Recent layoffs at Microsoft have significantly impacted id Software, reducing the renowned studio to what a laid-off VFX artist described as "support studio size." The studio, responsible for the modern Doom series, lost 136 roles, a substantial downsizing that has left many former employees in shock.
Derek Best, a VFX artist at id Software, detailed the extent of the cuts on LinkedIn, noting the elimination of the entire VFX team, leaving only one artist without a lead or producer. The engine programmer responsible for significant advancements in the VFX pipeline was also let go. Best suggested these changes indicate a potential shift away from id's proprietary idTech engine towards Unreal Engine, based on internal communications and affected roles.
"Collectively decades of knowledge was wiped out of the studio," Best wrote. "Great job Microsoft. Nothing says business success like nuking a team into the dirt and relegating them to support studio size while also throwing out massive technological achievements."
Another lead VFX artist, Todd Boyce, echoed this sentiment, calling the situation "insanity and despicable corporate greed" and expressing dismay at the disregard for employees who worked long hours on recent projects, such as the expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages. Boyce also voiced concerns about the impact on the id brand and the morale of remaining employees.
PC Gamer has reached out to Bethesda for comment regarding id Software's future and will provide updates if a response is received. The future of id Software's in-house engine development appears uncertain following the decimation of its engine team.