id Software, the renowned developer behind the Doom franchise, was in the midst of conceptualizing several high-profile projects before undergoing significant layoffs, with 92 out of 185 full-time employees let go, as first reported by GamesBeat. This move has cast a shadow over the viability of these initiatives, leaving the gaming community wondering about the potential loss of promising titles.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Employees laid off | 92 |
| Total employees before layoffs | 185 |
The layoffs occurred shortly after id Software completed work on the Doom: The Dark Ages DLC, known as Revelations. With their immediate obligations fulfilled, the studio was poised to embark on its next major venture. Sources close to the matter indicate that multiple projects were under consideration, including a co-op/multiplayer Doom game that would have reintroduced weaponry from previous installments of the series, appealing to both new and veteran players by blending nostalgic elements with modern gameplay.
The $100M Titles Doom Left Behind
Among the most intriguing proposals was a new entry in the Perfect Dark franchise. Following Xbox's shutdown of developer The Initiative and the cancellation of its Perfect Dark reboot last year, the intellectual property became available, prompting id Software to explore this opportunity. Although details are scarce, the project's potential resurrection under id Software's helm would have been a significant development for fans of the series.
A more unexpected concept was a game codenamed Fury, envisioned as a John Wick-inspired, noir sci-fi title. This project aimed to diverge from id Software's typical fare, incorporating a blend of martial arts and gunplay, set against the backdrop of a sci-fi world with elements of Chicago and Louisiana gangster culture. Fury was slated for development on Project Helix, the next-gen Xbox platform, suggesting an ambitious push into new genres and technologies.
Rounding out the known projects was a Westworld-inspired survival game. But the source material provides little insight into this title's specifics, leaving its direction and potential entirely speculative.
id Software’s Secret Flaws Exposed
The drastic reduction in staff has led to concerns over whether these projects can proceed as envisioned, or if id Software will transition into a support role, assisting on titles like The Elder Scrolls 6, Wolfenstein 3, Marvel's Blade, and other Xbox projects. This scenario draws parallels with Turn 10 Studios, the Forza Motorsport team, which faced similar layoffs and now questions the future of its flagship series.
"I’m not convinced there is a viable way forward. It feels like a bunch of knee-jerk responses."
Laid-off worker, GamesBeat
The $70 Shift Nobody Saw Coming
The potential loss of these projects, especially the Perfect Dark revival and the innovative Fury, resonates deeply with gamers eager for new IPs and the revival of classics. The shift towards a support studio role, while practical, would mark a significant departure from id Software's history as a lead developer of iconic franchises.
As the gaming industry watches, the next steps for id Software and the fate of its conceptualized titles remain shrouded in uncertainty. The community awaits official word on whether any of these projects will survive the layoffs, potentially in altered forms, or if they will become casualties of the studio's restructuring.
id Software's Secret Flops Exposed
- id Software was working on a new Perfect Dark game after the IP became available.
- A John Wick-inspired game codenamed Fury was in conceptual stages.
- A Westworld-inspired survival game was also under consideration.
- The studio's future and the viability of these projects are uncertain post-layoffs.
