id Software Claims DOOM 2016 Team Size After 73% Xbox Layoffs

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma ordered a major restructuring that gutted id Software, removing 136 of its 185 employees. This 73.5% reduction in staff has raised immediate concerns about the studio's ability to maintain its development pipeline. Gamers and industry watchers are now questioning whether the remaining team can sustain the high standards set by recent releases like DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations.

Studio compares remaining workforce to 2016 crew to quell development fears

id Software addressed these concerns directly in a tweet, stating that the studio remains fully capable of building its games and technology. The developer emphasized that its flat structure and maker-first philosophy remain intact despite the personnel changes. The company confirmed that the current workforce is sufficient to continue its core operations without interruption.

The studio explicitly compared its current headcount to the team size during the development of DOOM (2016). This comparison serves as a benchmark for the remaining crew's capacity to deliver major titles. id Software also noted that the layoffs were spread across various teams rather than concentrated in a single department. The company pledged to support both the remaining employees and those who were impacted by the reset.

Speculation has emerged regarding the future of idTech, with reports suggesting the engine team may have only one engineer left. Some observers worry this could force a shift to Unreal Engine 5 for future projects, though id Software has not confirmed any engine changes. The studio remains focused on its internal technology and has not announced any external partnerships or licensing deals at this time.

id Software confirmed it will remain active at QuakeCon this August, signaling its continued presence in the public eye. The studio reiterated its commitment to the games and tech that have defined its 35-year history. Fans can expect updates on future projects as the team stabilizes after the corporate restructuring.