Veteran id Software programmer Chris Hays publicly criticized Xbox leadership after layoffs struck the Doom developer in July, saying the company “fundamentally doesn’t understand art.” The remarks, shared on social media and picked up by IGN, come as Microsoft continues to restructure its gaming workforce.
Hays, a lead services programmer at id Software, did not mince words. “They fundamentally don’t understand art,” he wrote, adding that the cuts left the studio “gutted.” The layoffs were part of broader reductions across Microsoft’s gaming division, which has seen multiple rounds of job eliminations over the past year.
The Layoffs at id Software
Microsoft has not disclosed the exact number of positions eliminated at id Software, but multiple staff members confirmed departures on LinkedIn and social media. The studio, best known for the Doom franchise, was acquired by Microsoft in 2021 as part of the ZeniMax Media purchase. Since then, id Software has released Doom Eternal and is reportedly working on the next Doom title.
These cuts follow a trend of cost-cutting at major publishers. Despite significant successes like the Xbox Series X|S launch, Microsoft’s gaming arm has faced pressure to control expenses after the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The company previously laid off 1,900 employees in early 2024 and shut down studios including Tango Gameworks and Alpha Dog Games.
“They Don’t Understand Art”
Hays’ blunt assessment reflects frustration that has simmered inside Bethesda studios. In a follow-up post, he elaborated that corporate decision-makers often prioritize short-term financial metrics over the long-term creative health of studios. “You can’t spreadsheet your way to a great game,” he wrote.
The criticism echoes broader industry tensions between creative talent and corporate consolidation. Developers at several Microsoft-owned studios have privately voiced concerns about autonomy and resource allocation. Public outbursts like Hays’ are rare, but they hint at deeper discontent among teams that once operated independently.
What This Means for Doom
The layoffs raise questions about the timeline and scope of the next Doom game. id Software has a history of delivering technically ambitious shooters, and any disruption to its core team could affect project momentum. Microsoft has repeatedly stated its commitment to the franchise, but Hays’ statements suggest that morale inside the studio is low.
For now, the company has remained officially silent on the specific cuts at id, focusing instead on its overall business strategy. The division has navigated mixed financial outcomes before—notably a $400 million loss on Xbox One—and continues to bet on Game Pass as a growth driver.
GamerHeadlines Takeaway
When a lead programmer from one of gaming’s most respected studios says Microsoft doesn’t understand art, it’s a warning sign. Layoffs are always painful, but at a studio that thrives on technical excellence and creative vision, cutting deeply risks more than just headcount—it can undermine the very culture that built the games. As id Software works on the next Doom, players will be watching to see whether the cuts leave a mark on the final product.
