Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insider

As the news of mass layoffs at Xbox spread like wildfire, the gaming world held its breath. The immediate 1,600 job cuts, coupled with the shutdown of five studios, left many wondering about the fate of beloved franchises like Wolfenstein and Doom. According to Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, the situation is more nuanced than it seems. Despite the downsize, id Software, the brains behind Doom, is still very much alive and kicking.

In the midst of the chaos, Asha Sharma, Xbox's CEO, is reportedly focusing on prioritizing Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. However, as Schreier points out on BlueSky, ZeniMax will not be reduced to only these three franchises. The publisher will still be working on Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. This revelation has likely come as a relief to fans of the Wolfenstein series, who have been eagerly awaiting news on Wolfenstein 3. Although there has been no official announcement, a recent WindowsCentral report hinted at Microsoft's investment in the game's developer, MachineGames, following the success of Indiana Jones And The Great Circle and the popularity of the Wolfenstein franchise.

The news is also evidence of the enduring appeal of these iconic franchises. For gamers, Wolfenstein has always represented a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, where fast-paced action and satirical storytelling came together in a delicious package. The series' revival has been a subject of much excitement, and Microsoft's investment in MachineGames only fuels speculation about the future of the franchise. Meanwhile, Doom continues to be, with its latest installment showcasing a new era of 3D gaming.

The fact that ZeniMax will still be working on these franchises despite the layoffs raises questions about the future of game development in the industry. As the gaming landscape evolves, publishers are forced to adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences. While the news of layoffs and shutdowns may seem daunting, it's clear that ZeniMax remains committed to its core franchises.

The gaming industry is no stranger to layoffs and studio closures. However, the sheer scale of the cuts at Xbox has left many in the gaming community reeling. As Schreier notes, ZeniMax has also been impacted significantly, with several studios seeing a significant number of staff cuts. This is a sobering reminder that even the biggest players in the industry are not immune to the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing market.

For fans of the Wolfenstein and Doom series, the news that these franchises are still in development is a welcome one. The success of Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, which was developed by MachineGames, has likely played a significant role in Microsoft's decision to invest in the studio. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that ZeniMax is committed to preserving the legacy of these iconic franchises.

As the dust settles on the Xbox layoffs, the gaming world is left to ponder the implications for the industry. While ZeniMax is still committed to its core franchises, the future of game development remains uncertain. The success of Wolfenstein 3 and the continuation of the Doom series will likely depend on several factors, including Microsoft's investment in MachineGames and the gaming community's continued enthusiasm for these franchises.

As a writer, I believe that the news of ZeniMax's commitment to Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake is evidence of the enduring power of nostalgia in the gaming industry. While the future of game development may be uncertain, one thing is clear: the legacy of these iconic franchises will continue to shape the gaming landscape for years to come.

• 1,600 people were laid off immediately as part of the Xbox layoffs.
• 5 game studios were shut down, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine.
• Asha Sharma, Xbox's CEO, is reportedly prioritizing Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout.
• ZeniMax will still be working on Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake despite the layoffs.
• MachineGames, the developer behind Wolfenstein, has received investment from Microsoft following the success of Indiana Jones And The Great Circle.