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id Software Co-Director Denies It’s Been “Nerfed and Gutted” Following Xbox’s Layoffs
id Software Co-Studio Director Hugo Martin has denied reports that the studio has been significantly "nerfed and gutted" following Xbox layoffs, stating the team is the same size as when DOOM (2016) was released. Despite claims from a former employee that the studio's ability to create games is stretched thin, Martin asserted that the id Tech Engine is "very much alive and well" with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. While rumors of a new Doom game persist, an official announcement has yet to be made, though the Wolfenstein series is reportedly still in development.
ZeniMax Online Studio Head Joseph Burba & more senior devs cut in latest Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant layoffs, with Studio Head Joseph Burba and other senior figures like Producer Susan Kath, Studio Game Director Rich Lambert, and Production Director Ala Diaz being among those affected. These cuts are part of a larger wave of job reductions at Xbox, impacting studios like id Software and Obsidian Entertainment. Josh Henderson is reportedly set to replace Burba as studio head.
Unions take legal action against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling Xbox layoffs
Labor unions in the United States and Canada have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft and its subsidiaries, including Xbox, ZeniMax Media, id Software, and Bethesda Game Studios. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada allege that Microsoft failed to provide necessary information and engaged in bad faith bargaining regarding recent layoffs, which impacted studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software. Legal actions claim Microsoft made unilateral changes and unlawfully terminated employees without proper discussion with the unions.
Report paints a picture of brutal cord-cutting inside Xbox layoffs: 'Many of us did not know what was happening for…
A report details the chaotic and reportedly "brutal" implementation of recent layoffs at Xbox, with employees being informed via brief, impersonal video calls and having their access revoked swiftly. This has led to significant distress and speculation among remaining staff, exacerbated by a stated intention for further layoffs by 2027.
Microsoft Says Id Tech Is Safe, Former Staffers Say They’ve Fired Everyone Who Could Save It
Microsoft is facing scrutiny following significant layoffs at id Software, with former employees expressing concern that the studio's proprietary id Tech engine may be discontinued. While Microsoft maintains that id Software has sufficient staff and is committed to id Tech, reports suggest that key personnel responsible for the engine's development were among those let go. This situation raises questions about the future of the engine, which is known for its optimization in first-person shooters, and the broader implications of industry reliance on engines like Unreal Engine 5.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Game at Develop:Star Awards 2026
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive and Kepler Interactive was awarded Best Game at the Develop:Star Awards 2026, alongside wins for Best Narrative and Best Audio. Other notable winners included Frontier Developments for Best Studio and Sony Interactive Entertainment for Publishing Star.
Report contradicts Microsoft's statements that id Software hasn't been shoved onto Unreal from id Tech: 'It's most likely going to end up in the in the trash can'
A report contradicts Microsoft's statements regarding id Software's engine development, suggesting that the id Tech engine is likely to be abandoned following significant layoffs. An id Software worker claims that the removal of key personnel responsible for maintaining id Tech makes it improbable for the studio to develop future games using it, despite Microsoft's assurances that the engine is still actively supported.
Quiz: Klassiker du borde ha spelat
This article presents a quiz challenging readers' knowledge of classic video games. It encourages a look back at influential titles that have shaped genres or were perhaps missed by many. The piece also touches upon various other gaming news and community discussions.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
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The Washington Post has recognized Doom as one of the 25 most influential works of American culture. This acknowledgment highlights the game's significant impact beyond the gaming industry, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Loss of Institutional Knowledge Due to Xbox’s Layoffs is “Staggering”, Says Former Employee
Former employees from Xbox studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, have expressed concern over the significant loss of institutional knowledge due to recent layoffs. They believe these cuts will hinder the development of core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, despite company statements about focusing on these titles. Morale is reportedly low, with employees feeling insecure about future job stability following multiple rounds of significant job cuts.
Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations review – the best DLC of the year
This review praises Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations as an exceptional DLC expansion, calling it one of the best ever made and potentially the best Doom game since the 90s. Despite the recent layoffs at id Software, the expansion successfully blends elements from Doom Eternal and Doom: The Dark Ages, introducing the versatile Chain Spear weapon and improved level design. The DLC is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The Washington Post selects Doom as one of the 25 'most influential works of American culture'
The Washington Post has recognized the original 1993 shooter Doom as one of the 25 most influential works of American culture. The publication highlighted Doom's foundational role in digital entertainment, its pioneering use of the internet for distribution, and its impact on user-generated content. The article also touches on the game's controversial legacy and its cultural significance, as noted by Washington Post critic Gene Park and designer John Romero.
Laid-off id Software devs "cannot imagine a path forward where they make another game in id Tech," despite the…
Former id Software developers express doubt about the studio's ability to create future games using the id Tech engine following significant layoffs by Microsoft. Despite a statement from id Software claiming they retain sufficient staff, affected employees believe the loss of institutional knowledge makes continued development of the engine unlikely. This comes as Bethesda reportedly plans to focus on major franchises, including those built on id Tech.
Devs recount chaotic Xbox firings as modders rally behind Bethsoft and ZOS unions
Developers recount chaotic and cruel firings at Xbox, Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software, with employees reportedly notified via brief, disabled video calls. Remaining staff face low morale and increased workloads, with union members disproportionately affected. The PC modding community has shown support for affected developers by creating mods for Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with rallies planned.
"You'll never get another World of Warcraft or Morrowind in the current climate," id Software producer says as constant layoffs batter the industry
id Software producer Andrew Willis criticizes the current state of the video game industry, citing widespread layoffs and mismanagement by executives who lack understanding of game development. He argues that this focus on short-term gains and profit extraction prevents the creation of long-term, impactful franchises like World of Warcraft or Morrowind. Willis suggests that the industry's volatility for employees, despite increasing consumer spending, points to a failure in executive leadership.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft," says Doom dev: "They have destroyed immense amounts of value that I don't even think that they're aware of"
A developer at id Software claims there are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft, citing mass layoffs that occurred just before the launch of a new Doom DLC. The developer stated that Microsoft has destroyed significant value and that even successful game launches do not guarantee job security. This comes after reports of 136 out of 185 developers being laid off from the studio.
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledge
A new report details an environment of fear and uncertainty within Microsoft's Xbox Studios following recent layoffs, with employees unsure of future cuts and the impact on game development. Studios like id Software and Bethesda Game Studios have lost significant talent, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and the ability to maintain core franchises and proprietary technology.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft": Xbox owners accused of cultivating a "disposable worker mentality" in damning report on layoffs
A report details the impact of recent Microsoft layoffs on Xbox employees, including those at Bethesda, ZeniMax, and id Software. The article highlights a "disposable worker mentality" fostered by unclear goals and abrupt termination processes, with some employees expressing disillusionment with being owned by Microsoft and questioning the value of their work in terms of job security.
IWGB Game Workers union forms 'redundancy taskforce' to defend workers' rights
The IWGB Game Workers Union has formed a new taskforce to support workers facing redundancy, aiming to ensure all layoffs are legal and fair. This initiative comes amid widespread layoffs in the industry, including recent cuts at Xbox and Rockstar Games. The union highlights the need for solidarity and worker empowerment against what they describe as mismanagement and greed.
