id Software Recovering from Xbox Layoffs
Following the recent Xbox layoffs, id Software has released a statement confirming that the studio is back to its pre-2016 Doom days in terms of staffing. The studio, which has been a legendary first-person shooter developer for over 35 years, was impacted by the layoffs, with around 96 workers losing their jobs in Richardson, Texas. However, the studio has assured fans that it still has the necessary crew to build great games and tech.
According to a statement posted on the id Software X/Twitter page, the studio is now at a staffing level similar to what it was during the development of the 2016 Doom reboot. The statement read, ‘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.’
id Software co-founders John Romero and John Carmack have also weighed in on the layoffs. Romero expressed his support for the affected staff and called on the studio’s legacy to be preserved, while Carmack questioned whether id Software’s games had sold well enough to prevent the layoffs.
Despite the layoffs, id Software remains committed to its core philosophy of being a flat studio where everyone is a maker. The studio is focused on supporting each other and the team members impacted, and it is looking forward to continuing to build great games and tech.
id Software is currently prototyping a number of potential projects, including a John Wick-style original IP, a new Perfect Dark game, and a multiplayer/co-op Doom game. While the studio has no announced project, it is confident that it is still capable of building its own games.
The layoffs at id Software are part of a broader restructuring effort at Xbox, which is aimed at strengthening the business and returning to sustainable growth. Bethesda boss Jill Braff has stated that the layoffs and change in strategy reflect the realities of the industry and the need for the company to adapt to changing circumstances.
In a recent email to Bethesda staff, Braff explained that the company is shifting from a planning model primarily centered on individual studios to one that focuses on its strongest franchises and determines the content roadmap that best serves its players and the company as a whole.
id Software’s commitment to its core values and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in determining the studio’s future success. With its rich legacy and talented team, id Software is well-positioned to continue building great games and tech for years to come.
In related news, Xbox has confirmed that there are dozens of people working on id Tech across multiple locations, contradicting previous reports that there was only one person left in Texas. The company has also stated that it is committed to supporting the affected staff and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to continue working on id Tech.
Overall, the statement from id Software is a reassuring sign that the studio is committed to its core values and is confident in its ability to continue building great games and tech.
The layoffs at id Software are a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the gaming industry and the need for studios to adapt to changing circumstances. However, with its rich legacy and talented team, id Software is well-positioned to continue thriving in the years to come.
