Romero Games, the Galway-based studio helmed by legendary Doom co-creator John Romero and veteran developer Brenda Romero, has officially denied reports suggesting the company has shut down following the sudden cancellation of its unannounced first-person shooter project.
In a statement issued earlier this week, the studio addressed growing speculation, asserting:
“Romero Games is not closed, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that it does not come to that.”
The confusion arose after the studio’s upcoming Unreal Engine 5-powered FPS, which was being funded by an external publisher, was abruptly shelved. The unnamed publisher pulled its support, leading to internal layoffs and widespread concern about the studio’s future. Although Romero Games has not publicly confirmed the identity of the publisher, multiple reliable sources have pointed to Microsoft as the company that withdrew funding a move aligned with the tech giant’s ongoing wave of cost-cutting and studio reductions.
According to a report from PC Gamer, Romero Games met with the publisher just a day before the decision to cut funding was made, and there was reportedly no warning of the impending cancellation. The move has reportedly affected over 100 developers connected to the project.
Despite the setback, Romero Games remains operational and actively exploring new opportunities. The studio is currently seeking alternative publishing partners and has reportedly attracted interest from multiple companies.
“We are in discussions with new potential partners and exploring every possible avenue to continue development,” the statement continued. “This project is deeply important to us, and we want to bring it to life.”
The canceled project, teased since 2022, was set to be a brand-new original IP, described as a modern, fast-paced first-person shooter. The title was Romero Games’ most ambitious yet, following previous work on Empire of Sin, a strategy RPG set in the Prohibition era.
The timing of this turmoil couldn’t be worse. The broader games industry has seen significant layoffs in 2024 and 2025, with major studios like Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and now potentially Romero Games all caught in the crossfire of corporate restructuring.
Still, John and Brenda Romero remain optimistic. Their message to fans and developers alike is clear: the studio is down, but not out.
What’s Next for Romero Games?
For now, the team is focused on stabilizing and securing a future for their canceled project. With the reputation of two gaming industry veterans at its core and a clear vision for the game they want to build, Romero Games may yet emerge from this difficult chapter stronger and more resilient.
Until then, the studio urges the public and media to avoid jumping to conclusions.
“We remain committed to our team and our mission to create bold, meaningful games. We’re not done yet.”
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