Doom meets BioShock and Overwatch in the coolest new shooter in years
Microsoft’s announcement of major layoffs at id Software overshadowed the release of Doom: The Dark Ages Revelations on July 7. The expansion, which has received positive reviews from players and critics, was preceded by news that Microsoft would cut nearly half of id Software’s workforce. Despite the significant staffing reduction, id Software reassured fans that the studio retains “the crew we need to build the games and tech we’re known for,” though uncertainty about the studio’s future remains.
Amidst this turmoil, Deepward has emerged as a notable upcoming title. The fast-paced first-person shooter combines roguelite mechanics with permanent death consequences—each encounter carries weight since fatal mistakes cannot be reversed. Drawing inspiration from Doom, BioShock, and Overwatch, Deepward blends hellish aesthetics with innovative gameplay mechanics to create an ambitious new entry in the shooter genre.
The timing of the layoffs presents a stark contrast to the critical success of Revelations, highlighting broader industry tensions between successful releases and institutional instability. While id Software’s ability to deliver quality content remains evident, the staffing cuts raise questions about the studio’s capacity for future major projects. For fans of atmospheric, fast-paced shooters, Deepward represents a potential bright spot following what has been a turbulent period for id Software and its workforce.