Microsoft, the parent company of Xbox and Bethesda, has laid off 136 developers from id Software's Texas studio. The move, described by art veteran Derek Best as "nuking a team into the dirt," occurred shortly before the release of the studio's latest game, which currently features prominently on Xbox.com.
This decision has ignited debate about how major corporations value the legacies of iconic game development studios. id Software, founded in 1992, is credited with pioneering the first-person shooter genre with titles like Commander Keen, Doom, and Quake. Doom, in particular, is noted for its immense impact on the gaming industry, influencing countless other games, mods, and even game development careers, with its networking code enabling multiplayer deathmatch.
The studio's proprietary id Tech engine is also highlighted as a significant asset, with its history of open-source releases fostering further development and careers. Despite these contributions, the layoffs suggest a corporate focus on immediate financial returns rather than the long-term cultural and developmental value of such a studio.
The situation draws a parallel to Costco's long-standing $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. Despite rising costs and executive pressure, the company has maintained the price, viewing it as a symbol of customer value and a core part of its legacy. This approach contrasts sharply with Microsoft's actions, leading to questions about whether the company truly understands or values the significance of what it has acquired in id Software.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s announcement regarding the layoffs did not mention id Software or the Doom franchise by name, focusing instead on a general "resetting Xbox." The article suggests that if Xbox cannot recognize the value of owning a studio synonymous with the first-person shooter genre, it may be in the wrong business.