- Staff cuts at id Software have occurred, impacting the development team.
- 146 of the 158 laid-off workers from Texas are union members, indicating potential union-busting motives behind the layoffs.
- A longtime staffer from the Romero and Carmack era has been let go, highlighting the loss of institutional experience.
- Xbox has faced criticism for contradictory statements regarding its workforce, claiming it would 'lean into' its 'iconic teams' while cutting 20% of its workforce within six months.
Id Software, known for its iconic Doom and Quake franchises, has laid off 136 employees, which constitutes more than half of its workforce. This decision comes as the studio embarks on the early stages of a new Doom game, according to reports.1
The layoffs affected a total of 158 workers in Texas, with 146 of those being union members. This statistic has raised alarms about potential union-busting motives behind the layoffs, as the company navigates cost-cutting measures. An insider noted that the layoffs were not merely a financial decision but also a strategic move against union representation.
Despite the significant cuts, id Software maintains that it has the necessary team to continue developing its games. The studio issued a statement asserting that while it was impacted, it still possesses 'the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for'.
Game Director Hugo Martin emphasized that the studio has not been 'gutted', stating, 'We're the size we were when we made Doom 2016, and id Tech is very much alive and well.' This sentiment reflects a commitment to maintaining the studio's legacy and output despite the recent upheaval.
The layoffs are part of a broader trend within the gaming industry, as companies like Xbox are reportedly cutting 20 percent of their workforce within six months, indicating a challenging economic landscape for game developers.4
“One staffer made redundant had been at the studio since the days of Romero and Carmack, underscoring the loss of institutional knowledge. Separately, Xbox's pattern of announcing a new Senua game and then closing the studio within a week highlights the contradictory messaging cited by critics.”
Eurogamer.net
