Book cover of Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture

Book description

Masters of Doom is the true inside story of the Lennon and McCartney of the video game industry: John Carmack and John Romero. Together they created an empire, ruled a multibillion-dollar industry, and provoked a national controversy. They lived a unique American dream, escaping their broken homes to co-create the…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Masters of Doom as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Masters of Doom perfectly captures the scrappiness of software entrepreneurship in the early 90s.

It takes the readers on a fascinating journey of rags to riches through the early days of computer gaming. Along the way, readers learn about innovation, creativity, leadership, tech, crazy work ethics, and carving a unique path in the industry.

If you love Masters of Doom...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Masters of Doom?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 75 books like Masters of Doom.

Browse books like Masters of Doom

Book cover of Game Feel: A Game Designer's Guide to Virtual Sensation
Book cover of Land Of Lisp: Learn to Program in Lisp, One Game at a Time!
Book cover of Getting Gamers: The Psychology of Video Games and Their Impact on the People who Play Them

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,367

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Masters of Doom, you might also like...

Book cover of The Swordsman of Venice

The Swordsman of Venice by Rob Samborn,

In Renaissance Venice, the deadliest weapon isn’t a blade… it’s a secret.

Angelo Mascari is a master swordsman whose greatest battle isn’t fought for crown or country, but for love. When treachery strikes and the Republic turns against him, Angelo is forced into a desperate flight that leads him across…

Book cover of Price of Vengeance

Price of Vengeance by Kurt D. Springs,

Liam was orphaned at the age of two by a group of giant carnivorous insects called the chitin. Taken in by High Councilor Marcus and his wife, Lidia, Liam was raised with their older son, Randolf in New Olympia, the last remaining city on the planet Etrusci.

As an adult,…

5 book lists we think you will like!