Microsoft has laid off around half the staff at id Software as part of broader Xbox division cuts announced this week. Bethesda Softworks was also hit particularly hard by the reductions. The moves come amid plans to focus on major franchises.
Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs across its Xbox division on July 6. Reports indicate that about 50 percent of id Software employees, or roughly 90 people, were let go on Monday. Veteran programmer Michael Maynard confirmed he was among those affected.
Bethesda President Jill Braff emailed staff expressing gratitude to colleagues impacted by the cuts. Remaining employees face an uncertain future as the company plans another 1,600 layoffs later this fiscal year.
The first DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages launched on July 7. id co-founder John Romero expressed sorrow over the changes but praised the current team's work on the studio's legacy games.
Union representatives from the Communications Workers of America called for immediate bargaining on severance. Bethesda is shifting focus to its strongest franchises following the reductions.
