Doom Developer Criticizes Microsoft Over Game Development Strategy

Following Microsoft’s July layoffs, id Software’s staff is now smaller than it was during the development of Doom (2016), according to programmer Chris Hayes.

Microsoft carried out layoffs at id Software in July, and the consequences of the decision continue to cause discontent within the studio. Doom programmer Chris Hayes harshly criticized the Xbox owners, stating that the company does not understand the art of making games.

Speaking on the Auf ein Bier podcast, Hayes explained that building large AAA games has become practically impossible following the layoffs. Certain departments were completely gutted, and crucial specialists for game development were lost.

Management is attempting to reassure employees by saying that id Software will continue working on familiar projects. Hayes does not believe this. According to him, executives received strict instructions about what they are allowed to say. The purpose of such statements is to prevent panic among the remaining employees and stop them from leaving.

Fewer people now work at id Software than during the development of Doom (2016). Hayes stated that current resources are only sufficient for a relatively small single-player game on par with Xbox 360 era projects. Creating anything on a larger scale with the current team will be impossible.