Mass Layoffs at id Software: A New Era for the Studio?
In a shocking turn of events, id Software, the renowned developer behind the iconic Doom series, has undergone a massive layoff. According to a report by GamesBeat, 92 out of 185 full-time employees were let go, leaving the studio with a significantly reduced workforce.
The layoffs have put several projects in question, including a co-op/multiplayer Doom game that would have revived classic weaponry from previous Doom games. Another project in the works was a new Perfect Dark game, which had been in development since the property became available last year after Xbox shut down developer The Initiative and canceled its Perfect Dark reboot.
id Software’s Cancelled Projects: What Could Have Been
id Software was also exploring a new game codenamed Fury, a John Wick-inspired, noir sci-fi game that would have combined martial arts with gunplay. The studio envisioned Fury as a way to stretch its legs beyond Doom and explore new genres. Another project in the works was a Westworld-inspired survival game, although details about this project are scarce.
These canceled projects raise questions about id Software’s future direction and whether the studio will continue to develop new IPs or focus on supporting other Xbox projects.
id Software’s recent work on the new Doom: The Dark Ages DLC, Revelations, has left fans wondering about the studio’s next move. Will they return to the Doom franchise or explore new IPs?
A Glimpse into the Future: id Software’s Potential Next Steps
id Software’s reduced workforce has sparked concerns about the studio’s ability to move forward with existing projects. The layoffs have left many wondering if the studio will become a support studio, assisting on games like The Elder Scrolls 6, Wolfenstein 3, Marvel’s Blade, or other projects within Xbox.
This situation is reminiscent of the mass layoffs that occurred at Turn 10 Studios, the team behind the Forza Motorsport franchise. The studio’s future is uncertain, and fans are left to speculate about the potential impact on the Motorsport series and other Xbox projects.
As id Software navigates this new era, one thing is clear: the studio’s future is uncertain, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next.
