What is John Carmack's Net Worth and Salary?
John Carmack is an influential American game programmer with a net worth of $50 million. Renowned as a pioneer in the gaming industry, Carmack co-founded id Software, a key company in shaping the first-person-shooter genre with the launch of "Wolfenstein 3D" in 1992. His remarkable work continued with the iconic "Doom" franchise, setting the stage for modern interactive entertainment.
Carmack has made significant contributions in 3D graphics, virtual reality, and game engines, leaving an indelible impact on gaming. He played a pivotal role in the development of popular games like Rage, Doom, Quake, and Commander Keen.
In 2012, John Carmack joined Oculus VR as Chief Technology Officer, where he was integral to the creation of the Oculus Rift headset. Facebook acquired Oculus in 2014 for $2 billion, furthering Carmack's legacy in the tech world.
Early Life
Born on August 20, 1970, in Roeland Park, Kansas, John Carmack showcased a passion for computers and technology from a young age. As a teenager, he spent countless hours exploring programming languages and pushing the limitations of computer technology.
At 14, Carmack was involved in a school break-in to steal Apple II computers, using a homemade thermite+vaseline mixture. This escapade led to his arrest, a psychiatric evaluation, and a one-year sentence in a juvenile home.
id Software
In 1991, Carmack co-founded id Software with John Romero, Tom Hall, and Adrian Carmack. Their first major success was the 1992 release of "Wolfenstein 3D," which revolutionized the first-person shooter genre. Carmack's innovative "ray casting" engine enabled immersive gameplay and lifelike 3D graphics.
DOOM
Building on the success of "Wolfenstein 3D," id Software launched "DOOM" in 1993. This groundbreaking title not only pioneered multiplayer gaming but also established the first-person shooter genre. Carmack's programming prowess ensured "DOOM" ran smoothly on lower-end hardware, enhancing the gaming experience for millions.
Quake
In 1996, "Quake" showcased Carmack's groundbreaking Quake engine, featuring true 3D rendering and dynamic lighting. This engine set new standards for realism and popularized online multiplayer gaming. "Quake" solidified Carmack's reputation as a technical genius and cemented id Software's industry leadership.
Getty Images
Virtual Reality and Aerospace Engineering
Carmack's curiosity extended beyond gaming, leading him into the fields of virtual reality and aerospace engineering. In the early 2000s, he focused on VR, joining Oculus VR in 2012. There, he contributed significantly to the Oculus Rift headset's development, gaining acclaim for its innovative design.
In 2013, Carmack joined Armadillo Aerospace as Chief Technology Officer, channeling his passion for space exploration into projects aimed at developing reusable rocket technologies and advancing the commercial space sector.
Acquisitions and Lawsuits
In June 2009, ZeniMax Media acquired id Software for $150 million, with John Carmack's share estimated at $50 million pre-tax. In 2017, Carmack sued ZeniMax, claiming unpaid dues from the sale, but announced in 2018 that the obligations were fully settled.
In 2013, Carmack left id Software to join Oculus VR as CTO. Following Facebook's $2 billion acquisition of Oculus in 2014, ZeniMax sued Oculus and Facebook, alleging that Oculus Rift used Carmack's intellectual property from ZeniMax. A court later ordered Facebook to pay ZeniMax $500 million.
