“My ‘Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand’ statement isn’t aging well” - id Software co-founder John Carmack speaks out after devastating Xbox layoffs

Microsoft announced a major restructuring of Xbox that will result in 3,200 layoffs across the division—1,600 immediately and another 1,600 over the next year. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the cuts this week, impacting numerous studios under the Xbox umbrella.

id Software, the legendary Doom and Quake developer, was hit particularly hard, losing 136 employees. The layoffs represent a significant blow to the studio and its future direction. Several other studios are also being affected, with some including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and potentially Arkane Studios being spun off as independent operations or finding new management outside of Xbox.

John Carmack, co-founder of id Software, shared his measured response to the layoffs. While he expressed sadness about the situation, he notably stated he couldn’t “muster anger or outrage” over the cuts. However, Carmack did acknowledge that his previous public statement about Microsoft being “a good steward of the brand” is “not aging well” in light of these developments.

Carmack indicated that the layoffs would “dampen the mood of the founder reunion,” suggesting emotional impact despite his outwardly measured tone. His comments reflect a pragmatic, if resigned, view of the situation—noting that while executives might make poor decisions, this shouldn’t be the default assumption.

The restructuring marks a significant turning point for Xbox Game Studios and id Software, leaving the Doom developers’ future uncertain as they navigate the aftermath of the cuts.

“My ‘Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand’ statement isn’t aging well” - id Software co-founder John Carmack speaks out after devastating Xbox layoffs

Sources