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Microsoft Layoffs Impact Doom Developers id Software

Following Microsoft’s recent mass layoffs, the renowned game developers at id Software found themselves facing uncertain times. Reports suggest that the studio was exploring various game ideas post the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages’ Revelations DLC. Among the potential projects considered were a new installment in the Perfect Dark series and an original gun fu game inspired by the popular John Wick franchise.

A detailed report by Gamesbeat sheds light on the aftermath of the layoffs at id Software, which saw a total of 136 employees losing their jobs as part of Microsoft’s restructuring efforts.

It is revealed that with the release of the Revelations DLC on July 7th, id Software was in the midst of brainstorming ideas for their next project when the layoffs hit. One of the concepts in discussions was a new Perfect Dark game, with no other Microsoft studios currently working on the series following the closure of The Initiative last year. Concept art for this potential game was reportedly already in progress.

Another intriguing pitch was for a game inspired by John Wick, codenamed Fury. This project, reportedly spearheaded by Hugo Martin, director of Doom: The Dark Ages, aimed to combine intense gunplay with martial arts in a futuristic noir setting featuring gangsters from Chicago and Louisiana. Despite the enthusiasm for this idea, it had not yet received the green light at the time of the layoffs. Additionally, there were talks of a game called Ironwood, described as a wild west robot survival game with Westworld-esque elements.

On the Doom front, id Software was also considering options such as multiplayer Doom, co-op modes, and additional DLCs that could potentially reintroduce popular weapons from previous installments. Contrary to initial concerns, a report from Bloomberg reassured fans that the cuts did not signify the end of iconic game series like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein.

While the future remains uncertain for id Software post-layoffs, with doubts looming over their capacity to pursue these ambitious projects or if they will transition to a support role, one thing is clear – the impact of the layoffs has been profound. A former id Software employee expressed skepticism about the studio’s prospects, citing what they perceived as impulsive decisions in response to the restructuring.

Meanwhile, another Xbox-owned studio, Obsidian, creators of Avowed, has reportedly been assigned a new project involving the Fallout franchise, indicating a strategic direction for their future endeavors.