Doom Director Addresses The State Of id After Xbox Bloodbath

Doom: The Dark Ages developer id Software, a cornerstone of Xbox’s portfolio, has been among the studios most affected by Microsoft’s recent 1,600‑person layoff wave.

During a Twitch broadcast, creative director Hugo Martin joined community lead Joshua Boyle to showcase the 2025 title’s new Revelations DLC, while also addressing swirling rumors about the studio’s future under Microsoft’s ownership following significant staff reductions.

“There have been claims that we’ve been ‘nerfed into the ground’ and ‘gutted,’ and that we’re down to 50 people, but that’s simply untrue,” Martin clarified toward the end of the stream. “We’re the same size we were when we launched Doom 2016, and our id Tech engine remains robust and fully operational. We have engineers in both Frankfurt and at Machine Games, and we collaborate closely.”

Martin added, “The id Tech engine is here, the Doom team is here, and we’re eager to share more about our future projects once they receive the necessary approvals.”

These remarks echo the official statements released by Microsoft and id Software last week, which refuted speculation that the studio would struggle to deliver another high‑profile title under its new staffing levels or that its renowned proprietary engine would suffer neglect after the departure of key personnel such as the Director of Engine Technology.

Several key contributors to Doom (2016) were among those laid off, including Mission Design Director Jerry Keehan, who joined id Software in 2003 and has been integral to the franchise since Doom 3. The dismissed staff remain skeptical that the studio still possesses the same depth of resources and seasoned talent it once did a decade ago.

During today’s Slayer livestream, Martin hinted at forthcoming tweaks and balance adjustments for the Revelations DLC, while framing the current state as a homage to both the remaining team and those recently let go.

Martin emphasized that the game’s critical acclaim and commercial success—meeting or exceeding forecasts—benefits everyone, from the studio’s current employees to those who had to depart. He expressed gratitude for player support and reiterated that delivering high‑quality games is paramount, encouraging fans to celebrate the work.

Former id Software developers, many of whom were recently dismissed, joined a protest outside their former office to voice opposition to Microsoft’s latest workforce reductions. The group is backed by the Communications Workers of America, which filed labor complaints on Thursday after Microsoft allegedly declined to negotiate with the union before executing the layoffs.