Former id Software developers form their own employee-owned shooter studio in the wake of Microsoft’s mass layoffs

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Former id Software developers form their own employee-owned shooter studio in the wake of Microsoft's mass layoffs

As part of its July 2026 wave of Xbox job cuts, Microsoft laid off a reported 136 developers from id Software, a studio whose name is synonymous with expertise in shooter design and engineering. Today, “approximately 20” of those former id developers announced the formation of Hidden Horses, an employee-owned game studio boasting “over 250 collective years” of game dev experience between its co-founders.

“This team has spent years building games together, and we realized that what made that experience special wasn’t just the projects we worked on; it was the people we worked with,” Hidden Horses engine programmer and co-founder Dustin Land said in a press release. “Hidden Horses is an opportunity to keep that team together, build something of our own, and create the kind of old school shooters that we think people want more of.”

On its website, the studio says it was formed as a democratically governed, developer-owned company so it can prioritize “long-term health over short-term growth, longevity over quarterly returns, and innovative gameplay over shady monetization”—for the sake of its games, and the studio staff creating them.

“We’re creating a studio where the developers share in its success and have a commitment to it beyond just another job,” said co-founder and executive producer Andrew Willis, “I think that when people have a stake in something’s success, they are more committed to it.â€

The studio is planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign to support the development of its first planned game: a singleplayer arena shooter called Danger Pay, in which players will participate in a televised ultraviolent game show inspired by works like The Running Man (the 1987 movie, not the 2025 one) and 1990’s Smash TV—a game that, I’ve just now learned, got a novella adaptation in 1992. So. Now I get to have that knowledge bouncing around.

“We’ve had the privilege of spending our careers making games for incredible communities of players,” said Johnmichael Quinlin, studio co-founder and tools programmer. “Now we have the chance to build something new together, and we’re excited to invite those players along for the journey from the very beginning.”

If you want to stay posted on what Hidden Horses is up to, you can follow the studio on its Bluesky account.

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### Delving into the Satirical Aspects of *Car Park Capital*: An Original Perspective on Simulation Games

In a realm where video games have evolved to replicate everything from agriculture to managing advanced streamers, the simulation genre consistently astonishes with its diversity and depth. Nonetheless, few titles explore the societal ramifications of such simulated ventures. *Car Park Capital*, an innovative satirical parking lot simulator, raises critical inquiries about the lengths one might pursue to build the most prosperous parking empire and the societal repercussions of that success.

#### A Satirical Perspective on Urban Growth

*Car Park Capital*, created by Hilkojj Interactive, balances absurdity and critique. Drawing inspiration from prominent urban planners such as Robert Moses, who famously transformed American metropolises, the game casts players as architects of urban spaces motivated by profit. The tutorial, which sets players on the path to establishing their empire within a bustling amusement park, swiftly shifts their attention from the enjoyment of theme parks to the monotonous yet lucrative realm of managing parking spaces. Players discover how to maximize their parking operations through price modifications, signage, and even strategies like undermining public transport.

#### Comprehensive Gameplay Dynamics

As players advance, they reveal the intricacies behind what appears to be straightforward parking lot management. The journey begins with a limited parking area in a densely populated city. To acquire more space, players must evict residential properties, leading to the establishment of expansive developments that will increase road traffic. This ripple effect compels players to assume various roles—property developer, oil magnate, and fast-food entrepreneur—illustrating the interconnection between urban infrastructure and commercial greed.

The gameplay underscores the darker aspects of capitalism. To expand parking availability, players can dismantle local infrastructure, privatize public services, and even establish a private police force to manage dissent. This satirical narrative intensifies the critique of urban planning historically focused on prioritizing car culture over communal areas, resonating with real-life debates surrounding development and environmental harm.

#### An Engaging Yet Imperfect Cycle

Despite its captivating mechanics and dark comedy, *Car Park Capital* prompts examination regarding the enduring appeal of its gameplay cycle. As players build power and profitability, the challenge may wane, resulting in feelings of invincibility that lessen the game’s intensity. Presently in early access, players can also explore settings like the Florida Keys, gaining further insight into the potential destructiveness of uncontrolled expansion.

The game provides a stark reflection on contemporary urban settings, mirroring the persistent conflicts between development and community priorities. As players pursue their visions of a lucrative parking enterprise, they encounter disquieting realities about the societal expenses entwined with these decisions. The juxtaposition of light-hearted simulation and pointed critique establishes *Car Park Capital* as a thought-provoking addition to the genre, urging players to consider their in-game choices and their actual world ramifications.

In conclusion, *Car Park Capital* transcends being merely another simulator—it’s a satirical investigation of urban development, capitalism, and the ethical dilemmas encountered in the quest for achievement. Its engaging gameplay, combined with its thought-provoking narrative, provides players with a unique outlook on the socio-economic dynamics influencing their own cities. As the simulation genre evolves, offerings like this remind us that every side venture carries significant consequences.