Canceled id Software Projects
Throughout its history, id Software became known for groundbreaking technology and fast paced innovation.
But not every idea survived development. Many projects were started, reworked, or quietly abandoned as the team moved toward new engines and priorities.
DOOM Prototype (1992)
Before the classic DOOM took shape, id Software began with a prototype inspired by Aliens.
This early version focused on marines and squad combat with heavy sci fi themes.
Tom Hall’s original DOOM Bible included a large story and multiple characters, but John Carmack preferred a faster and more direct experience.
The concept was dropped, leading to the streamlined shooter that defined the genre.
Quake Fantasy RPG (1994)
Early development of Quake began as a dark fantasy RPG.
Players were meant to wield magic weapons, fight melee enemies, and level up like in a role playing game.
As technology advanced, Carmack shifted the vision toward a pure 3D action shooter.
Only traces of the RPG idea remain in the medieval environments and the thunder hammer weapon.
DOOM Absolution (1995)
After DOOM II, the team experimented with a third entry known internally as DOOM Absolution.
It featured new demon types, more detailed lighting, and a darker tone.
The project was never completed, as id Software moved all resources to Quake.
Midway later created DOOM 64, which carried a similar atmosphere.
Quake Arena Prototype (1997)
A small experimental version of a multiplayer focused Quake II was made before Quake III Arena.
It tested new movement speeds, respawn systems, and powerup balance.
This internal build became the foundation for what would later evolve into Quake III’s arena combat.
DOOM 4 (2008 to 2013)
Announced as a cinematic reboot of DOOM II set on Earth, DOOM 4 was meant to show humanity fighting a massive demonic invasion.
The project shifted tone over time and began to resemble a modern military shooter.
Developers described it as Call of DOOM.
It was canceled, and a new version was later created from scratch as DOOM (2016).
Quake Reboot (Post 2017)
After the success of DOOM (2016), id Software explored returning to the Quake series.
Internal presentations and concept art mentioned Quake Reboot or Quake 5 Arena, but no official title has surfaced.
MachineGames collaborated with id on the Quake II Remaster and created a new episode, showing that the series remains active behind the scenes.
Experimental Projects
DoomEd Public Release – briefly considered but canceled due to dependence on NeXT hardware.
DOOM Mobile 2 – a prototype sequel for early smartphones that was stopped after low sales of the first.
Quake VR (1996) – John Carmack built a VR prototype for Quake long before Oculus, but it was not pursued.
id MMO Concept – John Romero once mentioned the idea of an id Software online world, but it never moved beyond discussion.
Legacy
Many of these projects still influenced later releases.
Carmack’s experiments with 3D, multiplayer networking, and virtual reality paved the way for future technology.
Even ideas that were cut, like the Quake RPG Prototype, show how id Software constantly reinvented itself across each generation of games.