ago, hinting at some serious horsepower under the hood.

Now, id Software has a reputation as one of the industry's most technically ambitious developers – they love building games from the ground up, making their tech sing. So, while id Tech is almost certainly at the core, there's always that tantalising possibility of a hybrid solution. Remember *Quake Champions* in 2022? That bad boy ran on a blend of id Tech and Saber Interactive's Saber3D engine. It's like taking two powerful spells and weaving them together to create something even more potent. It's not out of the realm of possibility that they're experimenting with something equally exotic for this new project, pushing boundaries as they always do.

As for the current status of this mysterious endeavour? Well, the nature of a 'senior role' like this is a bit of a digital tea leaf. Studios often bring in senior talent early doors to shape a project from the ground up, like laying the foundations for a grand castle. But equally, teams expand, or folks move on, so these positions can pop up later in development. So, while it confirms the project's existence, it doesn't quite tell us if they're still sketching ideas on cocktail napkins or if they're already polishing the final boss battle. It's the kind of glorious ambiguity that keeps us guessing, eh?

What does appear certain, however, is that this project is aiming for multiple platforms. The job listing specifically calls for a candidate with console development experience, and given id Software's history of never shying away from PC releases, it's a pretty safe bet this won't be a single-platform affair. More gibs for everyone, I say!

Now, some folks might be pointing to that tantalising *Quake 6* teaser we saw during the January 2024 Xbox Developer Direct. And while that certainly got my wizard staff tingling, it actually came from id Software's sister company, MachineGames. So, while another *Quake* is probably inevitable at some point – and let's face it, we'd all lose our minds for it – this specific hiring spree isn't necessarily tied to that tease. It just adds another layer to the mystery, doesn't it?

So, what's a curious gamer to make of all this? id Software, a new first-person shooter, built on id Tech, heading to multiple platforms. Could it be another *Doom* title, perhaps a new take on a classic? Or are they finally unleashing a brand-new IP, a fresh universe for us to explore and blast our way through? A part of me, the 'what happens if...' part, desperately wants a new IP. Imagine what id could do with a truly blank slate, building a new world and its lore from scratch with their incredible tech. But then again, the thought of a new *Quake* or even a surprise reboot of something like *Hexen* or *Heretic* (imagine that with modern id Tech!) makes my brain do a little happy dance. Whatever it is, if id Software's name is on it, you can bet your bottom dollar it's going to be fast, furious, and fundamentally fun.

What are you lot hoping id Software cooks up next? Another familiar demon-slaying romp, or something completely out of left field? Let's get speculating, mate!

Tags: idSoftware, FPS, GamingRumors, idTech, GameDevelopment

Original article: Game Rant