Id Software Lays Off Half Its Staff; Doom: The Dark Ages Expansion Highlights Studio’s Craft
Id Software, the developer of Doom, laid off about half of its employees while releasing Revelations, an expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages that showcases the studio’s unique approach.
What should have been a celebratory week for Doom developer id Software has been overshadowed by mass layoffs. As part of Xbox’s strategic “reset,” id was severely cut. According to GamesBeat, at least 92 of 185 full-time employees—about 50 percent—were laid off. Game Developer obtained a Texas WARN notice stating that 96 employees were cut from id’s Richardson, Texas, office, and 40 remote workers were also let go. Sources speaking to Kotaku believe that the team working on the studio’s proprietary id Tech engine now has just one employee left.
Meanwhile, id released Revelations, a meaty expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages. The expansion introduces a new spear weapon that can be swung like a sword, used as a grappling hook, or thrown like a javelin. Unlike the base game, Revelations focuses more on the core Doom formula of defeating waves of enemies. Battles take place in large arenas, and players often feel on the verge of running out of ammo, armor, or health until a thrilling kill restores resources. The action is backed by a pulsing metal soundtrack.
This expansion exemplifies what modern Doom can be—brutal, unrelenting action that sets it apart from contemporaries. id Software has refined this concept over decades since the original Doom in 1993.
id’s future is uncertain. GamesBeat reports the studio had been trying out ideas like a multiplayer or co-op Doom, a John Wick-style game, and a new Perfect Dark. But like other downsized Xbox studios, if id makes another Doom, it will be chasing a difficult goal in a deteriorated state.
