As part of the Xbox 'reset', the company promised that Doom and Quake would be among its most important IPs, while simultaneously firing 75% of id Software, putting the studio's future in doubt.
One engineer was left behind to maintain the proprietary id Tech engine, and rumors began to circulate that what was left of the team would become a support studio for other projects. To clear the air, id Software sent a letter to the community explaining: “We still have the creators we need to build the games and technology we are known for. Our team size today is roughly the same size we had when we created Doom (2016). We have always maintained a flat studio where everyone is a creator, and we will remain true to that philosophy going forward.”
In the letter, id Software reiterated that it will “remain focused on building the great games and technology that have defined us for the past 35 years” and that it will continue to focus on “supporting each other and affected team members.” Therefore, it is unlikely that Quake developed with Unreal Engine will be released for the time being. Quake would be one hell of a twisted cosmic joke.
Verge senior correspondent Tom Warren reposted the letter shortly afterwards, revealing what we were doing. ~can do expect. He claimed, “While id's layoffs were profound, I understand the change did not turn id into a supporting studio. Instead, they are now in the early stages of a new Doom game.”
Precedent for the 2016 reboot
If history tells us anything, it's that id Software is no stranger to turbulent development cycles and is more than capable of leading the way. At QuakeCon 2014, the studio announced that it had scrapped Doom 4 in favor of a full-scale reboot titled Doom. Doom began development sometime between 2011 and 2013 and lasted approximately four to five years.
The team spoke openly about the identity crisis the series faced before development on the reboot began, and it strayed even further from the series' roots than Doom 3 did. The sequel would have been a more linear, narrative-driven FPS with a focus on passive health regeneration, cover shooting, and a scripted cinematic that many dubbed 'Call of Doom'. Thankfully, fans didn't have to wait long for the return-to-roots reboot that replaced it, as it was scheduled to be released just two years after its announcement.
Having already laid the groundwork for Doom (2016), Eternal, and The Dark Ages, a similar team size looks more promising than previous reports suggested. But it's undeniable that the scope of id Software's cuts had a major impact on morale, with budgets and development cycle times increasing significantly in the decade since the reboot. Not to mention that there's a lot more pressure to release a hit under the new Xbox management.
- released
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May 13, 2016
- ESRB
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M For adults 17+ Due to blood and gore, intense violence and strong language
- publisher
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Bethesda Softworks
- engine
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ID Tech 6, ID Tech 5
- multiplayer
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online multiplayer
