Doom Developer Criticizes Xbox Over Layoffs and Creative Vision
In a recent chat, Chris Hays, the lead services programmer at id Software, didn’t hold back while expressing his frustration towards Xbox following the significant layoffs that hit the developer. The team, famous for creating iconic titles like Doom Eternal, saw 136 of its employees let go, and Hays believes this decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the creative process in gaming.
Hays, who has been with id since 2010, highlighted the challenges of developing AAA games with reduced staff. “Creating the kind of games we’ve done in the past is nearly impossible with half the workforce,” he stated bluntly. He emphasized that the essence of id Software has always been its people and the strong relationships they built over the years. “We’re not the same id anymore; we’ve lost a significant part of what made us special,” he lamented.
After the layoffs, id Software attempted to reassure fans by stating they were still capable of producing quality games. However, Hays pointed out that the current staffing levels are less than what was available during the development of Doom (2016), raising concerns about the future projects the studio can undertake. “Are we expected to create something akin to a single-player game from the Xbox 360 era? That’s about the scale we’re working with now,” he noted.
Despite acknowledging the studio’s legacy and its impact on the gaming world, Hays expressed bewilderment over the way layoffs were handled, stating, “I have no idea why it unfolded this way.” The conversation also touched on the subject of Xbox Game Pass, with Hays expressing his skepticism regarding its business model. “When we hear about poor sales figures, it raises questions about what those numbers actually mean when so many games are part of Game Pass,” he explained, criticizing Xbox’s approach to understanding the true value of game sales.
Hays believes that the layoffs and changes in management are part of a broader trend within Xbox, resulting in a loss of cohesion among teams. “If you cut half the studio without considering how the creative process works, it’s clear that there’s a disconnect,” he remarked. This restructuring is part of a larger initiative described by Xbox’s new CEO as “the most significant restructure in Xbox history,” affecting around 3,200 employees.
While the future remains uncertain for id Software, Hays hopes to continue striving for excellence, even as communication about goals and expectations from management feels fragmented. “We’re told to just make the best game we can, but clarity on what that means seems to be lacking,” he concluded. As id Software navigates this challenging landscape, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their beloved franchise.
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