id Software Reassures Fans Despite Major Layoffs at Xbox
id Software recently addressed concerns following significant layoffs at Xbox, which affected nearly half of the workforce at the iconic first-person shooter studio.
On Wednesday, it was revealed through a WARN notice in Texas that 96 employees in Richardson, Texas, and an additional 40 remote roles were cut. This move is part of new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s revamp of Microsoft’s gaming division, commencing with the initial reduction of 1,600 staff early in the week.
Amidst growing anxieties over the studio’s capacity to develop new titles, id Software has reassured its community that it remains in a position to create outstanding games. According to their recent statement on their social media, the studio has maintained a staffing level comparable to that of the team behind the celebrated 2016 DOOM reboot.
«Thank you all for the support this week. While our studio was impacted, those changes were spread across teams. We still have the crew we need to build the games and tech we’re known for,» it says.
Status Quo and Future Outlook
The company continues to focus on supporting affected team members, promising participation in upcoming events like QuakeCon this August. Additionally, reassurance comes from Xbox confirming that id Tech development is ongoing across multiple sites.
New Projects and Collaborations
Despite no announced project, id Software is reportedly exploring several potential game concepts, with ideas ranging from a John Wick-style IP to a multiplayer DOOM experience. Moreover, Bethesda is realigning strategies, with a focus on major franchises such as Halo, Minecraft, and The Elder Scrolls.
«We must strengthen our business, return to sustainable growth, and ensure we can continue investing in our franchises and our players,» said Bethesda’s CEO Jill Braff.
Industry Response and Legacy
Legends and co-founders, John Romero and John Carmack, have voiced their concerns over layoffs. Romero emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of titles like DOOM and Quake, while Carmack reflected on the industry’s challenges.
As the gaming landscape evolves, the commitment to sustaining creativity and quality remains a top priority for id Software and its parent company, Xbox.