Microsoft Layoffs Reportedly Hit id Software Hard, Raising Concerns Over DOOM’s Future
id Software, the legendary studio behind DOOM, has reportedly been heavily affected by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs, sparking concern among fans about the future of one of gaming’s most iconic shooter franchises.
According to reports citing former studio staff, the cuts came shortly after development was completed on DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations DLC. While some employees reportedly expected restructuring or cost reductions once the downloadable content wrapped up, the scale of the layoffs appears to have shocked many within and outside the studio. One former developer described the situation as a “bloodbath.”
The exact number of affected employees remains uncertain, with different figures being reported. One report claims that 136 workers were laid off, including 96 on-site employees and 40 remote staff. Another suggests that at least 92 full-time employees lost their jobs. If id Software’s total workforce was around 185 people, the layoffs may represent a major portion of the studio’s staff.
The reason id Software was hit so severely is still unclear. The studio is widely regarded as one of the most technically accomplished teams under the Xbox and Bethesda umbrella, with DOOM remaining one of the most recognizable names in gaming. However, the timing may have played a role. With DOOM: The Dark Ages DLC reportedly finished and future projects still in early planning stages, the studio may have been seen as more vulnerable during Microsoft’s cost-cutting review.
There is also growing speculation around the commercial performance of DOOM: The Dark Ages. While the game reportedly attracted strong player numbers, a large portion of that audience may have come through Xbox Game Pass rather than direct purchases. If traditional sales did not meet internal expectations, that could have contributed to Microsoft’s decision-making.
The news has caused a strong reaction from the DOOM community. Fans have expressed disbelief that id Software, a studio known for polished gameplay, advanced engine technology, and consistently well-received releases, would face such deep cuts. Many players see the studio as one of Bethesda’s most dependable teams and argue that reducing its staff could damage one of Xbox’s strongest first-person shooter brands.
A major concern is the potential loss of veteran developers and technical expertise. id Software has long been associated with cutting-edge performance, smooth gunplay, and impressive visual technology. Fans worry that future DOOM games may struggle to match the quality and innovation of recent entries if too many experienced staff members are gone.
Some also fear that id Software could shift away from leading its own major projects and instead be used more frequently as a support studio for other Xbox or Bethesda titles. For longtime DOOM fans, that possibility is especially troubling, as the franchise has experienced a major revival in recent years and remains one of the most important names in fast-paced action gaming.
For now, the future of DOOM remains uncertain. Microsoft has not provided detailed public information about how the layoffs will affect id Software’s upcoming plans. Still, the scale of the reported cuts has left many fans worried that a studio responsible for shaping the first-person shooter genre may now face an unpredictable road ahead.
