Layoffs
Ongoing coverage on Layoffs.
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Doom: The Dark Ages' DLC is a true FPS triumph, and its developers deserve better
The DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages, titled Revelations, introduces new mechanics like the chain spear and restores the dash ability from Doom Eternal, offering a fresh and exhilarating combat experience. Despite the positive reception of the DLC, the article highlights the tragic impact of recent Xbox layoffs on id Software, potentially jeopardizing the future of the id Tech engine and the studio's talent.
Labor unions challenge Xbox, GameStop CEO says physical game sales are 'irrelevant,' and Glen Schofield retires - Patch Notes #61
Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling recent Xbox layoffs, citing "coercive actions" and "unilateral changes." Meanwhile, Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield has retired from game development, and GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game sales are "irrelevant" to the company's business.
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.
Over 4,500 Google workers have signed a petition calling for layoff protections: 'These layoffs and cuts are not difficult decisions, but simply profit being put over the people that make this company run'
Over 4,500 Google workers have signed a union-led petition demanding layoff protections, including guaranteed severance and buyouts, citing profit over people. The petition was delivered to CEO Sundar Pichai's office amidst ongoing tech industry layoffs attributed partly to AI advancements. Google parent company Alphabet's market cap has quadrupled, yet workers feel their contributions are undervalued.
Unions accuse Microsoft of having "unlawfully fired people" in unfair labor practice complaints filed over Xbox layoffs
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada have filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft, alleging unlawful firings and bad-faith bargaining during recent Xbox layoffs. The unions accuse Microsoft of failing to notify or discuss layoffs with them, despite ongoing collective agreement negotiations. An Xbox spokesperson stated the company respects employees' rights and is committed to the bargaining process.
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.
Develop:Brighton showed the UK games industry is done with hand-wringing and is determined to save itself | Opinion
The UK games industry, facing significant layoffs and funding challenges, is shifting from hand-wringing to proactive self-preservation through increased collaboration. Developers are exploring regional hubs, studio collectives, and cross-industry opportunities to ensure resilience and sustainability in a difficult economic climate. While government and private funding initiatives show some promise, securing early-stage prototype funding remains a critical hurdle.
"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.
Evening Reading - July 16, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various industry news, including layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, the Call of Duty League Championship, and NVIDIA's expansion into Japan. It also features reviews for Denshattack! and Buc-ee's, a look back at Two Point Studios' decade, and mentions of Netflix's earnings and Hasbro's deal with Nintendo for Legend of Zelda toys. The article also highlights rotoscoping in indie game development and includes a personal reflection from CEO Asif Khan.
Grieving Destiny 2 players on Steam boosted the game from 32nd place all the way up to 5th for US active users last…
Destiny 2 experienced a significant surge in player engagement on Steam, climbing from 32nd to 5th place in monthly active US users according to data from Mat Piscatella. This boost occurred following Bungie's final update for the game, despite recent layoffs impacting the Destiny 2 team as Bungie shifts focus to Marathon.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Remains Bethesda’s “Primary Development Focus”: “We’re Where We Planned To Be”
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 remains the studio's primary development focus, with the majority of the team working on the title. Despite concerns about development following layoffs and the use of contractors, the studio stated they are on track with their planned development schedule. While no release date or window has been provided, the game is reportedly playable internally.
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.
ZeniMax Online Studio Head Joseph Burba & more senior devs cut in latest Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer behind The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant layoffs, with Studio Head Joseph Burba and other senior figures like Producer Susan Kath, Studio Game Director Rich Lambert, and Production Director Ala Diaz being among those affected. These cuts are part of a larger wave of job reductions at Xbox, impacting studios like id Software and Obsidian Entertainment. Josh Henderson is reportedly set to replace Burba as studio head.
Unions take legal action against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling Xbox layoffs
Labor unions in the United States and Canada have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft and its subsidiaries, including Xbox, ZeniMax Media, id Software, and Bethesda Game Studios. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada allege that Microsoft failed to provide necessary information and engaged in bad faith bargaining regarding recent layoffs, which impacted studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software. Legal actions claim Microsoft made unilateral changes and unlawfully terminated employees without proper discussion with the unions.
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership included in Xbox mass layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, is experiencing significant layoffs affecting 379 employees across ZeniMax, including senior leadership. This is part of broader job cuts at Xbox and Microsoft, with some affected employees represented by the Communications Workers of America union. Labor unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft for alleged mishandling of these layoffs.
Elder Scrolls Online is "not going to be able to put out the amount of content at the speed" it was, former…
Former Zenimax Online Studios employees report that recent layoffs have significantly reduced the studio's capacity to produce content for The Elder Scrolls Online at its previous pace. Devs estimate some departments are now at a quarter of their former size, impacting the ability to maintain content cadence. The studio's executive producer, studio game director, and production director are among those reportedly let go.
Pokemon Go owner Scopely 'reorganizes' Stumble Guys team
Scopely, the owner of Pokémon Go maker Niantic, has reorganized the team supporting its game Stumble Guys, leading to layoffs. A spokesperson stated that the company regularly reviews game performance and has transitioned some impacted employees to other roles. The news follows reports of other departures from the company and comes after Scopely achieved $15 billion in lifetime revenue.
We Want Fallout New Vegas 2, But Not Like This
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly beginning work on a new Fallout game, potentially a sequel to Fallout New Vegas, with Josh Sawyer leading the project. This news comes amidst significant layoffs at Xbox and the cancellation of Avowed 2.
Report paints a picture of brutal cord-cutting inside Xbox layoffs: 'Many of us did not know what was happening for…
A report details the chaotic and reportedly "brutal" implementation of recent layoffs at Xbox, with employees being informed via brief, impersonal video calls and having their access revoked swiftly. This has led to significant distress and speculation among remaining staff, exacerbated by a stated intention for further layoffs by 2027.
Microsoft’s mass layoffs see a fresh management turnover for top MMORPG Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft has undergone significant management changes at ZeniMax Online Studios following mass layoffs affecting The Elder Scrolls Online team. Studio head Joe Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, production director Alan Diaz, and game director Rich Lambert are departing, with Josh Henderson and Nick Giacomini set to lead a new management team.