id Software has addressed concerns about its future after the latest Xbox layoffs, saying the studio still has enough employees to continue developing the games and technology it is known for.
The DOOM developer confirmed that it was affected by the recent restructuring, but said the reductions were spread across multiple teams. According to the studio, its current workforce is now roughly the same size as the group that developed DOOM in 2016.
The statement follows reports that id Software may have lost around half of its employees during Microsoft’s wider Xbox job cuts. Those reports raised questions about the future of DOOM, Quake, and the id Tech engine.
id Software said it remains committed to its long standing development philosophy, where employees work in a relatively flat structure and contribute directly to production. The studio also stated that it plans to continue building both games and technology.
id Software compares its current size with the DOOM 2016 team
The comparison with DOOM in 2016 is intended to reassure players that the studio can still complete major projects with its reduced workforce.
DOOM successfully revived the franchise and helped establish the design direction followed by DOOM Eternal and DOOM: The Dark Ages. It was also an important technical release for id Tech, delivering fast performance and detailed visuals across several platforms.
| Detail | Current position |
|---|---|
| Studio | id Software |
| Effect of layoffs | Staff reductions across multiple teams |
| Current workforce comparison | Similar size to the DOOM 2016 team |
| Main franchises | DOOM and Quake |
| Core technology | id Tech |
| Next public appearance | QuakeCon in August 2026 |
A similar headcount does not necessarily mean the two teams have the same experience or structure. Some of the employees who reportedly left had worked at id Software for many years, and replacing that knowledge may be difficult even when the overall number of workers remains sufficient.
The development requirements of modern games have also grown since 2016. Current projects may require more detailed assets, broader platform support, larger testing operations, and additional live support after launch.
However, production methods have also changed. Better tools, external support studios, improved automation, and more efficient pipelines can allow smaller internal teams to manage larger projects than before.
The studio says id Tech development will continue
One of the biggest concerns following the layoffs involved id Tech. Reports suggested that the engine team had been heavily affected and that Microsoft might reduce or end investment in the technology.
id Software’s statement directly challenges the idea that it can no longer support its engine. The company said it still has the people needed to build the technology for which it is known.
That does not reveal how many employees are working on id Tech or whether the engine team has been reorganized. It also does not confirm which future games will use the technology.
Still, the message indicates that id Tech remains part of the studio’s plans. The engine has been central to recent DOOM releases and has also supported projects developed by other Bethesda teams.
The technology is known for responsive performance, strong image quality, and efficient frame rates. Those qualities have helped recent id Software games run well across consoles and PCs with different hardware capabilities.
DOOM and Quake are likely to remain the studio’s main focus
Microsoft has reportedly identified DOOM and Quake as important Bethesda properties. That makes both franchises the most likely focus for id Software after the restructuring.
The studio recently released the Revelations expansion for DOOM: The Dark Ages. No new full game has been announced, and id Software has not confirmed whether its next project will be another DOOM title, a new Quake, or something else.
A renewed Quake project has been requested by fans for years. The series remains closely connected to id Software’s history, but its future direction is less obvious than DOOM’s.
The company may also support another Bethesda studio while preparing its next internal project. Large publishers often move developers between productions, especially after a major release or restructuring.
id Software said it expects to share more with players at QuakeCon in August 2026. That event could provide a clearer picture of its current work, although the statement does not promise a game announcement.
The message offers reassurance but leaves important questions unanswered
The studio’s response confirms that it will remain open and continue working on games and technology. It also suggests that Microsoft has not abandoned id Tech or removed id Software from active development.
However, the statement does not explain how many employees were affected, which departments were reduced, or whether any planned projects were cancelled. It also does not address reports about rejected game pitches.
The most immediate challenge will be supporting employees who remain while managing the loss of experienced colleagues. Morale, workload, and production schedules could all be affected even if the studio believes it has enough people to continue.
For now, id Software is presenting itself as a smaller but still functional developer with the resources to continue its work. The next meaningful update should arrive at QuakeCon, where the company may offer a better indication of what its post restructuring future looks like.
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