John Carmack

Date: 2019-08-28 | Duration: 2h 40m

Episode Overview

John Carmack dives deep into the evolution and future of virtual reality, sharing his insights on how VR technology has progressed from early gaming experiments to immersive experiences that rival physical reality. He discusses the challenges of creating convincing sensory inputs beyond visuals, such as smell and haptics, and explains why current VR systems still struggle with issues like simulator sickness. Carmack highlights the importance of spatial awareness and natural movement in VR, emphasizing how advancements in tracking and rendering are pushing the medium closer to seamless immersion. The conversation also revisits Carmack’s pioneering work on iconic games like Doom and Quake, illustrating how open-source development and modding communities extended their lifespan and influence. He reflects on competitive gaming’s physical and mental demands, noting how top players push human limits in fast-paced environments. Carmack further explores the intersection of technology and human potential, touching on neural interfaces, the limitations of Moore’s Law, and the realistic prospects of quantum computing. Throughout, he shares personal anecdotes about his passion for programming, judo training, and high-performance cars, weaving a narrative that connects his technical expertise with a broader vision of innovation and human experience.

About John Carmack

John Carmack is a pioneering computer programmer and video game developer renowned for his groundbreaking work in the gaming industry. As a co-founder of id Software, he played a pivotal role in the creation of iconic titles such as Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, Quake, and Rage, which helped shape the first-person shooter genre and revolutionize 3D graphics. Currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Oculus, Carmack continues to push the boundaries of virtual reality technology. His relentless pursuit of innovation and his insights into programming and game design make him a fascinating figure in both the tech and gaming communities, inspiring countless developers and gamers worldwide.

Key Moments

– Virtual Reality
– Video Game Development
– Computer Graphics
– Esports
– Neural Interfaces
– Quantum Computing
– Rocketry
– Artificial Intelligence
– Augmented Reality
– Cryptography
– Human-Computer Interaction
– Competitive Gaming
– Simulation Sickness
– Software Engineering
– Gaming Hardware
– Judo
– Electric Vehicles
– Space Exploration
– Technology Ethics
0:00:00 – Introduction and greetings
0:01:25 – VR battery life and usage scenarios
0:02:05 – Benefits of VR theaters discussed
0:03:33 – VR applications in amusement parks
0:05:00 – Concept of Smell-O-Vision in VR
0:08:07 – High resolution VR experiences compared
0:09:09 – Doom and Quake legacy in gaming
0:12:09 – Early game networking and graphics ambitions
0:15:20 – Competitive gaming and texture settings
0:17:37 – Esports earnings compared to traditional sports
0:20:29 – Quake gameplay and competitive strategies
0:22:20 – Modern game development effort and quality
0:27:02 – Power and immersion of VR experiences
0:28:21 – Simulator sickness causes and inner ear effects
0:30:09 – Health and safety concerns in VR movement
0:33:02 – VR tracking challenges and setup
0:37:37 – Augmented reality versus virtual reality
0:40:44 – Magic Leap and AR product challenges
0:46:01 – Discussion of Lawnmower Man and VR culture
0:48:24 – Mind and body relationship in cognition
0:51:49 – Quantum computing skepticism
0:56:16 – Implantable tech and Neuralink insights
1:00:29 – Early id Software programming challenges
1:07:05 – Quantum tunneling and transistor limits
1:13:31 – Mobile technology addiction
1:17:14 – Social impacts and downsides of technology
1:21:10 – Focused programming retreats and productivity
1:26:19 – Personality traits in game development
1:33:32 – Multitasking with exercise and gaming
1:36:21 – Judo training and martial arts discussion
1:42:43 – Physical and virtual world training synergy
1:54:15 – Early car experiences and automotive tuning
2:00:33 – High power car modifications
2:05:57 – Tesla acceleration and electric vehicle tech
2:08:16 – SpaceX cutting-edge rocket technology
2:13:06 – Drone flight capabilities and university teams
2:19:51 – Space industry competition and startups
2:28:07 – Space colonization and satellite networks
2:35:19 – Technology's role in improving the world

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 3, 2, 1, here we go. How are you, sir? Starting point is 00:00:34 And thank you very much for showing me. Starting point is 00:00:55 Everything is in here. Starting point is 00:01:16 Okay. Starting point is 00:01:25 So it depends on what you're doing, where if you just sit there and watch Netflix, it'll last a little more than three hours. Starting point is 00:02:05 not this much benefit to having a theater like that in VR. Starting point is 00:02:41 but this is the direction that everything's going. Not only do you have things in VR Starting point is 00:03:01 if it's possible. Starting point is 00:03:33 Like I think about that whenever I am at amusement parks Starting point is 00:03:56 do in VR. Starting point is 00:04:21 you can't do as good in your home system. Starting point is 00:05:00 staying in your own room, then that's great. What would they be able to do with Smell-O-Vision? Would you have like a standalone unit Starting point is 00:05:19 where they made a little box that glued or attached Starting point is 00:05:45 the way we do with light to make red, green, and blue primaries with that. So they really had to Starting point is 00:06:25 would complain it's like oh the fidelity on this is garbage i should have 500 different smells here Starting point is 00:07:11 he's popping in there with all the refilling your toner cartridge on your reliable scent Starting point is 00:07:52 You put it on. Starting point is 00:08:07 And what you just showed me today, the Star Wars one, is actually higher resolution than the Void, which is the one that you pay to go see. Starting point is 00:08:34 just using the controllers to pretend you're doing things you feel like you're a mime someplace some Starting point is 00:09:09 So there's the interesting things all the way back into the doom and quake days. Starting point is 00:09:36 it actually feels like you're getting hit in the back. Starting point is 00:10:09 to add support to the mainline code. ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1342?

John Carmack was the guest on JRE #1342. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1342?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1342 with John Carmack, topics include Virtual Reality, Video Game Development, Computer Graphics, and Neural Interfaces.

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The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1342 with John Carmack is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.