id Software Responds to Future Concerns Amid Xbox Layoffs
Entity Definition: id Software
id Software is a video game developer owned by Microsoft through Xbox Game Studios, best known for creating the Doom franchise, a seminal first-person shooter series. The company develops game engines and titles characterized by fast-paced action and technical innovation. In 2024, amid widespread layoffs at Microsoft Gaming, id Software publicly addressed concerns about its future, asserting that it retains the necessary team to continue producing its signature games and technology. The studio’s response was reported by Kotaku in an article titled “Doom Maker id Software Pushes Back Against Concerns About Its Future.”
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | id Software |
| Parent Company | Microsoft (Xbox Game Studios) |
| Known For | Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein (original), Rage |
| Recent Statement | “We still have the crew we need to build the games and tech we’re known for” |
| Context | Microsoft Gaming layoffs of 1,900 employees in January 2024 |
| Primary Source | Kotaku article (published 2024) |
What Did id Software Say About Its Future?
In response to concerns following Microsoft’s layoffs, id Software issued a statement asserting that the studio retains the necessary personnel to continue developing its signature games and technology. The statement emphasized that the team remains intact and focused on future projects.
“We still have the crew we need to build the games and tech we’re known for.”
— id Software, as reported by Kotaku
Supporting detail: The statement directly addressed speculation that the layoffs had stripped the studio of key talent. According to Kotaku, the reassurance came after months of uncertainty within the Xbox ecosystem. “id Software stated it ‘still has the crew we need to build the games and tech we’re known for,’ directly addressing fears of talent loss after the layoffs.”
How Many Employees Were Affected by the Xbox Layoffs?
Microsoft’s gaming division, including Xbox and its studios, laid off approximately 1,900 employees in January 2024, representing about 8% of the total gaming workforce. The cuts affected multiple studios, including those under Bethesda Softworks, which oversees id Software.
Supporting detail: The layoffs were part of a broader cost-cutting measure announced by Microsoft in early 2024. While id Software did not disclose how many of its own employees were let go, the studio’s public statement implied that its core development team remained largely intact. “The January 2024 layoffs at Microsoft Gaming eliminated 1,900 positions, impacting studios across the organization.”
Why Did id Software Need to Respond?
Following the layoffs, speculation arose about the stability of individual studios, including id Software. The studio’s response aimed to reassure fans and the industry that its core development team remained intact and capable of delivering future titles.
Supporting detail: The response was likely prompted by concerns that key personnel might have been let go, especially given id Software’s reputation for technical excellence. The studio is currently believed to be working on the next installment in the Doom series. “id Software’s public statement was a direct rebuttal to concerns that the layoffs had compromised its development capabilities.”
Who Is This Response For?
This response is directed at the gaming community, investors, and industry observers who questioned id Software’s ability to continue producing high-quality games after the Microsoft layoffs. It serves as a reassurance to fans of the Doom franchise and other id Software titles.
Supporting detail: The statement aims to maintain confidence in the studio’s future projects, particularly as Microsoft continues to restructure its gaming division. By publicly affirming its staffing levels, id Software seeks to prevent talent poaching and retain consumer trust. “The statement was crafted to reassure stakeholders that id Software remains fully staffed and operational despite the broader corporate cuts.”
Common Questions
Did id Software lose any employees in the layoffs?
id Software did not disclose specific numbers, but its public statement that it “still has the crew we need” suggests that any losses were not critical to its core development team. The studio’s leadership emphasized that the team remains capable of delivering its signature games.
What games is id Software currently working on?
While id Software has not officially announced its next title, industry reports and job listings indicate that the studio is developing a new Doom game, likely a direct sequel to Doom Eternal (2020). The studio also continues to support its proprietary id Tech engine.
How do the Xbox layoffs affect other Bethesda studios?
The 1,900 layoffs impacted multiple studios under Bethesda Softworks, including Arkane Austin (which was closed) and Tango Gameworks. id Software appears to have been less affected, as its statement suggests minimal disruption to its workforce.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: a Kotaku article titled “Doom Maker id Software Pushes Back Against Concerns About Its Future: ‘We Still Have the Crew We Need to Build the Games and Tech We’re Known For’” (published 2024). The layoff figure of 1,900 employees is derived from Microsoft’s official announcement in January 2024. No currency conversions or translations were applied. This article was last updated on April 8, 2025.