Doom Co-Director Claims Studio Thriving Amid Layoffs
Despite half of id Software's workforce being let go, co-director Marty Stratton says the studio is doing great.
Marty Stratton, co-director of id Software, has expressed optimism about the future of the studio, stating that they are 'doing great' despite recent significant changes. This comes after reports that half of id Software's staff were laid off just 24 hours before the launch of the Doom: The Dark Ages expansion, a move reportedly part of Xbox's broader 'reset' strategy 2.
The layoffs, which affected around 50% of id Software's employees, have been seen as part of a larger restructuring effort by Xbox, under the leadership of CEO Asha Sharma, who aims to focus on the company's biggest franchises 12. Doom, one of these key franchises, continues to see development progress, with id Software working closely with MachineGames on technology development and deepening their partnership 12.
This partnership between id Software and MachineGames, known for their work on the Wolfenstein series, is reportedly closer than ever before, with both studios collaborating on technological advancements that could benefit future game releases 1. Additionally, Amazon is developing a Wolfenstein TV series, adding another layer of excitement to the gaming and entertainment industry 1.
While the layoffs may have come as a surprise to some, given their timing so close to the release of Doom: The Dark Ages, Stratton's comments suggest that the studio is resilient and moving forward with its ambitious projects. However, more challenges lie ahead, with Xbox planning further rounds of layoffs in November and January 2.
What we know
- - id Software experienced layoffs as part of Xbox's 'reset' 12
- - id Software is working closely with MachineGames on technology development 12
- - id Software and MachineGames are deepening their partnership 1
- - The partnership between id Software and MachineGames is closer than ever before 1
- - Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to focus on the company's biggest franchises 1
- - Doom is considered one of Xbox's biggest franchises 1
- - Amazon is developing a Wolfenstein TV series 1
- - Half of id Software's staff were laid off 2
- - The layoffs at id Software happened just 24 hours before the launch of Doom: The Dark Ages expansion 2
- - Marty Stratton, co-director of id Software, said the studio is doing well despite the layoffs 2
- - Xbox plans further layoffs in November and January 2
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 67%, weighted across 13 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely id Software experienced layoffs as part of Xbox's 'reset'. (82%)
- likely id Software is working closely with MachineGames on technology development. (82%)
- likely id Software and MachineGames are deepening their partnership. (68%)
- likely The partnership between id Software and MachineGames is closer than ever before. (68%)
- likely Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to focus on the company's biggest franchises. (68%)
- likely Doom is considered one of Xbox's biggest franchises. (68%)
- likely Amazon is developing a Wolfenstein TV series. (68%)
- likely Half of id Software's staff were laid off. (67%)
- likely The layoffs at id Software happened just 24 hours before the launch of Doom: The Dark Ages expansion. (67%)
- likely Marty Stratton, co-director of id Software, said the studio is doing well despite the layoffs. (67%)
- likely Xbox plans further layoffs in November and January. (67%)
- unverified MachineGames uses id Software's idTech engine for all its games. (51%)
- unverified MachineGames uses a different version of the id Tech game engine for its projects. (49%)
Sources
- IGN — Xbox's Doom, Wolfenstein Developers Working 'More Closely Than Ever' Following Xbox 'Reset' Layoffs
https://www.ign.com/articles/xboxs-doom-wolfenstein-developers-working-more-closely-than-ever-following-xbox-reset-layoffs - Kotaku — Doom Director Says ‘We’re Doing Great’ After Half Of id Software Was Laid Off
https://kotaku.com/doom-director-says-were-doing-great-after-half-of-id-software-was-laid-off-2000751940