Id Software has publicly confirmed it retains the necessary personnel to maintain its proprietary id Tech engine following widespread reports of internal staff reductions. The studio, a key component of the Microsoft Xbox portfolio, stated via a social post that its current team size is comparable to its staffing levels during the production of 2016’s DOOM, refuting claims that the engine’s development has been abandoned.
Id Software Staffing and Engine Continuity
The studio’s statement addresses concerns regarding the future of the id Tech engine, which powers major titles including Wolfenstein and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. While reports from outlets such as Kotaku previously cited unnamed departed staff who suggested that “id Tech as a technology is probably dead forever,” id Software maintains that its “flat studio” structure—where every employee is a “maker”—remains intact.
Microsoft has also addressed these concerns. The parent company stated that “dozens of people” are currently working on id Tech across various global locations, directly contradicting rumors that only a single developer remained at the firm’s Texas headquarters to manage the technology.
Did you know? The studio said it will keep building the great games and tech that have defined it for the past 35 years.
Context of Industry-Wide Reductions
The uncertainty surrounding id Software follows a broader restructuring effort within Microsoft’s gaming division. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced that the company intends to cut 3,200 jobs throughout the current financial year, representing approximately 20% of its total workforce. Of those, 1,600 positions were marked for immediate redundancy, impacting studios across the organization.
External Commentary on Studio Stewardship
The restructuring has drawn reactions from industry figures, including id Software co-founder John Carmack. In a recent statement, Carmack remarked that his previous assertion that “Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand” is “not aging well.” He added that while he is “saddened” by the developments, he does not feel “anger or outrage” regarding the changes.
Future Outlook for id Tech
Despite the reduction of 136 staff members at the studio—amounting to roughly half of its workforce—id Software has committed to its legacy. The studio confirmed it will continue developing its signature games and technology, with a public appearance scheduled for QuakeCon this August. The firm’s focus remains on supporting remaining staff and maintaining the creative philosophy that has defined its output since its inception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is id Tech still being developed?
Yes. Microsoft has confirmed that dozens of staff members across multiple locations are actively working on the engine.
How many people were laid off at id Software?
Reports indicate that 136 people were let go, which constitutes approximately half of the studio’s total staff.
Will the studio continue to make games?
Yes. Id Software stated that it still possesses the necessary crew to build the games and technology it is known for, maintaining its historical “maker” culture.
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