id Software
id Software business and news from across the web.
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Early '90s animation tools were so primitive that Doom's lead artist says he pretty much did the whole thing…
Doom's lead artist Adrian Carmack revealed that he used the undo key in Deluxe Paint as his primary animation tool for the original game. Due to primitive tools and frame limitations imposed by John Carmack, Adrian Carmack developed a method of cycling through frames using undo/redo to create animations for enemies and weapons.
What sense can we make of the madness at id Software?
id Software, known for Doom and Quake, has laid off 136 employees, over half its workforce, amidst broader industry cuts at Microsoft. Conflicting reports suggest the studio is starting a new Doom game and its id-tech engine remains active, despite fears of it becoming a support studio. The article analyzes the potential reasons behind these drastic layoffs, including project phasing and cost-cutting, while also questioning Microsoft's strategy and the impact on team morale and institutional experience.
Comings and Goings
Hugo Martin, director of Doom, has denied reports that id Software has undergone significant staff departures. However, current and former employees reportedly disagree with his optimistic assessment of the studio's situation.
“Current and Former” Employees Disagree With DOOM Co-Director’s About id’s Current State
Current and former id Software employees have disputed co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio was not significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs. Developers expressed that approximately 50% of the workforce was cut, leading to a feeling that their contributions were undervalued and that the team has been 'nerfed'. The article also touches on past development challenges, including significant crunch and turnover during the creation of DOOM (2016).
Union slams Microsoft for "unfair labor practice", alleging Xbox "unlawfully" laid off staff
Microsoft's Xbox division is facing accusations of unfair labor practices, including unlawfully laying off staff without proper union notification or discussion. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed complaints alleging refusal to bargain and coercive actions. Meanwhile, Netflix reported a 600% surge in kids' game engagement, driven by its dedicated mobile app, and expressed confidence in scaling its cloud gaming offerings.
After Doom director Hugo Martin denied reports that id Software had been gutted, "current and former employees" are disagreeing with his optimism
Current and former employees of id Software are disputing director Hugo Martin's optimistic statements following recent layoffs at the studio. Sources claim that a significant portion of the Doom (2016) development team was let go, contradicting Martin's assertion that the studio was not "gutted." These employees expressed disappointment, feeling their contributions were undervalued, and highlighted past struggles like the development of Doom 4 as evidence of the studio's fragility.
The Xbox Characters That Defined 25 Years of Gaming
This article examines the iconic characters that have defined Xbox's 25-year history, from Master Chief and Marcus Fenix to Minecraft Steve and Ori. These characters represent the evolution of Xbox from a console newcomer to a multi-platform gaming brand, highlighting shifts in game design, company acquisitions, and the importance of personality in brand identity.
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
Fallout 5, Remasters and New Games Confirmed, But Can They Save Bethesda?
Bethesda has outlined its future game development plans, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are coming. The Elder Scrolls 6 remains the primary focus, with Starfield set to receive ongoing updates and new content. The studio also addressed recent layoffs and fan concerns about its direction.
'The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters': David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung,…
David Szymanski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses his gaming history and preferences in a 'Disk Cleanup' feature. He highlights Myst as a foundational experience and considers the mid-2000s the golden era for first-person shooters due to their variety. Szymanski also shares his high playtime in Elden Ring and his enduring appreciation for Doom.
Something for the Weekend – 18/07/26
This week's gaming news includes confirmed remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, an injury to Ryan Hurst impacting Kratos's portrayal, and an earlier release date for Hot Wheels Infinite Rush. id Software addressed recent layoffs with a positive outlook, while Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown received an expansion pass. Players are experiencing matchmaking issues with Black Ops on PlayStation, and a network test for The Duskbloods is set for August. Several games received reviews, including KAZ (9/10), Beastro (8/10), and Necrophosis Full Consciousness (7/10). New trailers were released for Marvel's Wolverine, Battlefield 6 Season 4, and Zenless Zone Zero 3.1.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are…
id Software studio director Hugo Martin addressed concerns about the studio's size and capabilities following recent Xbox layoffs. He stated that the studio is currently the same size as it was during the development of Doom 2016 and that the idTech engine remains active, with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. Martin also commented that successful games benefit everyone, including those who were let go.
Doom: The Dark Ages lead says claims that id Software has been "gutted" by layoffs are "not true," and its engine team is "very much alive and well"
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin addressed reports of significant layoffs, stating that claims of the studio being "gutted" are untrue. He confirmed that the studio's size is comparable to when Doom (2016) was made and that the id Tech engine team is active, with engineers in both Germany and at MachineGames. Martin emphasized that Doom: The Dark Ages is progressing well and that the studio is focused on celebrating the success of their games.
Doom: The Dark Ages' DLC is a true FPS triumph, and its developers deserve better
The DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages, titled Revelations, introduces new mechanics like the chain spear and restores the dash ability from Doom Eternal, offering a fresh and exhilarating combat experience. Despite the positive reception of the DLC, the article highlights the tragic impact of recent Xbox layoffs on id Software, potentially jeopardizing the future of the id Tech engine and the studio's talent.
id Software Creative Director Says Claims the Doom Developer Was 'Nerfed Into the Ground' by Xbox Layoffs Are Untrue
id Software creative director Hugo Martin stated that claims of the Doom developer being negatively impacted by Xbox layoffs are untrue. He insists the studio remains strong and active despite recent workforce reductions.
Unions accuse Microsoft of having "unlawfully fired people" in unfair labor practice complaints filed over Xbox layoffs
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada have filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft, alleging unlawful firings and bad-faith bargaining during recent Xbox layoffs. The unions accuse Microsoft of failing to notify or discuss layoffs with them, despite ongoing collective agreement negotiations. An Xbox spokesperson stated the company respects employees' rights and is committed to the bargaining process.
No, Doom maker id Software hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by the Xbox cuts, insists director Hugo Martin
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin has refuted claims that the studio has been significantly harmed by recent Xbox layoffs. Martin stated that the studio's size is comparable to when it developed Doom 2016 and that the id Tech engine remains active. These statements come amidst reports of substantial staff reductions at id Software following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
"Id Tech is there, the Doom team is here": Doom: The Dark Ages director pushes back against idea studio have been "nerfed into the ground" by Xbox layoffs
Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin pushed back against reports that Id Software has been significantly weakened by recent Microsoft layoffs, stating the studio is the same size as when it developed Doom 2016. He emphasized that the id Tech engine is alive and well, with engineers at both Id Software and MachineGames collaborating. Martin also highlighted the commercial success of the Revelations DLC and expressed gratitude for fan support during a difficult time for affected employees.
Games Inbox: Are you playing EA Sports FC more because of the World Cup?
Readers discuss their current engagement with EA Sports FC, with some playing less due to the lack of an official World Cup license and the team's performance. Other topics include potential Grand Theft Auto 6 boycotts, Xbox's mobile gaming strategy, the future of console design, and the impact of industry layoffs on studios like id Software.
