Microsoft says id Software will continue supporting its proprietary engine despite recent layoffs
Microsoft confirmed that dozens of engineers remain dedicated to the id Tech engine and that id Software’s staffing levels are comparable to those during the 2016 DOOM release, countering rumors of the studio’s shutdown.
Microsoft announced that a substantial team continues to work on the id Tech engine across multiple locations, rejecting reports that only a single developer remains in Texas. The company said the engine, which underpins titles such as DOOM, Rage and recent Machine Games releases, will not be discontinued or forced onto Unreal Engine.
According to internal sources, the current headcount at id Software mirrors the size of the team that delivered DOOM in 2016. While the studio has undergone significant reductions, the remaining personnel are expected to maintain development of existing franchises, including DOOM and Quake, which Xbox CEO Asha Sharma identified as priority IPs.
Microsoft also clarified that no immediate plans exist to shift id Software or its partner studios to third-party engines. The statement emphasized that “dozens of people are working on id Tech across multiple locations,” and that the studio will continue to support its proprietary technology.
The broader restructuring at Xbox, described by Sharma as a “reset,” has affected several divisions, with layoffs reported in areas ranging from The Elder Scrolls development to platform and social features. However, other studios such as Blizzard and the hardware team behind the Helix console have not been impacted.
Industry observers note that the cuts come amid a challenging market for traditional console gaming, where competition from mobile and social platforms has increased acquisition costs. Microsoft’s recent focus on artificial-intelligence initiatives and data-center expansion has also drawn investor scrutiny.