Wolfenstein
News, coverage and analysis tracking Wolfenstein across the outlets.
Id claims it has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" following mass layoffsid Software stated on X that it retains the necessary staff to develop its known games and technology, following significant layoffs across the Xbox portfolio. The studio claims its current team size is comparable to when DOOM (2016) was developed, emphasizing a flat, maker-focused philosophy. This comes after reports suggested the layoffs left the company unable to maintain its idtech engine.
Summary: what's happening at Xbox?Xbox announced a major restructuring involving 3,200 job cuts, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, primarily affecting ZeniMax studios like Bethesda and id Software. Several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are being sold off or spun out as independent entities. This move aims to refocus on high-earning franchises and improve profit margins, impacting the development of upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and potentially State of Decay 3.- Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re MakingXbox 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.
QuakeCon 2026 will be a place for celebration, mourning, and outrageRecent layoffs at Xbox and id Software cast a somber shadow over the upcoming QuakeCon 2026, turning what should be a celebration into a potential funeral. The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding id Software's future, the potential abandonment of their proprietary id Tech engine in favor of Unreal Engine, and the likely fan outrage at the event.
Id Software founder John Carmack mourns layoffs: "Games need to succeed, not just be beloved"Id Software co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness over recent layoffs affecting over half of the studio's workforce, attributing the cuts to increasing business pressures rather than executive malice. He reflected on the need for games to be commercially successful, not just critically acclaimed, to ensure long-term production, and pondered potential design or marketing changes that could have improved Id's financial standing.
"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.
"Great job Microsoft": Former id Software artist says the legendary dev has been "relegated to support studio size" after Xbox's strategy of "nuking a team into the dirt"Former id Software artist Derek Best stated that Microsoft's recent layoffs have reduced the iconic FPS developer to a support studio size. Best, who was among the 136 employees laid off, criticized Microsoft's strategy, noting the significant loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on the id Tech engine team. The layoffs have raised concerns about the future of id Software's core franchises like Doom and Quake.
Even The Elder Scrolls 6 is affected by Xbox layoffs, say Bethesda employees, as "key" people are let go and morale bottoms outBethesda 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.
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.
Zenimax omorganiseras för att fokusera på sina stora varumärkenZeniMax Media is undergoing a significant restructuring to concentrate on its major franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. This reorganization follows recent layoffs at Xbox and involves some studios becoming independent or being sold, though ZeniMax itself retains its studios.
Xbox’s Game Pass Subscriptions Currently Hovering Around 30 Million – RumorA rumor suggests that Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are currently around 30 million, a figure lower than the 34 million reported in February 2024 and significantly below Microsoft's goal of 77 million by fiscal year 2027. Despite this, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the service did not grow as expected but indicated continued investment in higher priority projects, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises.- Fans Mourn Starfield Amid Xbox Layoffs, With Bethesda Now Seemingly Focused on Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, Doom, and QuakeAmidst recent Xbox layoffs, there is speculation that a Starfield sequel is unlikely, with Bethesda seemingly shifting focus to its established franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. This suggests a potential change in development priorities following the initial reception of Starfield.
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.
Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructureBethesda owner ZeniMax is reportedly restructuring to focus on its major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake. This shift occurs amid a broader Xbox overhaul that includes layoffs and the sale of other studios. While new entries for Quake and Wolfenstein are implied, id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are facing significant staff cuts.
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.- Xbox Layoffs Hit Id Software And ZeniMax As Focus Shifts To Bigger FranchisesXbox is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, with approximately 20% of its workforce being laid off. This includes significant staff reductions at Id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, though these developers will remain operational. Xbox leadership stated the company will focus on higher-priority projects and major franchises, assuring that no previously announced first-party games will be canceled as part of these changes.
Xbox acquisitions have been a disaster: "In a typical year, we lost 64 cents for every dollar we invested"Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft's aggressive acquisition strategy has resulted in significant financial losses, with the company losing 64 cents for every dollar invested in typical years since 2018. In response to this unsustainable model, Xbox is undergoing a reset, leading to layoffs and the divestment of several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while others like Arkane Studios are reviewing strategic options.
Microsoft needs to "reset Xbox," says Asha Sharma, as the company lays off 3,200 employeesMicrosoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, with approximately 3,200 employees being laid off throughout the 2027 fiscal year, including 1,600 immediately. CEO Asha Sharma stated the business is not healthy and operating at lower margins than comparable companies. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, will transition to independent management, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set to be acquired by new owners.
ZeniMax's pivot to big series amid Xbox cuts reportedly isn't a death knell for Doom, Quake and WolfensteinXbox has announced significant layoffs and studio restructuring, affecting studios like Double Fine and Arkane, while shifting focus towards established franchises such as Fallout and The Elder Scrolls for ZeniMax Media. Despite these changes, core series like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will continue development. Mojang Studios will now report directly to CEO Asha Sharma, with increased investment planned for Minecraft.
Xbox Layoffs, Studio Closures, And Spin-Offs: Everything Announced TodayMicrosoft has announced significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, impacting 3,200 employees over the current financial year, with 1,600 layoffs starting immediately. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, are transitioning back to independent management, while others like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are seeking new ownership. The company cited financial underperformance and a need to reset its strategy, focusing investment on higher-priority games and core IPs.