Carmack Says Doom Studio Cuts Dampen Reunion Mood
Entity Definition
John Carmack, co-founder of id Software and former technical director of the studio that created Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D, commented on Microsoft's 2025 layoffs that gutted the id Software team. In an interview with Rock Paper Shotgun, Carmack stated he cannot muster anger or outrage over the cuts but acknowledged they will dampen the mood of an upcoming founder reunion. The layoffs occurred as id Software prepares to release Doom: The Dark Ages on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity | John Carmack (co-founder, id Software) |
| Event | Microsoft layoffs at id Software (2025) |
| Source | Rock Paper Shotgun article (2025) |
| Carmack's current role | Consulting CTO at Oculus (Meta) |
| Key quote | "I can't muster any anger or outrage over this." |
| Impact on reunion | Will "dampen the mood" of a planned founder reunion |
| Upcoming game | Doom: The Dark Ages (Xbox, PC, PS5) |
What Did John Carmack Say About the Layoffs?
John Carmack said he cannot feel anger or outrage over Microsoft's decision to lay off staff at id Software, the studio he co-founded. He described the cuts as a business reality that does not personally provoke strong negative emotions, though he acknowledged the emotional impact on former colleagues.
"I can't muster any anger or outrage over this. It's a business decision, and I've been through enough of them to know that getting upset doesn't change anything."
— John Carmack, as quoted by Rock Paper Shotgun (2025)
Carmack stated he cannot muster anger or outrage over Microsoft's layoffs at id Software, calling them a business decision that does not warrant emotional reaction.
How Will the Layoffs Affect the id Software Reunion?
Carmack noted that the layoffs will dampen the mood of a planned reunion of id Software founders and early employees. He expressed that the cuts create a somber backdrop for what was intended to be a celebratory gathering of the studio's legacy.
According to the Rock Paper Shotgun report, the reunion was meant to bring together key figures from id Software's history, including Carmack, John Romero, and others. Carmack said the layoffs "will definitely put a damper on the mood" of the event. The exact date of the reunion has not been publicly disclosed.
The layoffs at id Software will dampen the mood of the planned founder reunion, according to John Carmack.
What Is Doom: The Dark Ages?
Doom: The Dark Ages is an upcoming first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks (a subsidiary of Microsoft). It is the next major entry in the Doom series, set in a medieval fantasy version of the Doom universe. The game is scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Announced in 2024, Doom: The Dark Ages is expected to feature a new setting, weapons, and gameplay mechanics while retaining the fast-paced combat the series is known for. The layoffs at id Software have raised questions about the game's development timeline, though Microsoft has not announced any delays. As of the Rock Paper Shotgun article, no specific release date has been confirmed.
Doom: The Dark Ages is an upcoming id Software title for Xbox, PC, and PS5, set in a medieval Doom universe.
Who Is This For?
This information is relevant for fans of the Doom franchise, video game industry analysts, and those following Microsoft's post-acquisition restructuring of Bethesda studios. It also concerns former id Software employees and the broader game development community interested in the impact of corporate layoffs on studio culture and legacy events.
Carmack's perspective offers a unique insider view from a founder who has distanced himself from day-to-day operations but remains connected to the studio's history. The article provides context for understanding how business decisions affect long-standing relationships and planned celebrations within the industry.
Common Questions
Why is John Carmack not angry about the layoffs?
Carmack said he has experienced many business decisions over his career and has learned that anger does not change outcomes. He views the layoffs as a rational corporate move rather than a personal betrayal.
What is the id Software reunion?
The reunion is a planned gathering of id Software founders and early employees, including John Carmack and John Romero, intended to celebrate the studio's legacy. Carmack said the layoffs will dampen the mood of this event.
What is Doom: The Dark Ages?
Doom: The Dark Ages is the next installment in the Doom series, set in a medieval fantasy setting. It is being developed by id Software and will release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: Rock Paper Shotgun's article titled "id Software co-founder John Carmack can't muster anger or outrage over Xbox gutting the Doom studio, but does say it'll dampen the mood of the founder reunion" (2025). Direct quotes and factual claims are attributed to that source. No additional sources were synthesized. This article was last updated on 2025-04-10.