Doom, Quake Studio Director Tim Willits Stepping Down After 24 Years

Tim Willits, studio director of Doom, Rage, and Quake developer Id Software, has announced his intention to leave the company after 24 years.

“I’ve decided to leave Id Software after QuakeCon,” Willits said. “I’ve been extremely lucky to work with the best people in the industry on truly amazing games.

“After QuakeCon I will announce my future plans, where I am going, and what new exciting things I am doing. Stay tuned.”

Willits joined the studio when it was still in its infancy, in 1995, remaining after the studio was acquired by Bethesda parent company ZeniMax. He was one of the key minds behind the original Quake and continued to work extensively on that and Doom over the years, as well as serving as creative director on the first Rage. He later directed Quake Champions.

In his Twitter message, the industry veteran reassured fans his departure will not affect Id’s current lineup of games: “All of the games currently in development are in very good hands, my departure will not affect any planned releases. Id Software is packed full of amazing talent that will continue to develop (long into the future) some of the best shooters in the world.”

In a statement to GameSpot, Bethesda thanked Willits for his years of service: “We want to thank Tim for his amazing 24 years at id Software. He has been an invaluable member of the Id Software team, and the Bethesda family, through his incredible work on franchises like Quake, Rage, and Doom and a fan-favorite at QuakeCon for decades. All of us here at Bethesda wish Tim the best in his future endeavors.”

QuakeCon 2019 takes place later this month in Dallas, Texas. For the first time, it will be accompanied by a sister event in London.