DOOM
News, coverage and analysis tracking DOOM across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
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.
Get Five Of The Best Carnage-Filled Games For Under $6
Fanatical is offering a 'Best of Killer Bundle' deal where customers can purchase five games for $5.99, with prices dropping further for larger purchases. The bundle includes titles like Chernobylite, multiple Sniper Elite games, Zombie Army Trilogy and 4, and Postal: Brain Damaged, focusing on carnage-filled and chaotic shooter experiences.
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.
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.
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.
"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": 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.
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
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.
Games Inbox: What will be the next Nintendo remake after Zelda: Ocarina Of Time?
Readers discuss potential future Nintendo remakes following the success of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced and the anticipated Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. There is also speculation about FromSoftware's next project and a desire for id Software to perfect its modern Doom titles. The discussion also touches on the shift to digital distribution and the future of physical media.
After "incomprehensible" Xbox layoffs, id Software producer says worker-owned studios are "the only path…
id Software producer Andrew Willis criticized Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs, calling them an "incomprehensible decision" and suggesting that worker-owned studios are the only viable path forward for the game industry. Willis, who was involved in id Software's unionization efforts, believes that large publishers have proven to be poor stewards of the industry and that value should be owned by those who create it.
Id Software fortsätter att utveckla nästa Doom-titel
Despite recent mass layoffs at id Software following Microsoft's Xbox reorganization, the studio has confirmed it is continuing development on new games and technology. The current staff size is comparable to when DOOM (2016) was in development, and the studio remains focused on creating its own games and proprietary engine technology. Reports indicate that work on a new DOOM title has already begun.
Rumor Mill
A rumor suggests that a new DOOM game is currently in development. Further details regarding the project have not yet been officially confirmed.
The last retro console I'd expect to run DOOM is the girly pop Casio Loopy, and yet, it can now run DOOM
Developer Throaty Mumbo has successfully ported the classic shooter DOOM to the Casio Loopy, a 1990s Japanese console primarily marketed towards girls. Using a custom 'Floopy Drive' and extensive audio modding, the port achieves a visual fidelity comparable to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System version, despite the Loopy lacking a dedicated co-processor.
Former PlayStation head tells Xbox to either be a good publisher or make a good platform with exclusives: "Nintendo…
Former PlayStation head Shawn Layden advises Xbox to commit to either being a competitive platform with exclusive content or a major multi-platform publisher. He argues that trying to be both is a flawed strategy, citing Nintendo and PlayStation's reliance on exclusives. Layden also points to Microsoft's frequent layoffs and the confusing decision to acquire major franchises only to release them on rival platforms.
Elder Scrolls Online studio echoes id Software, claims to now be the same size it was 10 years ago following Xbox…
ZeniMax Online Studios, developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has reportedly returned to its circa 2015-2018 headcount following recent layoffs, a situation echoed by id Software. This mirrors the size the studios were during the development of acclaimed DLCs like Orsinium and Summerset. The article critiques this narrative, arguing that a decade of growth cannot be undone without significant impact, regardless of current headcount.
id Software gives statement after layoffs with a positive outlook for its future
id Software has issued a statement following recent layoffs, emphasizing a positive outlook for its future in game and technology development, as well as hosting QuakeCon. The studio's current team size is comparable to when they developed Doom (2016), and they maintain a flat studio structure. Reports regarding the id Tech team's status have been clarified by Microsoft, confirming multiple individuals are working on the technology across various locations.
