Microsoft’s sweeping restructuring of its gaming division has reportedly reached two of its most storied studios, with sources confirming substantial layoffs at id Software and Bethesda. The cuts, which follow the company’s announcement of 3,200 job eliminations across Xbox, mark a significant shift in the developer landscape for titles like Doom and The Elder Scrolls.
The news emerged through multiple industry channels, including statements from industry veterans and anonymous sources familiar with the operations. Scott Miller, founder of Apogee and 3D Realms and a longtime collaborator with id Software, shared what he described as insider reports indicating that the majority of the studio’s workforce had been affected. "Reports suggest nearly all of id’s coders are gone," Miller wrote on social media, highlighting the depth of the cuts.
Further confirmation came from Michael Maynard, a longtime programmer at id Software whose credits include Rage (2011). Maynard took to LinkedIn to share his own experience, stating he was one of roughly 50% of the studio’s team that was let go on Monday. His announcement underscored the rapid and widespread nature of the layoffs, which appear to have spared few teams within the studio.
Industry publication Game Developer corroborated these reports, citing "multiple anonymous sources" who estimated the redundancies at id Software alone to be around 90 employees. The timing of the cuts is particularly notable as the first downloadable content pack for Doom: The Dark Ages—released last year—went live earlier this week. While the studio has not issued an official statement, the scale of the departures suggests a prolonged period of uncertainty for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.
Bethesda, another pillar of Microsoft’s gaming portfolio, is also reported to have faced significant staff reductions. Though details remain scarce, insiders suggest the cuts extend beyond id Software, affecting teams responsible for major franchises such as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. The lack of transparency from Microsoft has left many employees and fans speculating about the long-term impact on future releases.
The layoffs are part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to streamline its gaming division, with CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing the need to eliminate redundant middle management layers. While the focus has been on Xbox platform teams, the ripple effects are now being felt across Microsoft-owned studios, raising questions about the sustainability of its current approach.
For studios like id Software and Bethesda, the cuts could signal a prolonged adjustment period. The loss of key personnel—particularly developers with decades of experience—may delay or reshape upcoming projects. As the gaming industry continues to navigate post-acquisition realities, the fallout from these layoffs will likely influence Microsoft’s reputation as a steward of beloved franchises.
The coming months will reveal whether these restructuring efforts ultimately strengthen or destabilize Microsoft’s position in the gaming market. For now, employees, fans, and industry observers alike are left to assess the long-term consequences of one of the most significant shakeups in gaming history.
AI summary
Microsoft’un Xbox bölümünde gerçekleştirdiği 3.200 kişilik toplu işten çıkarmanın ardından id Software ve Bethesda’nın da etkilendiğine dair iddialar yükseliyor. Detaylar ve sektöre etkileri neler?
