Romero Replies

GameSpot News has been covering developments at ION Storm for some time. Our suspicions about the company's instability were bolstered by the now infamous Dallas Observer article. That article uncovered information about the inner workings of ION Storm and some of the challenges it's faced since its founding.

In spite of the current situation at ION, it looks like Daikatana is still pushing ahead. ION Storm released new shots of its upcoming title to prove it.

Still, we wanted to ask Romero some questions regarding the recent rabble rousing article, whether its contents were true, and if certain rumors generated in the story's wake are likewise true.

GameSpot News: We've heard from more than one member of the gaming community in Dallas who tells us the rumor mill is rife with talk of Todd Porter quitting ION Storm. Is this the case?John Romero: No.

GSN: An ION subpoena sent to Dallas Observer reporter Christine Biederman is seeking all e-mails the reporter used as research for the article. What purpose would having those documents serve? Are you trying to bolster your defense against Bob Wright and his lawsuit against ION or are you trying to expose faulty or illegal methodology in Biederman's reporting techniques?JR: I can't talk about pending litigation, if there is any.

GSN: Espirit de corp. The dictionary defines it as "the common spirit existing in the members of a group?" How would you describe the espirit de corps in the ION offices these days?JR: The people now here at Ion are very positive. Morale has never been higher.

GSN: What's your current relationship like with former ION CEO Mike Wilson? Have you spoken since the Dallas Observer article came out?JR: I haven't talked to Mike in a while, long before the article came out.

GSN: Does Eidos still express interest in owning a larger share of ION Storm than they currently do? The Observer article suggests this is no longer the case.JR: I can't talk about any pending business deals, if they exist.

GSN: What is the current staff count at ION Storm and what are the top priorities?JR: I believe we have about 82 people. Their top priority is completing whichever game they're working on.

GSN: If you had the chance to say three words to Christine Biederman, what would they be?JR: I don't have anything to say to her.

GSN: Daikatana. We know that AI work continues on the game, but it has suffered due to the departure of the only AI programmer. Is ION seeking replacement AI programmers to alleviate the situation or are there other internal programmers at ION working on finishing this part of code?JR: There has been more than one programmer on AI for a while now. There are two AI programmers and we are in the process of hiring one more. We haven't moved any programmers from any other current ION project to work on Daikatana.

Well, there you have it. We asked. Once we're sure that Romero will answer our questions without worry of pending litigation we'll ask again.