Following a week of sweeping layoffs and organizational restructuring across Microsoft’s Xbox division, id Software has stepped forward to clarify its status. Despite industry speculation that the legendary studio behind Doom and Quake had been hollowed out—with rumors suggesting nearly all of its engineering staff had been let go—the Texas-based developer insisted on Friday that it remains fully operational, committed to both game production and the evolution of its industry-leading technology.
<p>Fresh off the launch of the <em>Revelations</em> DLC for <em>Doom: The Dark Ages</em>, the team emphasized that it intends to uphold the creative legacy it has cultivated over the past four decades.</p>
<p>“While our studio was impacted, those changes were spread across teams,” id Software stated via <a href="https://x.com/idSoftware/status/2075638499412189455" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">X</a>. “We still have the personnel required to build the games and technology we are known for. Our current team size is comparable to our staffing levels during the production of <em>Doom</em> (2016). We have always maintained a flat, maker-driven studio culture, and we remain dedicated to that philosophy.”</p>
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<p>Historical data from <em>Mobygames</em> reveals that <em>Doom</em> (2016) was brought to life by approximately 125 core designers, artists, and engineers, supported by a specialized team of 30 staff members across administrative and quality assurance roles. Notably, that project thrived through collaborative efforts with partner studios, including MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, and Certain Affinity.</p>
<p>“We are focused on supporting one another and the team members impacted by this transition,” the statement continued. “We are committed to the high-caliber games and technology that have defined our brand for 35 years, and we look forward to connecting with our community at QuakeCon this August.”</p>
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<p>Following initial rumors of severe cutbacks, concrete figures emerged on Tuesday. A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice confirmed that 136 employees—40 of whom were remote—were laid off from the ZeniMax Media offices in Richardson, Texas, which serves as the home base for id Software. While reports suggested that the proprietary id Tech engine team was hit particularly hard, a Microsoft spokesperson pushed back against that narrative, noting, "There are dozens of people working on id Tech across multiple locations."</p>
<p>These developments come on the heels of Microsoft’s Monday announcement, which detailed a plan to reduce its total Xbox division workforce by 3,200 positions over the coming year. Beyond the impact on studios like Bethesda Softworks and Obsidian Entertainment, Microsoft confirmed plans to divest from Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while the future of Arkane Studios remains the subject of ongoing negotiations.</p>
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</aside>Source: Polygon
