Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds

As the news of Xbox's latest round of layoffs broke, Emily (a former Xbox employee), who wished to remain anonymous, couldn't help but feel a sense of shock and betrayal. "It's not just about the number of people who were laid off," she said in an interview with Game Developer, "it's about the institutional knowledge that's been lost. The people who were let go are the ones who knew the game engine inside and out." This devastating blow has left many wondering if the future of iconic franchises like Doom and Fallout is at risk.

The manner in which the layoffs were announced has also sparked outrage among former employees. A source close to id Software revealed that the call informing staff of their redundancy lasted a mere 60 seconds. This abrupt and impersonal approach has left many feeling like they've been thrown away like yesterday's trash. "It's like they're trying to shove off responsibility onto the unions," the source said. This lack of empathy is a stark reminder of the callous nature of big business, where human lives are reduced to mere numbers and statistics.

The impact of these layoffs is far-reaching and will be felt for years to come. The dismantling of id Software's development teams is particularly egregious, as it means that the people who know the game engine inside and out are no longer there to fix, maintain, or change it. "They've just gotten rid of all the people who could ever fix, maintain, or change [id Tech]," said a source. This is a worrying sign that id Tech, the custom game engine that's been used for decades, may be abandoned altogether. With the people who know the engine best gone, it's hard to see how Microsoft can continue to support it.

Xbox's public statement via the id Software X account has tried to downplay concerns about the future of id Tech. However, this is little comfort to those who have lost their jobs. As one source pointed out, "Xbox says they want to focus on their core franchises like Fallout and Elder Scrolls, but that's going to be harder than ever now." The loss of talent and institutional knowledge has made it clear that the company's priorities are misguided. It's unlikely that Microsoft will be able to produce high-quality games with the reduced development teams.

The writing is on the wall, and it's clear that the future of id Tech and other iconic franchises is uncertain. The layoffs have disrupted the gaming community, and many are wondering if this is the beginning of the end for these beloved series. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the gaming industry is in for a wild ride.

As the gaming world grapples with the aftermath of these layoffs, one thing is certain: the future of iconic franchises like Doom and Fallout is at risk. With the loss of talent and institutional knowledge, it's hard to see how Microsoft can continue to produce high-quality games. The clock is ticking, and it's time for Xbox to prove that they're committed to their core franchises. But with the manner in which the layoffs were announced, it's hard to be optimistic.