Despite recent layoffs impacting its workforce, id Software has asserted its continued ability to develop the games and technology for which it is known. The studio, responsible for the acclaimed Doom franchise, was among Microsoft's Xbox studios affected by broader workforce reductions.
WARN filings in Texas revealed that over 90 individuals were let go from id Software, including veteran and senior employees. These cuts have raised concerns among some former staff about the studio's future creative capacity. However, id Software issued a statement on July 10 affirming its operational stability. "While our studio was impacted, those changes were spread across teams," the studio said. "We still have the crew we need to build the games and tech we’re known for. 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."
A total of 158 layoffs occurred across ZeniMax Media, id Software's parent company, in Texas. Of these, 96 impacted the id Software office in Richardson, with an additional 40 remote employees also affected. Sources indicated to Kotaku that key positions and entire teams were eliminated.
Particular concern was raised regarding the future of the proprietary id Tech engine, as the Director of Engine Technology, Billy Khan, was among those laid off. Reports suggested only one individual remained on the core id Tech engine team in Texas. A spokesperson for Xbox addressed these concerns, stating, "There are dozens of people working on id Tech across multiple locations. Reports that there’s only one person left in Texas are inaccurate."
Microsoft declined to comment on unannounced future projects from id Software. Sources have suggested that while no projects are currently greenlit, internal pitches have been made for multiplayer downloadable content for Doom: The Dark Ages and a non-Doom game.