id Software, the studio behind the Doom franchise, has laid off roughly 50% of its staff as part of the latest round of Xbox layoffs. The news comes directly from id Software, which issued a statement to clarify its current size, comparing it to the team that shipped the 2016 Doom reboot.
According to the official statement, the cuts were significant, affecting a large portion of the developer. The studio emphasized that it has now returned to a size similar to when it created the critically acclaimed Doom revival. That game helped redefine the first-person shooter genre and marked a turning point for the company.
What the Statement Reveals
The exact number of layoffs has not been disclosed, but sources indicate roughly half of id Software’s workforce was eliminated. The studio’s public comment is brief, focusing on the historical comparison rather than current project roadmaps. By citing the 2016 Doom development period, id Software appears to suggest it can still operate effectively with a leaner team.
During that era, the studio was known for its tight-knit, focused development culture. The 2016 Doom reboot was widely praised for its fast-paced combat and technical prowess, achievements a smaller team was able to realize. Whether the current studio can recapture that efficiency remains an open question, especially with the industry-wide challenges of modern game development.
id Software is currently working on the next entry in the Doom series, widely expected to be a major release for Xbox and PC. Modern game development demands more resources for high-fidelity visuals, live service elements, and cross-platform support. The studio’s ability to sustain its reputation for technical excellence while operating with pre-2016 staffing levels will be closely watched.
The Wider Microsoft Layoffs
The cuts at id Software are not an isolated event. They follow a series of layoffs across Microsoft gaming, including reductions at other Bethesda studios and Xbox divisions. Microsoft has been restructuring its gaming workforce throughout 2024 and into 2025, aiming to integrate its massive acquisition of Activision Blizzard and control costs.
id Software, which Microsoft acquired as part of the Bethesda purchase in 2021, has been a key studio within the Xbox first-party portfolio. The layoffs raise immediate questions about the support for upcoming titles and the long-term health of the historic developer. Despite the downsizing, the studio confirmed it remains committed to its current projects, though no specifics were provided.
GamerHeadlines Takeaway
Returning to a smaller team size might rekindle the creative spark that produced Doom 2016, but it also places immense pressure on each remaining developer. The video game industry is grappling with unsustainable growth followed by painful corrections, and id Software’s situation reflects that harsh reality. For players, the hope is that the studio can deliver yet another genre-defining shooter with the same focus and quality, even with fewer hands on deck.
