In a significant restructuring move, Microsoft has announced cuts across its Xbox studios, with a total of 3,200 positions expected to be eliminated by the end of the year. Among the hardest hit is id Software, which experienced a staggering reduction of 136 employees—over half of its workforce—just a day before the launch of its highly anticipated expansion, Doom: The Dark Ages. This abrupt downsizing has left both remaining and recently laid-off staff grappling with concerns about the studio’s ability to continue producing games and maintaining its proprietary engine, idTech.
Concerns Amidst Change
One affected employee expressed a sentiment that resonates deeply within the industry: “Nothing says business success like nuking a team into the dirt and relegating them to support studio size while also throwing out massive technological achievements.” Such remarks underscore the anxiety surrounding the studio’s future capabilities.
In response to these concerns, the studio released a statement aimed at reassuring its remaining staff and stakeholders. “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. The team today is about the same size we were when making DOOM (2016). We have always had a flat studio where everyone is a maker, and we will remain true to that philosophy moving forward,” the statement read.
This assertion aligns with a report from Windows Central, which also indicated that id Software is not being pressured to transition to Unreal Engine in the near term, a concern that had been circulating among employees. Furthermore, the studio’s communication suggests a commitment to continuing development on id Tech, despite the recent upheaval.
However, the broader perception of Microsoft as a steward of id Software—a studio that has long been synonymous with PC gaming—remains under scrutiny. The fact that id Software’s workforce is now comparable to its size a decade ago raises eyebrows, particularly given the increasing demands of game development. The complexity and scale of modern titles like Doom necessitate larger teams and extended timelines, which is evident from the growth to over 200 employees for The Dark Ages.
As id Software looks to the future, it does so under the shadow of uncertainty, with the looming threat of further cuts hanging over its operations. Whatever the studio embarks on next, it will undoubtedly be navigating a challenging landscape shaped by recent events.
