Microsoft has cut over half of the staff at id Software, the studio behind the DOOM franchise, as part of a sweeping restructuring of its gaming division. This shift effectively halts development on several unannounced projects, including a John Wick-inspired shooter, and forces the remaining team to pivot toward established IPs. For players expecting new entries in Microsoft's first-party lineup, this means a significant reduction in upcoming titles from one of the company's most prominent developers.
Shelved projects include Fury and a Perfect Dark sequel
The layoffs are a direct result of Microsoft's broader Xbox reset, which has seen management direct major studios like id Software and Bethesda to concentrate their resources on mainline titles. id Software is now expected to focus primarily on the DOOM franchise, abandoning experimental concepts that did not align with this new strategic direction. The studio, previously known for pushing boundaries with unique gameplay mechanics, will now operate with a much smaller team dedicated to sustaining its flagship series.
Among the shelved projects is a game titled Fury, which was described as a John Wick-inspired title featuring gun-fu mechanics. The studio was also developing a sequel to Perfect Dark and a survival shooter concept inspired by the movie Westworld. These cancellations highlight the scale of the cutbacks, as multiple distinct genres were in early development before being abruptly stopped. The loss of these projects leaves a gap in Microsoft's pipeline for original intellectual property.
The restructuring resulted in up to 3,200 roles cut across Microsoft's entire gaming division, signaling a major contraction in the company's development capabilities. id Software was one of the hardest hit, with over half of its team let go during this period. This reduction in headcount means the studio will have fewer resources to allocate to future updates or expansions for its existing games. The move prioritizes stability and focus over creative expansion for the immediate future.
We've been tracking id Software closely — see our earlier coverage on Id Software Layoffs Cut DOOM Studio. The studio's future now hinges on its ability to deliver high-quality content for the DOOM series with a significantly reduced workforce. Microsoft's decision to consolidate efforts around proven franchises suggests a more cautious approach to game development in the coming years. The industry will watch to see if this streamlined model can sustain player engagement without the creative risks of new IPs.
Source: TweakTown
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