Asep Darmawan
Bethesda Softworks subsidiary id Software has issued a robust statement refuting claims that the legendary FPS developer has been relegated to a "support studio" following recent significant layoffs. The company asserts its team size remains consistent with the period of DOOM (2016)’s development, aiming to quell growing concerns about its future creative output.
[Updated: Friday, July 10, 2026, 7:45 PM BST]
In the wake of widespread workforce reductions across Xbox Game Studios, id Software has found itself at the center of speculation regarding its operational capacity and future direction. Reports emerged this week detailing the loss of 136 jobs at the Texas-based studio, fueling anxieties that the creators of iconic franchises like DOOM and Quake might be transitioning into a secondary role, primarily assisting other development teams rather than spearheading their own ambitious projects.
However, in a comprehensive statement released to address the mounting concerns, id Software has firmly pushed back against these characterizations. The studio emphasized that the recent personnel changes were distributed across various teams and that the core talent required to develop the groundbreaking games and technology for which id is renowned remains intact.
"While our studio was impacted, those changes were spread across teams," the statement read. "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."
This assertion directly challenges the sentiment expressed by some former employees and industry observers who have voiced doubts about the studio’s ability to pursue major new intellectual property or even substantial expansions of existing ones.
The Fallout: Initial Reports and Internal Disquiet
The initial wave of news regarding id Software’s layoffs painted a stark picture. The closures and staff reductions across Xbox Game Studios, totaling an estimated 3,200 jobs with a further 1,600 anticipated, have sent shockwaves through the industry. While Microsoft has largely avoided closing entire studios, the impact on the operational capacity of those that remain has become a significant talking point.
id Software, a cornerstone of the FPS genre, was particularly hard hit, with reports confirming the departure of 136 developers. This substantial reduction led to considerable concern, amplified by commentary from individuals with direct knowledge of the studio’s internal workings.
A behind-the-scenes report by GamesBeat highlighted the disquiet, with one former staff member quoted as stating they were "not convinced there’s a viable path forward" for the studio in its current state. This sentiment was further echoed by Derek Best, a former VFX artist at id Software, who expressed his frustration on social media. "Great job, Microsoft," Best reportedly fumed. "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."
These vocalizations suggested a deep-seated concern that id Software, despite its storied legacy, might be transitioning from a lead development studio to one primarily focused on supporting the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
A History of Innovation and Recent Project Landscape
id Software’s pedigree is undeniable. Founded in 1991, the studio is credited with pioneering the first-person shooter genre with titles like Wolfenstein 3D, DOOM, and Quake. Their proprietary id Tech engine has consistently pushed graphical boundaries, serving as the backbone for numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful games.
In recent years, id Software has experienced a significant resurgence, largely driven by the critically acclaimed reboot of the DOOM franchise. DOOM (2016) and its sequel, DOOM Eternal, were lauded for their visceral gameplay, impressive visuals, and commitment to the franchise’s brutal roots. The studio was reportedly engaged in post-release support and planning for future projects following the completion of DLC for DOOM: The Dark Ages, a title recently showcased with a visually stunning trailer.
Reports had suggested that id Software was exploring several new game concepts, including a "John Wick-style gun-fu game" and a potential involvement in the development of a new Perfect Dark title. The scope and viability of these ambitious endeavors are now under scrutiny, given the scale of the recent layoffs.
The Shifting Sands of Publisher Mandates: Game Pass and Live Services
A crucial undercurrent to the current situation appears to be the perceived disconnect between developer intent and publisher strategy, particularly in the context of Xbox Game Pass. The article notes that DOOM: The Dark Ages was developed as a single-player title, a familiar and successful approach for id Software. However, the fact that its day-one sales would be largely absorbed by Xbox Game Pass has led to a feeling among some within the studio that a pivot towards multiplayer or live-service elements might have been a more commercially prudent decision.
The inclusion of major first-party titles on Xbox Game Pass from day one has fundamentally altered the traditional revenue models for game development. While it offers significant value to subscribers and can drive broad player engagement, it also means that traditional full-price sales, a historical driver of AAA development, are significantly diminished. This can create a challenging financial landscape for studios whose development cycles are lengthy and expensive.
While DOOM: The Dark Ages was also slated for release on PS5 and PC, offering opportunities for full-price sales outside of the Game Pass ecosystem, the internal debate regarding the inclusion of live-service components to ensure sustained revenue streams is a testament to the evolving pressures within the industry.
The Unfulfilled Promise of Autonomy?
The GamesBeat article also delves into the sentiment that axed staffers would have preferred id Software to be sold off or spun out as an independent entity, akin to how other first-party studios like Double Fine and Compulsion Games were handled. The implication is that a complete divestment might have offered a clearer path for the studio’s creative vision, as opposed to the current situation where it remains under the Xbox umbrella but has seen a significant portion of its workforce removed.
The comparison to Obsidian Entertainment, which has reportedly been assigned the development of a new Fallout game, further fuels the discussion about potential repurposing of studios. This raises the broader question of how Microsoft intends to utilize its remaining development talent and whether a more prominent "support studio" model is on the horizon for some of its prestigious but now leaner teams.
id Software’s Official Rebuttal: A Commitment to Core Identity
id Software’s statement, issued in full below, aims to decisively address these anxieties:
"Thank you all for the support this week.
While our studio was impacted, those changes were spread across teams. 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.
We are focused on supporting each other and the team members impacted. We’re going to keep building the great games and tech that have defined us for the past 35 years, and we’re looking forward to seeing you at QuakeCon this August."
This declaration is significant. By drawing a direct parallel to the team size during the development of DOOM (2016), id Software is implicitly stating that its capacity for ambitious, flagship game development has not been fundamentally compromised. The emphasis on remaining "true to that philosophy" of a "flat studio where everyone is a maker" suggests a commitment to maintaining the creative culture that has historically fueled their innovation.
The mention of QuakeCon in August is also a strategic move, signaling confidence and a forward-looking agenda. QuakeCon has historically been a key event for id Software and its community, and their presence there will likely be interpreted as a tangible sign of ongoing development and engagement.
Navigating the Future: Implications for the Industry
The situation at id Software is emblematic of a broader trend within the AAA game development landscape. The immense cost of developing modern titles, coupled with shifting market dynamics like the rise of subscription services and the increasing demand for live-service monetization, are forcing publishers to re-evaluate their strategies and operational structures.
The layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, and the subsequent scrutiny of individual studios like id Software, highlight the difficult balancing act that major publishers face. They must deliver ambitious, high-quality games that appeal to a broad audience while navigating complex economic realities and the evolving expectations of players.
For id Software, the coming months will be critical. The studio’s ability to deliver on its promises, to continue pushing the boundaries of the FPS genre, and to reaffirm its position as a leading creative force will be closely watched by fans, industry analysts, and its parent company alike. While the immediate concerns about its operational capacity have been addressed, the long-term implications of these workforce reductions and the evolving nature of game development will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of this legendary studio. The industry will be waiting to see if id Software can indeed continue to forge its own path, or if the pressures of the current market will necessitate a more supportive, rather than leading, role in the years to come.
Nana Wu
Nila Kartika Wati
