Id Software Faces Major Staff Reductions Amid Industry Changes

WHO:

Eurogamer.net - John Romero stated, "I'm so sorry for everyone at id Software affected by these layoffs... I know what it feels like to leave id while id goes on."

Engadget - id Software, a video game developer known for the Doom franchise, is facing significant staff reductions.

Eurogamer.net - John Romero, co-creator and co-founder of id Software, commented on the layoffs.

WHAT:

Eurogamer.net - John Romero mentioned that he has preserved id Software's complete early history, including materials and assets from its start at Softdisk through to August 6, 1996.

Engadget - id Software is reportedly losing half of its staff amid layoffs at Xbox.

Eurogamer.net - John Romero expressed sorrow for those affected by the layoffs and emphasized the importance of preserving id Software's history.

WHERE:

Eurogamer.net - The layoffs are occurring at id Software, which is part of the Xbox division.

WHEN:

Eurogamer.net - The expansion-sized DLC titled "The Dark Ages" is being launched by id Software.

WHY:

Eurogamer.net - John Romero expressed concern over rumors of id Tech potentially going extinct, stating, "id's history is critically important to the history of games."

Eurogamer.net - The layoffs at id Software are part of a larger division-wide cut at Xbox, which Romero described as a disaster.

HOW:

Eurogamer.net - John Romero highlighted the need for someone to preserve the company's ongoing legacy, including "the work, code, assets, stories, and the people behind them."

Eurogamer.net - John Romero highlighted the need for digital preservation of id Software's history and ongoing legacy, indicating that he has preserved early materials and assets from the company.

(UPDATED July 7, 2026 21:27 UTC)

John Romero has expressed his sorrow for those affected by layoffs at id Software, sharing his own experience of leaving the company while it continued on. He has preserved the complete early history of id Software, including materials and assets from its inception at Softdisk through to August 6, 1996, underscoring the importance of this legacy. Romero also emphasized the need for someone to safeguard the ongoing legacy of the company, which includes the work, code, assets, stories, and the people behind them, amid concerns about the future of id Tech.

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(UPDATED July 7, 2026 19:41 UTC)

id Software, the renowned developer behind the Doom franchise, is facing significant staff reductions, reportedly losing half of its workforce as part of a larger cut within the Xbox division. Co-founder John Romero expressed his sorrow for those affected by the layoffs and stressed the importance of preserving the company's history, noting that he has taken steps to safeguard early materials and assets. Meanwhile, id Software is set to launch an expansion-sized DLC titled "The Dark Ages," which highlights their ongoing commitment to delivering new content despite the challenges they face.