Following a significant reduction in force at id Software, where 92 of 185 full-time employees were laid off, the studio’s future development pipeline remains uncertain. According to a report by GamesBeat, the layoffs have cast doubt on several high-profile concepts the team was exploring, including a Doom-inspired cooperative shooter, a potential Perfect Dark revival, and a new sci-fi project codenamed “Fury.”
The Impact of Workforce Reductions on id Software Projects
The recent downsizing at id Software has left remaining staff questioning the studio’s operational future. One former employee told GamesBeat that the current situation feels like a “series of reactive decisions,” expressing skepticism regarding a viable path forward for the team’s original creative goals.
Prior to the layoffs, the studio had completed work on the Revelations expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages. The team was transitioning into the pre-production phase for several ambitious concepts, but the loss of half the workforce has stalled these plans. It is unclear if id Software will pivot to a support role, potentially contributing to larger Xbox titles like The Elder Scrolls VI, Wolfenstein 3, or Marvel’s Blade.
The studio was actively conceptualizing a Westworld-inspired survival game, though no specific gameplay mechanics or narrative details were finalized before the restructuring began.
Proposed Concepts: From ‘Fury’ to ‘Perfect Dark’
Internal discussions at id Software had moved toward diversifying the studio’s output beyond the Doom franchise. Among the most notable plans was “Fury,” a project intended for next-generation Xbox hardware (referred to as Project Helix). This title was envisioned as a noir-themed sci-fi game, drawing heavy inspiration from the John Wick film series. The core design focused on blending high-octane firearm combat with martial arts, set in a world featuring “Chicago and Louisiana gangs.”
Additionally, the studio explored reviving the Perfect Dark series. The opportunity arose following the closure of The Initiative and the subsequent cancellation of their own Perfect Dark reboot. By keeping the intellectual property active, id Software had hoped to leverage its technical expertise to provide a fresh take on the classic franchise.
Comparative Analysis: The Xbox Studio Restructuring Trend
The uncertainty surrounding id Software mirrors recent shifts at other Microsoft-owned studios. A comparable situation occurred last year at Turn 10 Studios, the developer behind the Forza Motorsport series. Following extensive layoffs, the studio’s long-term trajectory has been subject to debate, with some industry observers questioning if the Forza Motorsport brand will continue to receive dedicated support or if resources will be consolidated into the more commercially successful Forza Horizon series.
When monitoring studio health, look at the ratio of “support” versus “lead” development roles. A sudden shift toward supporting other teams—like The Elder Scrolls VI or Marvel’s Blade—is often an indicator of a studio moving away from its own internal IP development.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many employees were laid off at id Software?
According to GamesBeat, 92 out of 185 full-time employees were let go. - What is the “Fury” project?
“Fury” was a proposed sci-fi noir game inspired by John Wick, featuring martial arts and gunplay, intended for future Xbox hardware. - Will id Software still develop its own games?
It remains unclear. The studio may pivot to a support role for other major Xbox titles like Wolfenstein 3 or The Elder Scrolls VI. - Was a Perfect Dark game in development at id Software?
The studio was exploring the concept after the rights became available following the closure of The Initiative, but no official development began.
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