Id software layoffs: romero's plea as microsoft gutts xbox division
A seismic shift is rocking Microsoft’s gaming division, with the company announcing the largest restructuring in its Xbox history – a brutal cull of 1,600 staff, followed by another 1,600 reductions over the coming year. But the ripples extend far beyond simple cost-cutting; the layoffs are fundamentally reshaping the future of studios like id Software and Bethesda, leaving a trail of uncertainty and a poignant message from veteran designer John Romero.
A legacy in the balance
The news, delivered by Xbox boss Asha Sharma, sent shockwaves through the industry. Four studios are being transitioned to new management, while one – the specifics remain shrouded in a cautious consultation – faces an uncertain future. ZeniMax Media, parent company to Bethesda, has borne the brunt, with ZeniMax Online Studios experiencing significant staff reductions, forcing the remaining development team on The Elder Scrolls Online to reassess their roadmap. And, of course, id Software, the creators of Doom, has lost a staggering 95 employees, including the irreplaceable Denzil O’Neill, a 12-year veteran who contributed significantly to the Doom franchise, including the dark and atmospheric Doom: The Dark Ages.
Romero's urgent appeal
Reacting swiftly, co-founder John Romero took to social media, offering his support to the affected staff and issuing a stark reminder of id’s storied legacy. “I’m so sorry for everyone at id Software affected by these layoffs,” Romero tweeted. “I know what it feels like to leave id while id goes on. It’s a strange and painful thing to step away from a place that holds so much of your work, friendships and history.” He emphasized the immense responsibility of preserving the studio’s achievements, acknowledging the difficulty of continuing iconic franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein in today’s fiercely competitive market. “The last few games showed real care, skill and respect for what those worlds mean to people.”
Preserving the digital archive
Adding a layer of concern, Romero revealed his own commitment to safeguarding id’s history. He stated that he’s meticulously archived the company's entire early history, dating back to its origins at Softdisk through August 6, 1996, including assets and materials that, to his knowledge, id itself no longer possesses. “I hope someone is doing the same for the company’s ongoing legacy (the work, code, assets, stories and the people behind them),” he wrote. This gesture underscores the critical importance of preserving the foundations of game development – a sentiment echoed by the company’s Bethesda boss, Jill Braff, who recently emphasized a shift towards prioritizing core franchises and streamlining operations. Braff indicated that Microsoft is aiming to double down on Doom, Fallout, Quake, and Wolfenstein, signaling a strategic refocus.
A shadow of the past
The fate of Romero Games, a first-person shooter project cancelled last year following funding cuts – a move that also impacted Rare’s Everwild and The Initiative’s Perfect Dark reboot – remains a lingering concern. Despite assurances of