Microsoft layoffs gut id Software, spark fears for Doom's tech future
A brutal wave of Microsoft layoffs has reportedly gutted id Software, the legendary studio behind Doom. According to GameSpot, former staffers claim everyone who could maintain the studio's crucial idTech engine has been fired, despite Microsoft's public assurances the technology is safe.
The cuts are part of a wider "reset" at Xbox that has left around 1,600 people out of work, with more retrenchments looming. A damning new report, cited by outlets including Eurogamer and PC Gamer, describes an environment of "secrecy, disarray and anger" where remaining employees feel unsafe.
Rock Paper Shotgun reports that the layoffs have cultivated a "disposable worker mentality," with one source stating, "There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft." The report claims many affected employees were left in the dark, forced to "speculate and spiral and worry" for weeks.
The situation raises major questions about the future of id Software and the institutional knowledge powering Xbox's key franchises.
