Doom Co-Creator John Romero to Headline Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2026
John Romero, co-founder of id Software and co-creator of Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein 3D, has been confirmed as the headline keynote speaker for Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2026 in Bangkok. His keynote, titled "Why We Still Make Games", will reflect on his long career, industry setbacks and the challenges the games industry has faced in recent years, a topic given extra resonance by recent turmoil at both id Software and his own studio.
Romero left id Software around three decades ago but recently voiced support for staff affected by layoffs at the studio this month, part of wider restructuring at Xbox. His own studio, Romero Games, also had an unannounced shooter cancelled in 2025 after Microsoft reportedly withdrew funding. He joins other confirmed speakers including AdHoc Studio's Nick Herman and Dennis Lenart, Roblox's Zhen Fang and DigixArt's Yoan Fanise, with the event set to be the largest yet, spanning four halls and 35,000 square metres, running from 29 October to 1 November 2026 at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
In short
- John Romero to keynote Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2026 in Bangkok
- Speech reflects on his career amid recent id Software and Xbox layoffs
- Event runs 29 October–1 November 2026, its biggest edition yet
Explained simply
John Romero is a legendary video game designer who co-founded id Software and created some of the most influential games in history, including Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein 3D. His work in the 1990s established many of the foundations for modern gaming. Though he left id Software roughly three decades ago, he remains a significant figure in the industry and continues to develop games through his own studio, Romero Games.
The gaming industry has recently experienced significant upheaval, with major studios undergoing layoffs and restructuring, including id Software. Romero's own studio was also affected, with an unannounced project cancelled in 2025 after funding was withdrawn. His keynote at the event, titled "Why We Still Make Games", takes on particular significance given these challenges, as it will reflect on his lengthy career, past setbacks and the difficulties the industry currently faces.
Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show is a major gathering for the gaming industry, bringing together developers, companies and speakers. The 2026 event in Bangkok is expected to be the largest yet, spanning multiple halls and exhibition spaces. It represents an important platform for discussing industry trends during a turbulent period for the sector.