Fans fear for DOOM's future as developer calls layoffs a "bloodbath"

id Software, the studio behind the DOOM franchise, appears to have been hit particularly hard by Microsoft’s recent cost-cutting measures. Speaking to GamesBeat and Insider Gaming, a former developer described the situation as a “bloodbath.” The layoffs reportedly came shortly after work on the DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations DLC had been completed. While many employees had expected cost cuts at that point, they apparently did not anticipate layoffs on this scale.

Exactly how many employees are affected remains unclear. Insider Gaming reports a total of 136 layoffs, including 96 on-site employees and 40 remote workers. GamesBeat, meanwhile, reports at least 92 full-time employees being laid off. With a workforce of around 185 people, that would mean id Software may have lost more than half of its staff. GamesBeat itself notes, however, that different figures are circulating.

Why id Software in particular was hit so hard remains unclear. After all, DOOM is one of the best-known brands in gaming. GamesBeat suggests the timing may be linked to the studio being between major projects after completing the DLC, with new projects reportedly still in early concept stages. There is also speculation about the commercial performance of DOOM: The Dark Ages: although the shooter posted strong player numbers, a significant share may have come through Xbox Game Pass. Actual sales may therefore have fallen short of expectations.

Fans fear for the future of DOOM 

In a Reddit thread on the topic, many users expressed frustration and disbelief that id Software, of all studios, has been hit so hard by the cuts. Fans describe it as one of the most reliable teams within Xbox and Bethesda and point to the high quality of the games it has released in recent years.

Concerns are focused especially on the DOOM franchise itself. Several users fear that the layoffs could mean the loss of important expertise and that future DOOM games may no longer reach the same technical standard. Some also worry that id Software could increasingly be used as a support studio for other Bethesda or Xbox projects instead of developing major games of its own. Many fans therefore see the cuts as a short-sighted and serious management decision by Microsoft.