id Software has issued a formal statement addressing the impact of recent Xbox layoffs, which saw approximately half of the studio's workforce let go this week. According to a WARN notice filed in Texas, 96 employees at the Richardson headquarters were affected, alongside 40 remote staff members.

These cuts are part of a broader restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, which began with 1,600 total staff reductions on Monday, with another 1,600 expected to be cut throughout the current financial year.

Quick Facts

  • Staffing levels: id Software states its current team size is comparable to when it developed the 2016 Doom reboot.
  • Development status: The studio denies claims that it lacks the personnel to maintain id Tech or develop future titles.
  • Strategic shift: Bethesda is moving toward a model focused on its strongest core franchises rather than independent studio planning.

In a statement posted to social media, the studio directly addressed concerns regarding its ability to continue operations. "We still have the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for," the post read. "The team today is about the same size we were when making Doom 2016. We have always had a flat studio where everyone is a maker, and we will remain true to that philosophy moving forward."

id Software also pushed back against industry speculation that the departures had crippled the team responsible for id Tech, the proprietary engine used by both id and MachineGames. Sources indicate that dozens of developers across multiple locations remain dedicated to the engine's development.

Future Projects and Bethesda's New Direction

While the studio currently has no announced titles, reports from GamesBeat suggest that prior to the layoffs, the team was exploring several concepts, including a co-op Doom title, a new Perfect Dark entry, and an original project described as having a John Wick-style tone. Whether these prototypes remain in active development under the new, tighter collaboration model at Bethesda is unclear.

Bethesda boss Jill Braff addressed the wider strategy in an internal email, noting that the company must move away from independent studio planning. Instead, Bethesda is shifting focus to its "strongest franchises" to ensure sustainable growth. "From there, we’ll align the right talent, technology, and resources across the organization to deliver on those priorities," Braff stated.

Industry Reaction

The announcement has drawn responses from key figures in the studio's history. John Romero offered his support to those affected, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein. John Carmack expressed sadness regarding the news, questioning whether the studio's recent output had achieved the commercial success necessary to protect the team from such reductions.

id Software concluded its statement by confirming its intention to attend QuakeCon this August, maintaining that it will continue building the games and technology that have defined its 35-year history.