Layoffs at id Software: what does this mean for the future of DOOM and gamers?
Intelligence Summary
- Recent layoffs at id Software have major implications for the studio and its player community.
Briefly summarized
- id Software has recently laid off more than 90 employees, significantly weakening the studio.
- The studio remains part of Xbox and ZeniMax Media, but the future of its projects is uncertain.
- Players are worried about the impact on the development of future titles like DOOM.
What happened?
On July 10, 2026, id Software, known for the iconic DOOM franchise, announced that more than 90 employees would lose their jobs. This is part of a broader restructuring within Xbox, where a total of 3,200 jobs are being cut. The layoffs include 96 employees in Texas and 40 remote positions, a major blow to a studio that has been active for 35 years.
Why this matters
The impact of these layoffs is far-reaching. id Software has a rich history of successful game development, but the recent changes could affect the team’s creativity and productivity. Player confidence in the studio may also be tested, especially given the high expectations for future releases like DOOM. However, the studio has stated that its current team size is comparable to the one that developed DOOM (2016), which offers some hope for continuity in quality games.
GAME-scanner analysis
The reports about the layoffs are well documented, with a WARN notice confirming 158 layoffs at ZeniMax Media, including those at id Software. Despite the cuts, the studio says it is still capable of developing high-quality games. That may indicate it can maintain quality, but the question remains how team dynamics will change. The uncertainty around the studio’s future could also affect the motivation of the remaining employees.
What does this mean for players?
For players, the impact of these layoffs is felt mainly in terms of trust and expectations. Whether future titles like DOOM will be sped up or delayed depends on the remaining team members and their ability to perform under pressure. Players want to know whether they can count on updates and new content, especially at a time when the gaming industry is becoming increasingly competitive. Concerns about id Software’s future could also lead to a drop in player community engagement.
Timeline
July 10, 2026: id Software announces significant layoffs, with more than 90 employees losing their jobs.
July 11, 2026: The studio confirms it is still capable of developing high-quality games despite the layoffs.
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Sources
Tweet van @idSoftwareTweet van @idSoftwareSome have expressed concern that id Software would be unable to lead development on any new games in its current state, and that it might be relegated to support studio status. But in a new statement issued to IGN, id Software said it was now at the staffing level it was back when it made the much-loved 2016 Doom reboot — and insisted it was still capable of making “great games.”
Tweet van @idSoftwareTweet van @idSoftwareA message from id pic.twitter.com/4i4YyjB3xc — id Software (@idSoftware) July 10, 2026