id Software Developers Criticize Xbox Layoffs Amidst Studio Restructuring
Lead id Software developers have voiced strong criticism of Microsoft's recent layoffs, describing the process as "inhumane" and stating morale is at an all-time low. Studio leadership asserts the team size is now comparable to when Doom (2016) was developed, refuting claims the studio has been "gutted." However, current and former employees dispute these claims, expressing concerns about lost institutional knowledge and the ability to create future AAA titles.
Coverage across 15 outlets
"They don't understand art" - id Software lead slams Xbox, says it's "impossible" to make games like 2016's Doom now
id Software lead developer Chris Hayes stated that it is impossible to create triple-A games like 2016's Doom with half the staff, criticizing Microsoft's recent layoffs. Hayes believes the company's leadership does not understand game development or the business, especially regarding the impact of services like Game Pass on sales metrics. He also refuted claims that id Software's developer count remains similar to when Doom (2016) was released.
Doom dev criticises Xbox after studio layoffs: 'Morale has never been lower'
A lead programmer from id Software, Chris Hays, has heavily criticized Microsoft and Xbox following recent layoffs that significantly impacted the studio. Hays described the process as 'inhumane' and stated that morale is at an all-time low, making it impossible to develop AAA games with half the staff. He also criticized Xbox's understanding of the Game Pass business model and its impact on game development.
'They Fundamentally Don't Understand Art' — Doom Dev Blasts Xbox After Microsoft 'Gutted' id Software With Layoffs
id Software lead services programmer Chris Hays criticized Xbox and Microsoft following recent layoffs at the studio, stating they "fundamentally don't understand art." The comments highlight ongoing tensions and concerns within the company after significant workforce reductions.
Doom developer slams Xbox after layoffs hit id Software: "They fundamentally don't understand art. They…
A lead services programmer at id Software, Chris Hays, criticized Xbox's management following significant layoffs at the Doom developer, stating they do not understand art or games. Hays expressed concern about the studio's ability to create games of similar scope with a reduced workforce, questioning how essential departments will be maintained. Despite these concerns, Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin refuted claims that the studio is in no shape to make games.
What sense can we make of the madness at id Software?
id Software, known for Doom and Quake, has laid off 136 employees, over half its workforce, amidst broader industry cuts at Microsoft. Conflicting reports suggest the studio is starting a new Doom game and its id-tech engine remains active, despite fears of it becoming a support studio. The article analyzes the potential reasons behind these drastic layoffs, including project phasing and cost-cutting, while also questioning Microsoft's strategy and the impact on team morale and institutional experience.
“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).
After Doom director Hugo Martin denied reports that id Software had been gutted, "current and former employees" are disagreeing with his optimism
Current and former employees of id Software are disputing director Hugo Martin's optimistic statements following recent layoffs at the studio. Sources claim that a significant portion of the Doom (2016) development team was let go, contradicting Martin's assertion that the studio was not "gutted." These employees expressed disappointment, feeling their contributions were undervalued, and highlighted past struggles like the development of Doom 4 as evidence of the studio's fragility.
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
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 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.
"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.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft," says Doom dev: "They have destroyed immense amounts of value that I don't even think that they're aware of"
A developer at id Software claims there are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft, citing mass layoffs that occurred just before the launch of a new Doom DLC. The developer stated that Microsoft has destroyed significant value and that even successful game launches do not guarantee job security. This comes after reports of 136 out of 185 developers being laid off from the studio.
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.
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.
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.
Id Software confirms layoffs reduced the team to its size 'when making DOOM (2016)'
Id Software has confirmed significant layoffs, reducing its team size to what it was during the development of DOOM (2016). The studio thanked fans for their support and stated it would still be present at QuakeCon 2026. Reports indicate around 96 on-site and 40 remote roles were affected.
Id claims it has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" following mass layoffs
id 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.
id Software Issues Statement Following Xbox Layoffs, Says It's Back to the Size It Was When It Made 2016's Doom
id Software has released a statement addressing recent layoffs at Xbox, confirming that the studio has returned to its approximate size during the development of the 2016 game Doom. The statement follows news of significant staff reductions at the first-person shooter developer.