Big changes are afoot at Xbox, and not all of them are good news. Xbox’s recent layoffs have left a significant mark on the gaming world, especially at id Software, the legendary studio behind Doom and Quake. This matters because id Software is a big name in gaming history, and its future now seems a bit shaky.
Earlier this week, Xbox’s new CEO, Asha Sharma, announced major restructuring, cutting 1,600 jobs initially with more to come. This move impacts various studios, including id Software, where a whopping 136 employees were let go. For a company that once had 185 staff, that’s a huge hit. John Carmack, co-founder of id Software, expressed his disappointment, stating, “My ‘Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand’ statement isn’t aging well.” If you’re curious about more Xbox happenings, check out Xbox Boss Joins Fed AI Taskforce Amid Major Restructuring.
Carmack also pondered id’s financial viability under Microsoft’s wing, suggesting that while Xbox Game Studios like id Software need to succeed financially, their beloved games are part of a tough market. Interestingly, he noted that Minecraft revenues have been propping up other studios. Despite the challenges, Carmack hopes the studio will rally and continue its legacy. For more on id Software, see what John Romero has to say in John Romero Speaks on Xbox Cuts to id Software.
As the dust settles, keep an eye on how these changes might affect the games you love and what’s next for id Software.
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