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New Perfect Dark, Co-Op Doom Were Reportedly In The Works At Id Software Before Mass Layoffs
Mass layoffs have significantly impacted id Software, with reports suggesting projects like a new Perfect Dark game, a co-op Doom experience, and a John Wick-inspired title called Fury were in development. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's 'reset plan' led to the dismissal of over half of id Software's staff, potentially affecting the future of the id Tech engine and other studios like Obsidian Entertainment and ZeniMax Online Studios.
Even The Elder Scrolls 6 is affected by Xbox layoffs, say Bethesda employees, as "key" people are let go and morale bottoms out
Bethesda Game Studios employees report that recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted development on The Elder Scrolls 6, with over 50 staff, including key personnel, being let go. This has led to low morale and concerns about increased crunch and delays for the highly anticipated title. The layoffs also affect other studios like id Software, potentially reducing their roles to support.
Doom and Quake studio id Software reportedly gutted, leaving standalone capabilities in doubt and newly revealed game ideas dead
Microsoft's restructuring has severely impacted id Software, with 136 employees laid off, leaving fewer than 50 staff. This reduction in force has reportedly led to the cancellation of new game ideas like 'Fury' and a 'Perfect Dark' title, and casts doubt on the studio's ability to develop full-scale games independently. The future of id Software appears to be shifting towards a support role for other Xbox studios, potentially focusing on its proprietary id Tech engine.
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cuts
id Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Doom devs id Software were reportedly kicking around ideas for a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired game, and multiplayer demonslaying prior to layoffs
Following recent layoffs at id Software, the studio was reportedly exploring ideas for new games, including a new Perfect Dark title and a John Wick-inspired action game codenamed Fury. These pitches were being considered after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, though it remains uncertain if id Software has sufficient staff to pursue these projects. Other concepts included a wild west robot survival game and further Doom multiplayer or DLC content.
Xbox had laid off 379 Zenimax workers in Maryland
Microsoft's Xbox division has laid off 379 employees across ZeniMax Media Inc. and ZeniMax Online Studios in Maryland. The cuts, effective September 4, 2026, impact 213 workers at The Elder Scrolls Online developer and 166 at ZeniMax Media Inc. This follows a broader trend of job reductions at Xbox, with a total of 3,200 roles being cut across the division.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
Obsidian Ditches Avowed Sequel for New Fallout Game — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Obsidian Entertainment has cancelled an Avowed sequel and laid off 52 employees as it shifts focus to a new Fallout title, led by Josh Sawyer. The studio is also continuing work on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and the multiplayer game Grounded 2. This comes as Xbox Game Studios undergoes significant restructuring, impacting multiple studios including Id Software.
id Software Was Reportedly 'Toying With' Pitches for a New Perfect Dark, a John Wick-Inspired Game, and More Before Layoffs
id Software was reportedly exploring pitches for new projects, including a new Perfect Dark and a John Wick-inspired game, prior to recent layoffs that affected more than half of the studio's staff. Microsoft's involvement in these discussions is implied due to their ownership of id Software.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Team Worried About Delays and Crunch Following Layoffs – Rumor
Recent layoffs at Bethesda, impacting key personnel working on The Elder Scrolls 6, have reportedly caused concern among the development team regarding potential delays and increased crunch. The departures include programmers, artists, and designers, with fears that contract labor may be used to fill the gaps. The Elder Scrolls 6, announced in 2018, currently has no release date, but is estimated to be at least two years away.
DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Revelations DLC Debuts In Style With Action-Packed Overview Trailer
id Software has released an overview trailer for the Revelations DLC for DOOM: The Dark Ages, showcasing the new Chain Spear weapon and the expanded upgrade system. The trailer features pro players demonstrating the versatile combat capabilities of the Chain Spear, including parrying, enemy manipulation, and powerful finishers.
DOOM Studio Pitched New Perfect Dark, John Wick-Style Projects Before Layoffs – Rumor
Rumors suggest id Software pitched several new projects, including a Perfect Dark reboot and a John Wick-inspired sci-fi noir game codenamed Fury, before recent layoffs significantly impacted its staff. These proposed titles were intended to diversify beyond the DOOM franchise. The studio's future as a standalone team is now uncertain following extensive job cuts, which are part of broader layoffs at Microsoft.
id Tech is Still Part of Xbox’s Future Despite Layoffs – Rumor
Despite recent layoffs at id Software, the id Tech game engine remains a part of Xbox's future plans, according to a report. Many employees working on the engine's development were affected by the cuts. The engine is expected to be used in future projects at id Software and by MachineGames for their Wolfenstein titles.
136 Layoffs at id Software
id Software has experienced 136 layoffs, with 96 employees affected at their Richardson offices and an additional 40 remote workers. These job losses are part of a larger trend impacting the company in 2026.
id Software Was Reportedly Considering Perfect Dark, A John Wick-Style Shooter And More Doom Before Xbox Layoffs
id Software experienced significant layoffs, leading to the cancellation of several projects including a new Perfect Dark game and an original IP. The studio's future creative direction is now uncertain following these workforce reductions.
Laid-off id Software artist says Microsoft is 'nuking the team into the dirt' and is now the size of a…
Microsoft's recent layoffs have significantly impacted id Software, with 136 roles eliminated, reducing the studio to what a laid-off VFX artist describes as 'support studio size.' This downsizing has led to the elimination of entire teams, including VFX and engine programming, raising concerns about the future of the idTech engine and the studio's creative output.
UPDATE: id Software Has Lost 136 of Its 185 Employees
Xbox is undergoing significant layoffs, with 1,600 jobs cut across the company. id Software has been particularly affected, potentially losing a substantial portion of its staff, raising concerns about the studio's future projects and development capacity.
Fallout and Elder Scrolls union says Bethesda layoffs didn't hurt Microsoft's "14 layers of management" – "We lost dozens of programmers, artists, designers and testers"
Microsoft's recent layoffs significantly impacted Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online, Obsidian Entertainment, and id Software, affecting dozens of programmers, artists, designers, and testers, not just management. The Bethesda Game Studios Union expressed outrage, calling the cuts a "stressful annual routine" and urging fans to voice concerns through Microsoft's feedback portal to prevent future layoffs and studio closures.
Rather than rip and tear id Software apart, Xbox should have put the FPS pioneers on Gears of War
Following significant layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including a reported 50% staff reduction at id Software, the article argues that Xbox should leverage id Software's expertise for the Gears of War franchise. It suggests that id's talent for creating visceral first-person shooter experiences would be a better fit for Gears of War than continuing with their own struggling franchises like Quake Champions or Rage 2.
Doom's new Chain Spear weapon seems to be dividing The Dark Ages' audience - "I'm like an hour in and I can't wait to get the shield back"
Players are divided on the new Chain Spear weapon in Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations, with some finding it too complex and others struggling with its controls. Despite this, the expansion is generally well-received, with many praising its resemblance to a full sequel and its tribute to the Doom series' history. The game's director, Hugo Martin, acknowledged that the weapon may take time to master.
