No, Doom maker id Software hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by the Xbox cuts, insists director Hugo Martin

Let’s get one thing straight: id Software isn’t dead. Despite the whispers of doom—pun intended—floating around the gaming community, co-studio director Hugo Martin has made it clear that the studio isn’t “nerfed into the ground and gutted.” In a world where rumors spread faster than a viral TikTok dance, it’s refreshing to hear some clarity.

Reports claimed id Software slashed its workforce from 185 to a mere 49—nearly three-quarters of its staff. That’s a bloodbath by any measure. But Martin insists that the studio is the same size it was when they cranked out Doom (2016). Color me skeptical, but I think he might be onto something.

Remember how everyone thought the sky was falling when Activision Blizzard laid off staff? Yeah, this feels eerily similar. The fear is palpable. We’re supposed to believe that id Software, a studio that practically invented the first-person shooter, is now relegated to a support role for Xbox? Nah, that doesn’t sit right.

“We still have the crew we need to build the games.” — Hugo Martin

Martin's comments during the Bethesda-hosted Doom livestream should offer some comfort. He pointed out that id Tech is still alive and kicking, with engineers in Frankfurt and at MachineGames. So while layoffs may have thinned the ranks, it doesn’t mean the heart of id Software is slowing down.

It’s worth noting that around 75 people were credited for Doom (2016). That was seven years ago, and the gaming landscape has ballooned since then. Can a smaller team replicate the same level of quality in 2026? I’m not sure. But I’d like to think that talent can shine through, even if it’s in a more compact package.

Now, let’s talk about the future. Martin hinted at a desire to wrap up the Doom Slayer's origin story—a narrative that could connect the timelines of previous games. That’s a tantalizing prospect. I mean, who doesn’t want to see a protagonist rise from a sarcophagus like some kind of video game Lazarus? It could be epic.

Meanwhile, the recent Revelations expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages injects new life into the game with a Chain Spear melee weapon that offers a plethora of upgrades. It’s like adding a new layer of complexity to a classic. The movement and speed improvements make it feel more like Doom Eternal. So, while the studio might be in a restructuring phase, it’s still delivering content that excites fans.

In the grand scheme of things, id Software has survived worse. If they can navigate the turbulent waters of layoffs and restructuring, I have no doubt they’ll continue to thrive. The gaming world is watching closely, and I think they’ll rise to the occasion. After all, you don’t just kill a legend. You let it evolve.

In conclusion, I’m optimistic. id Software may be smaller, but they’re not out for the count. If anything, they might just be gearing up for a comeback that will make the gaming community stand up and cheer. Here’s hoping they keep the chainsaws revving—and the demons trembling.