DOOM: The Dark Ages
News, coverage and analysis tracking DOOM: The Dark Ages across the outlets.
"Probably dead forever": Team behind the incredible Doom and Wolfenstein engine reportedly reduced to 1 person…Following significant job cuts at id Software, the legendary studio's proprietary id Tech engine reportedly has only one person left working on it. This development raises concerns about the future of the engine, which has powered iconic titles like Doom and Wolfenstein since the mid-'90s. While some speculation exists about potential support from the id Software Frankfurt office, the immediate future of the engine and id Software's projects remains uncertain amidst widespread layoffs impacting Microsoft's gaming divisions.
Xbox layoffs have likely killed another Perfect Dark reboot from the hollowed-out id Software, as well as a John…Recent layoffs at Xbox, including approximately 136 at id Software, have likely halted potential projects such as a Perfect Dark reboot and a John Wick-inspired game codenamed "Fury." The significant staff reductions at id Software have reportedly reduced it to a support studio, making ambitious new game development unlikely.
Doom and Quake studio id Software reportedly gutted, leaving standalone capabilities in doubt and newly revealed game ideas deadMicrosoft'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 cutsid 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.
id Tech is Still Part of Xbox’s Future Despite Layoffs – RumorDespite 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.
DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Revelations DLC Debuts In Style With Action-Packed Overview Trailerid 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.- Evening MultiplexA trailer overview for DOOM: The Dark Ages features Hugo Martin, while developers of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 discuss their approach to creating AAA games more efficiently. The article touches on strategies for smarter AAA game development.
- Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations Review So FarThe combat encounters in Doom: The Dark Ages are highlighted as the best the game has to offer in this review. The DLC promises to deliver top-tier action for players.
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.
'Used, abused, and discarded:' CWA Canada slams Microsoft over handling of Bethesda layoffsCWA Canada has criticized Microsoft and Bethesda Game Studios over recent layoffs affecting unionized employees at Bethesda Game Studios Montreal. Union president Carmel Smyth stated that around a dozen employees, some with up to a decade of service, were informed of their termination via a brief video call. The union plans to pursue bargaining for severance, internal placement, and recall rights for affected workers.
id Software Suffers 90 Layoffs, “Most (If Not All) Coders” and QA Department Let Go – Rumorid Software has reportedly laid off 90 employees, approximately 50% of its staff, including its entire QA department. This move is part of Xbox's broader "reset" plan, which has already led to significant job cuts across its gaming divisions. The layoffs come shortly after the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages' expansion, Revelations, for PC and current-generation consoles.- Some Of The Most Impressive Gaming Tech Ever Wasn’t Enough To Save Devs From Xbox CutsMicrosoft's recent layoffs at id Software have raised concerns about the future of its proprietary id Tech engine, with reports indicating a significant portion of the studio's coding talent was let go. This follows a trend of major studios, including 343 Industries and potentially MachineGames, moving away from internal engines towards Unreal Engine, potentially hindering technological innovation in the gaming industry.
- DOOM: The Dark Ages | RevelationsDOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations, an all-new campaign expansion for DOOM: The Dark Ages, is now available. This expansion introduces six new levels, new demons, puzzles, and the Chain Spear weapon. It also includes new maps and demons for the Ripatorium 3.0 custom arena mode. The expansion is available standalone for $19.99 or as part of the Premium Edition for $34.99, and is playable on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Id Software veteran of over 20 years absolutely rips and tears into Microsoft after devastating layoffs: "XBOX decided half the team was no longer needed"Long-time id Software developer Michael Maynard expressed his anger and sadness following significant layoffs at the studio, which he states impacted roughly half the team. Maynard, who had been with id Software for over 20 years, criticized Microsoft and Xbox for the decision, highlighting the loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on the studio's legacy. The article also briefly mentions Sony and Bungie's recent workforce reductions and John Romero's support for the affected developers.
Doom dev id Software loses half its staff and all its coders in Xbox bloodbathid Software, the studio behind the Doom franchise, has reportedly lost approximately half of its staff, including most of its coders, in recent Xbox layoffs. This significant reduction in workforce has led to concerns about the studio's ability to continue developing its proprietary technology and future titles. Co-founder John Romero expressed concern for the preservation of id Software's legacy amidst these drastic cuts.- DOOM: The Dark Ages - Revelations ReleasedDOOM: The Dark Ages - Revelations, a new expansion for the first-person shooter DOOM: The Dark Ages, is now available for PC and consoles. This release marks the beginning of new content for the latest installment in the DOOM series.
Report: Roughly half of the id Software team have been laid offid Software, the developer of Doom: The Dark Ages, has reportedly laid off approximately 50 percent of its staff, equating to over 90 employees. This follows Xbox's announcement of eliminating 3,200 roles across its video game division. Bethesda president Jill Braff stated that the company is restructuring around its biggest franchises, including Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insiderDespite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
As ZeniMax also faces cuts, Xbox seeks a "significant overhaul" to focus on Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Quake, and other big franchisesMicrosoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant overhaul, including layoffs affecting approximately 3200 jobs and restructuring at ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks. The focus will shift to major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Quake, potentially impacting the future of other IPs and studios like Arkane.
Weekend Discussion - July 5, 2026This Weekend Discussion article from July 5, 2026, touches on various gaming topics including Demon's Souls, the World Tendency system, ammo counters, and the eerie atmosphere of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It also features music recommendations and highlights recent Shacknews articles.