Xbox is not selling or closing id Software, the renowned developers behind the *Doom* series, but is reportedly laying off about half of the studio, with significant cuts to its technology team. There have been rising frustrations among outgoing employees regarding this situation. John Romero, co-founder of id Software, has urged those involved to protect the studio’s historical artifacts, including “code, assets, stories,” amid the restructuring.
Although Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed the number of layoffs, various sources indicate a substantial workforce reduction, with Scott Miller of 3D Realms asserting that “most, if not all” of id’s coding team has been axed. Jeff Gardiner, former project lead at Bethesda, has also reported that approximately 95 staff members have lost their jobs, corroborated by anonymous sources from *Game Developer*. This upheaval coincides with the release week of *Doom: The Dark Ages* expansion, *Revelations*.
Some id Software developers have shared their announcements on LinkedIn. Veteran systems programmer Michael Maynard conveyed his disappointment in Microsoft’s decision, emphasizing id’s significant achievements in first-person engine technology. He criticized the dismissal of such a dedicated team that has significantly impacted the FPS industry.
id Software is iconic for its technology; the original *Doom* engine has inspired numerous total conversions and fan projects. The studio’s later engines, particularly the *Quake* engine and its various iterations, have introduced groundbreaking features like Rage’s MegaTextures and the advanced ray tracing showcased in *Doom: The Dark Ages*. Microsoft appears to be streamlining operations, which may include a shift away from using id’s engine altogether, possibly opting for Epic’s Unreal Engine for future projects.
In response to the layoffs, John Romero expressed empathy for those affected and reflected on the emotional toll of leaving a place filled with one’s work and history. He noted the challenges of maintaining the legacy of *DOOM*, *Quake*, and *Wolfenstein*, praising the care and skill demonstrated in recent projects. Romero also highlighted the importance of digital preservation, sharing that he has safeguarded id’s early history and hoping someone will do the same with its current legacy.
Michael Maynard later revised his LinkedIn comments, indicating that while he still felt sadness over the layoffs, he recognized the studio’s contributions to the gaming industry and acknowledged the somber reality of the situation.
