Hollenshead Shares What’s Up At id Software

In an interview with Next Generation, id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead talks about the success of their products, the new IP they are currently developing, and the future of the company.

Asked on what he thought about the reception of gamers toward Doom 3 and Quake 4, he reveals that “…Doom 3 really exceeded our expectations…Especially on the Xbox, because it was really a game that was designed for the PC.”

As for the plight of Quake 4, it was a bit disappointing. He muses, “You know, Quake 4 sales have not been as robust as what IÂ’d say we hoped. When we were playing the game, we really liked it. “

Then again, it could be because there were a lot of other new games that were introduced at that same time, therefore having lots of competition out in the market. Still, they remain to be optimistic on the growth of the multi-player side of the industry.

On the new IP (or “intellectual property”), Hollenshead maintains a secretive stance as to the exact details of it. Although he maintains that “thereÂ’s not really any secrecy about it,”  and while obviously such silence has helped build anticipation over the product, he said that it is actually better to keep the specifics under wrap so as to not mislead or later on disappoint the people.

It all boils down to the process of development. While good ideas may certainly be popping up, the dilemma comes in when such are only good in a blueprint, but not in actuality. Therefore, it would be highly preemptive on their part if they promise certain aspects of the game while still in the developing stage, only to find out later on that the idea won’t work after all. And as customer satisfaction tops their priorities, they would rather keep mum about the new IP first, polish it, and let the gamers discover for themselves what the fuss is all about.

If all goes well with this new IP, Hollenshead is confident that the id Software’s future as a capable IP generator will be basically secured. On a final note, he shares that as their company’s independence is largely founded on the success of their games, if these games don’t come at par, then they are risking that independence.

In an interview with Next Generation, id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead talks about the success of their products, the new IP they are currently developing, and the future of the company.

Asked on what he thought about the reception of gamers toward Doom 3 and Quake 4, he reveals that “…Doom 3 really exceeded our expectations…Especially on the Xbox, because it was really a game that was designed for the PC.”

As for the plight of Quake 4, it was a bit disappointing. He muses, “You know, Quake 4 sales have not been as robust as what IÂ’d say we hoped. When we were playing the game, we really liked it. “

Then again, it could be because there were a lot of other new games that were introduced at that same time, therefore having lots of competition out in the market. Still, they remain to be optimistic on the growth of the multi-player side of the industry.

On the new IP (or “intellectual property”), Hollenshead maintains a secretive stance as to the exact details of it. Although he maintains that “thereÂ’s not really any secrecy about it,”  and while obviously such silence has helped build anticipation over the product, he said that it is actually better to keep the specifics under wrap so as to not mislead or later on disappoint the people.

It all boils down to the process of development. While good ideas may certainly be popping up, the dilemma comes in when such are only good in a blueprint, but not in actuality. Therefore, it would be highly preemptive on their part if they promise certain aspects of the game while still in the developing stage, only to find out later on that the idea won’t work after all. And as customer satisfaction tops their priorities, they would rather keep mum about the new IP first, polish it, and let the gamers discover for themselves what the fuss is all about.

If all goes well with this new IP, Hollenshead is confident that the id Software’s future as a capable IP generator will be basically secured. On a final note, he shares that as their company’s independence is largely founded on the success of their games, if these games don’t come at par, then they are risking that independence.