Game maker id Software quietly confirmed it is working on Doom 4, almost four years after the release of the third installment of the series that made the first-person shooter a permanent fixture in the public conscience.

Instead of a large public announcement, id's notice came in the form of a brief mention on its Web site along with a call for developers and artists interested in working on the game.

The original Doom video game, launched in 1993, is cited as one of the first video games to help make the first person shooter (FPS) genre popular.

Doom 3 was met with high levels of anticipation, but many gamers were left disappointed after finishing the game. Some gamers claimed id spent too much time working on its engine and graphics, while leaving the game's plot line developed.

Id Software admitted it listened to gamers' complaints about Doom 3, and will likely make sure it does not replicate the same mistakes with Doom 4. For example, the next game may be based in a dark environment where lightning is scarce, in order to retain that dark, abysmal mood. But in the last installment, gamers quickly became frustrated when they were forced to hold the flashlight while at the same time managing their weapon. A third-party modification was made available so users could attach the flashlight to their shotgun or machine, much to gamers' delight.

Since the launch of Doom, id Software remained loyal to the PC gaming platform, but is expanding to game consoles due to high levels of piracy and the increasing popularity of console gaming.

The publisher has not mentioned an expected release date or which platforms the game is planned to support. Rumors indicate it will likely be available for Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Gamers also are interested in seeing what game engine will be used for Doom 4's development, with some rumors indicating id will use the Rage engine. It is highly unlikely id will use the Doom 3 engine, which is now more than four years old.

Id Software had not responded to BetaNews' inquiries by press time.

The game studio also is working on Rage, a video game focused on racing and shooting, that was described by id developer John Carmack has a "run-n-gun" type of game. Since Doom 3's launch, id has worked on Quake 4 and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, both of which remain popular.