How Texas Studios Shaped the Video Game Industry

September 26, 2026 - 13:05

Texas has quietly shaped gaming for decades, and its influence runs deeper than most players realize. From first person shooters to beloved adventure series, studios across the state have left a lasting mark on the medium.

In Richardson, id Software launched DOOM and Quake, two titles that defined the first person shooter genre and pushed PC gaming forward. The studio's fast paced design and technical ambition set a standard that countless developers still follow today.

In Austin, Retro Studios brought Samus into 3D with Metroid Prime, a game praised for its atmosphere, exploration, and smart translation of a classic series into a new dimension. The project remains a high point for Nintendo and a point of pride for the Texas development scene.

In Frisco, Gearbox made Borderlands a cult hit, blending shooter mechanics with role playing progression and a bold visual style. The series grew into a major franchise and helped cement the studio's reputation.

Together, these teams show how much Texas has contributed to gaming history, often without drawing attention to itself.