id Software, the studio behind the Doom franchise, and MachineGames, known for the recent Wolfenstein titles and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, are now working together more closely than ever before. This deepened collaboration comes in the wake of layoffs that affected id Software as part of Xbox's recent "reset" initiative.
Marty Stratton, co-director at id Software, stated that while the studio did experience significant staff departures, there was a deliberate effort to ensure its viability. He emphasized that the partnership with MachineGames, always a close one, has intensified due to technological developments. Both studios possess highly talented engineers, and they are reportedly on a positive path that began before the layoffs.
While speculative, this closer working relationship could indicate a co-development effort on MachineGames's next project, which is widely rumored to be Wolfenstein 3. MachineGames has consistently utilized id Software's idTech engine for its games. Xbox leadership has also expressed a desire for its development teams to focus on their most successful franchises, a sentiment echoed by Bethesda's leadership. With id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages Revelations DLC released, a potential collaboration on Wolfenstein could expedite the development of the rumored sequel.
Furthermore, the upcoming Wolfenstein TV series in development at Amazon may provide further incentive for Xbox and Bethesda to combine the resources of id Software and MachineGames. This partnership could aim to ensure the next Wolfenstein game is both high-quality and released in a timely manner, aligning with Xbox's goals for faster game delivery. Both studios have a strong history of critically acclaimed titles, and their future projects are expected to be highly anticipated by players.