John Carmack

Overview

John Carmack, born John D. Carmack II, is a legendary figure in the computer gaming industry. He's a programmer and engineer celebrated for his groundbreaking work in 3D graphics and game engine technology. His innovations not only revolutionized gaming but also pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible on personal computers, influencing countless developers and players alike. This timeline explores key moments in his life, highlighting his journey from a young enthusiast to a technological visionary.

Main Milestones

Birth

August 20, 1970

John D. Carmack II was born in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. From a young age, he demonstrated a keen interest in electronics and computers, foreshadowing his future passion and innovative career path. His early fascination with technology laid the groundwork for his later groundbreaking achievements.

Early Programming Experiments

Early 1980s

Carmack's early forays into programming began during his teenage years. Using an Apple II computer, he started experimenting with various programming languages and concepts, solidifying his deep understanding of computer architecture and graphics. This period was critical in fostering his natural talent and enthusiasm for software development.

Co-founding id Software

1991

A pivotal moment arrived with the co-founding of id Software alongside John Romero, Tom Hall, and Adrian Carmack. This marked the beginning of a journey that would revolutionize the gaming industry. Id Software quickly became synonymous with innovation and cutting-edge technology, setting new standards for 3D graphics and immersive gameplay.

Wolfenstein 3D Release

1992

id Software unleashed Wolfenstein 3D, a game that is widely credited with popularizing the first-person shooter genre on PCs. Carmack's innovative use of raycasting, a technique that simulated 3D environments with limited processing power, was a game-changer and pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. The game's success cemented id Software's position as a leader in the gaming industry.

Doom's Impact

1993

Doom's release in 1993 further cemented Carmack's reputation as a genius programmer. Doom not only refined the first-person shooter formula but also introduced network multiplayer, a groundbreaking feature that transformed the way people played games together. The game's success solidified id Software's position at the forefront of game development and ushered in a new era of interactive entertainment.

Quake's Innovation

1996

With Quake, Carmack delivered another technological leap, this time pioneering the use of true 3D rendering techniques. The game featured fully polygonal models and levels, offering a more realistic and immersive experience than previous titles. Quake engine became a popular choice for other developers, licensing which brought significant revenue for id Software and further influencing the industry.

Joining Armadillo Aerospace (Later Exos Aerospace)

2009

Carmack's long-standing interest in rocketry led him to join Armadillo Aerospace, later known as Exos Aerospace. He invested significant personal resources and devoted considerable time to the company, pursuing his passion for space exploration and contributing to the development of reusable rocket technology. This venture demonstrated his diverse interests and his commitment to pushing technological boundaries beyond the realm of gaming.

Joining Oculus VR

2013

In 2013, Carmack joined Oculus VR (later acquired by Facebook), becoming its Chief Technology Officer. This move marked a significant shift in his career, as he turned his attention to virtual reality technology. He played a crucial role in developing the core technologies that powered Oculus's VR headsets, helping to bring virtual reality to the mainstream.

Stepping Down from CTO at Oculus, Consulting Role

November 2019

Carmack transitioned from his full-time CTO role at Oculus to a consulting position, expressing a desire to focus on research and development in the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). This change signaled a new chapter in his career, as he sought to apply his problem-solving skills and technological expertise to one of the most challenging and important areas of computer science.

Founding Keen Technologies

August 2022

Carmack founded Keen Technologies, with the goal of developing AGI. With his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to tackling ambitious projects, he embarked on this new venture, aiming to make significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and potentially revolutionize various aspects of technology and society. Keen Technologies is representative of his continuing focus on challenging the state of technology.