id Software Developed Several Projects Before Massive Layoffs—But Now They Seem Doubtful

id Software has become one of many gaming studios affected by Microsoft's restructuring process. Moreover, according to comments from its former developer George Broussard, the situation is so bad that the studio is essentially dead. Recently, new details have emerged about the current state of id Software following the wave of layoffs—and it seems the number of employees who were cut is actually even higher than previously claimed.

According to updated data from Game Developer, a total of 158 employees were laid off across ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, with 136 of those having previously worked at id Software. Furthermore, as reported by GamesBeat, before these massive cuts, the studio was working on several major projects, including new installments in the Perfect Dark series, a multiplayer Doom project, as well as two new IPs: Fury—a sci-fi noir cyberpunk action game inspired by John Wick, featuring "Gun Fu" combat—and Ironwood, a robot-themed Western survival game inspired by Westworld. Gaming media outlets add that, due to the numerous layoffs, many, if not all, of these projects may now be canceled.

id Software Was Pitching Perfect Dark, a John Wick-Inspired Game Codenamed Fury, and a Robot Western Before the Layoffs

According to id Software developers interviewed by Dean Takahashi, the studio became an easy target for layoffs because it was between major projects. The team is reportedly working on concept art for a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired game codenamed Fury, and a sci-fi western featuring robots. Several of the developers interviewed believe the studio won't recover from these cuts.

There was also mention of a multiplayer Doom project.

It also sounds like no one is, or was, working on a new Quake.

https://gamesbeat.com/inside-a-studio-layoff-big-questions-for-microsofts-intentions-for-id-software/

Nevertheless, despite such significant changes at id Software, according to This Week in Videogames, Microsoft does not intend to abandon the id Tech game engine, which is used not only in the studio's own projects but also in other video games. It was previously reported that nearly all programmers had been laid off from id Software, casting doubt on the engine's future. However, it seems that, at least for now, this is not the case.

Hopefully, id Software will also not be shut down as a result of these layoffs and the former developers' previous comments. The prospect of the aforementioned potential games, especially the impressive new IPs and the return of the Perfect Dark series, would certainly capture fans' interest. By the way, Doom: The Dark Ages recently received a new expansion titled Revelations. It has received high ratings on Steam; players praise it for its dynamic gameplay, well-chosen soundtrack, and engaging story, which reveals the life of the Doom Slayer from a more human perspective.

Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations is now available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.