id Software Reportedly Hit Hard by Xbox Layoffs, Raising Concerns Over Doom Studio’s Future
The latest wave of layoffs across Xbox Game Studios has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, affecting teams behind some of the most recognizable franchises in the world. Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and other major studios were reportedly impacted, but one of the most alarming situations appears to involve id Software, the legendary developer behind Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.
According to reports circulating online, id Software may have lost around 95 employees, which would represent roughly half of the studio’s workforce. If accurate, this would be a major blow to one of gaming’s most influential developers, especially given the roles said to be affected.
The cuts reportedly hit technical departments particularly hard, including programmers, QA testers, tools developers, and other staff responsible for the studio’s internal technology pipeline. Some long-serving developers, including veterans who had spent more than a decade at the company, were also said to be among those let go.
This has led to growing concern about the future of id Software as an independent creative force within Xbox. For decades, the studio has been known not only for its iconic games but also for its technical innovation. Its id Tech engine helped shape the first-person shooter genre and powered several high-profile releases over the years.
If the reported layoffs significantly reduce the team responsible for maintaining and advancing id Tech, the studio’s future development strategy could change dramatically. Some fans and industry observers are already speculating that id Software may eventually move away from its proprietary engine and adopt widely used alternatives such as Unreal Engine. Other major studios have already made similar shifts in recent years, including CD Projekt Red and Halo Studios.
There is also concern that id Software could be pushed into more of a support role rather than continuing as a leading developer of major original projects. While nothing has been officially confirmed regarding such a shift, the scale and nature of the reported job cuts have fueled uncertainty about what comes next for the Doom and Quake creator.
The timing is especially notable because id Software recently released Doom: The Dark Ages Revelations, an expansion tied to Doom: The Dark Ages. With the studio now reportedly facing major internal disruption, some fans worry it could be a long time before the next major id Software project is revealed.
For now, the future of id Software remains unclear. The studio’s legacy is undeniable, and its influence on modern gaming is massive. However, if the reported layoffs are accurate, the company may be entering one of the most difficult chapters in its history.
For fans of Doom, Quake, and the id Tech engine, the biggest question is whether id Software will continue to operate as the powerhouse that helped define the first-person shooter genre, or whether these Xbox layoffs mark the beginning of a major transformation for one of gaming’s most important studios.
