id Software’s Lost Dreams: Unreleased Projects Before Massive Xbox Layoffs

Hey PakGamers fam!

We’ve got some news that’s a bit of a bittersweet pill to swallow, especially for fans of iconic shooters like Doom. It turns out that before the recent wave of significant layoffs hit id Software – the legends behind Doom – the studio was brimming with incredible ideas, including pitches for a brand-new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game, and even a multiplayer Doom title.

Imagine the possibilities! Reports suggest that after wrapping up the Revelations DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages, id Software wasn’t immediately diving into another major project. Instead, they were in a creative pitching phase, exploring various concepts that, sadly, now seem destined to remain mere concepts.

One of the most exciting ideas was an original project codenamed “Fury.” This concept, reportedly proposed by co-director Hugo Martin, was envisioned as a fusion of sci-fi, noir, and cyberpunk elements, featuring intense “Gun Fu” combat – think John Wick meets Blade Runner! Then there was “Ironwood,” a mysterious western robot survival game. How cool does that sound?

For Doom enthusiasts, there were pitches floating around for new multiplayer modes, co-op experiences, and additional DLC. And get this: a new Perfect Dark game was also reportedly in the works, complete with presentations and early concept art. Considering the last proper Perfect Dark game was an Xbox 360 launch title (with a reboot project by The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics also reportedly cancelled last year), this would have been huge for fans of the classic spy series.

Unfortunately, the recent mass layoffs at id Software have cast a dark shadow over these ambitious plans. Reports indicate that a staggering 136 out of 185 developers were let go by Xbox, which means these amazing game ideas are now very unlikely to ever see the light of day. It’s a massive blow to the talent at id Software and a real shame for us gamers who were hoping for fresh experiences.

This situation becomes even more puzzling when you hear about Xbox’s broader strategy. Apparently, Bethesda (id Software’s parent company) is being pushed to fast-track major releases like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5, while also focusing on other tentpole franchises like Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. It’s a bit perplexing, isn’t it? How can you say you’re focusing on Doom and Quake, yet significantly reduce the team responsible for creating those very games?

This isn’t the first time Xbox’s decisions have left many scratching their heads. Remember when a former Xbox Game Studios head emphasized the need for “smaller games that give us prestige and awards”? That statement came just a day after Tango Gameworks, the studio behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning Hi-Fi Rush (a prime example of such a “smaller game”), was shut down. The pattern is disheartening, to say the least.

The gaming world is undoubtedly feeling the impact of these industry shifts. While we send our thoughts to all the talented developers affected, it’s a tough reminder of the volatile nature of game development and the precious ideas that sometimes get lost along the way. What do you guys think? Which of these cancelled id Software projects would you have loved to play?