Microsoft's recent layoffs at Xbox have sparked concerns about the fate of id Software, the beloved maker of DOOM. While rumors of the studio's demise have been greatly exaggerated, the cuts have still been callous and brutal, with decades of expertise and tenure lost. However, I'm confident that id Software will endure, as Microsoft has no plans to shelve id Tech, the engine that powers DOOM and other id Software games. In fact, Microsoft should invest more in id Tech, not less, to avoid the risks of monopolistic price increases and to reduce reliance on vendors. Despite the cuts, id Software's headcount is similar to what it was for DOOM (2016), and the studio has a solid stack of expertise for id Tech across its teams. While the future of id Software remains uncertain, with reports of pitches in the pipeline, including a Perfect Dark reboot and a Western-styled shooter, the studio's legacy as one of the most important and influential brands in modern gaming is secure. Microsoft's gaming aspirations have been heavily course corrected, but DOOM is eternal, and it will outlive Microsoft's bad decision-making. Personally, I think that Microsoft's lack of investment in Xbox's platform and social features has prevented it from finding new users, and the company should focus on growing its most staple and recognizable IP, such as DOOM and Quake. In my opinion, the cuts at id Software are a reminder of the challenges facing traditional gaming, and the need for innovation and adaptation in the industry. From my perspective, the future of gaming is uncertain, but the legacy of id Software and its iconic franchises will endure.
