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id Software Hit by Xbox Layoffs, Over 90 Employees Cut
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Business & Economy

id Software Hit by Xbox Layoffs, Over 90 Employees Cut

WireByte Staff · July 7, 2026

Microsoft's Xbox division has laid off over 3,200 employees, including nearly half of id Software's 200 staff. The studio behind Doom and Quake has seen significant cuts, with 95 employees reportedly let go. The layoffs have sparked concerns about the preservation of id Software's legacy and its future in the gaming industry.

Key points

  • id Software, a renowned video game developer behind Doom and Quake, has reportedly lost over 90 employees in Xbox's mass layoffs.
  • The studio's workforce has been halved, with 95 staff members let go, according to former project lead Jeff Gardiner and anonymous sources.
  • id Software is known for its coding prowess and has maintained its reputation as a hub of software engineering in the gaming industry.
  • Co-founder John Romero has expressed support for the affected staff and called for the preservation of the studio's legacy.
  • The layoffs have sparked concerns about the future of id Software and its iconic game franchises.

Microsoft's Xbox division has announced a significant restructuring, resulting in the layoff of over 3,200 employees. The impact of these cuts is being felt across various studios, including id Software, the renowned developer behind Doom and Quake.

id Software has reportedly lost over 90 employees, with 95 staff members let go, according to former project lead Jeff Gardiner and anonymous sources. This represents a significant blow to the studio, which has maintained its reputation as a hub of software engineering in the gaming industry.

Co-founder John Romero has expressed support for the affected staff and called for the preservation of the studio's legacy. Romero's comments highlight the importance of id Software's contributions to the gaming industry and the need to protect its heritage.

The layoffs have sparked concerns about the future of id Software and its iconic game franchises. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the impact of these cuts will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.