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Quake Turns 30 With Dawn of the Machine – A Massive Free Episode Is Out Now
To celebrate Quake's 30th anniversary, MachineGames and id Software have released "Dawn of the Machine," a massive new free episode for all Quake owners. This substantial update includes 19 original maps, new enemy variants, a new soundtrack, and weapon upgrades, available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Quake gets Dawn of the Machine episode in free update
MachineGames has released 'Dawn of the Machines,' a free content expansion for Quake, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. The update, announced at QuakeCon 2026, adds a new campaign with 19 maps, a new soundtrack, and a deathmatch map. This content is available as a free update for owners of the Quake remaster on all platforms.
Quake update out now on Nintendo Switch, adds “Dawn of the Machine” for free
A new update for the Quake remaster is now available on Nintendo Switch, adding the "Dawn of the Machine" expansion for free. This new campaign features 19 maps, a new soundtrack, and additional content developed by MachineGames in collaboration with id Software. The update is available now on the Nintendo eShop.
Forget Steam’s Summer Sale: Here Are Five Must-Play Games You Can Get Even Cheaper
This article highlights five PC games available on sale through Fanatical, suggesting they are better deals than Steam's Summer Sale. Featured titles include Monster Hunter Wilds, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Nioh 3, and Dynasty Warriors: Origins, with discounts up to 63%.
Wolfenstein (2009) Might Get Remaster Announcement at QuakeCon 2026 – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Microsoft and Bethesda Softworks may announce a remaster of the 2009 game Wolfenstein at QuakeCon 2026. Recent updates to the game's SteamDB page, including mentions of Steam Deck compatibility and controller glyphs, hint at a potential re-release. The original title, developed by Raven Software, was previously delisted from Steam.
Bethesda Canceled an Unannounced PvP Shooter Amidst Layoffs – Rumor
Bethesda has reportedly canceled an unannounced PvP shooter, with details emerging from a laid-off employee's LinkedIn profile. This cancellation comes amidst significant layoffs at the company, which also impacted other studios under ZeniMax Media. While the specifics of the canceled project are unknown, it is speculated to be the Rainbow Six Siege-like title previously rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Bethesda reportedly canceled an unannounced PvP shooter, likely from Wolfenstein dev MachineGames
A former Bethesda employee revealed that the publisher canceled an unannounced PvP shooter, likely developed by MachineGames. This project, possibly codenamed 'Project Platinum,' was reportedly in development between 2021 and 2025. Despite this cancellation and recent layoffs, rumors suggest that Wolfenstein 3 is still in development.
“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).
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.
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.
"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.
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.
DOOM Studio’s Claims That it Can Still Make Games “Stretches Reality”, Says Former Employee
A former id Software employee claims the studio's assertion of having sufficient staff after recent layoffs is unrealistic, stating that critical programming, engineering, and design teams have been significantly depleted. The employee highlighted the loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning the id Tech engine, and suggested that the studio's ability to develop future games is compromised. id Software maintains its headcount is comparable to the DOOM (2016) development period and is committed to its philosophy of all employees being makers.
Xbox Developers Facing “Panic and Anxiety” at Further Layoffs – Rumor
Xbox developers are reportedly experiencing significant panic and anxiety due to ongoing and anticipated future layoffs, with further job cuts planned for the remainder of fiscal year 2027. This uncertainty is causing stress among remaining staff, who fear their workload could be used as justification for future termination. The situation extends to agencies working with the company, which have seen their vendor budgets slashed by 50 percent.
Doom dev Id is now "about the same size we were when making Doom 2016" after layoffs
Id Software has addressed recent layoffs, stating that the studio remains adequately staffed to continue developing games and technology. Despite significant job cuts impacting over half the team, the developer confirmed its current size is comparable to when it was developing Doom 2016. The studio emphasized its commitment to its core philosophy and supporting affected employees, while looking forward to future projects and QuakeCon.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
id Software Now Has “Roughly the Same” Number of Workers as When it Made DOOM (2016) – Rumor
Reports suggest id Software's current workforce is similar to when it developed DOOM (2016), despite rumors of significant layoffs impacting its engine development and QA teams. Microsoft confirmed that dozens of employees work on the id Tech engine across multiple locations, refuting claims of a drastically reduced headcount. The studio will continue to use its proprietary id Tech engine, with no plans from Xbox to switch to Unreal Engine.
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.
