Multiple outlets report that id Software had several pitches in progress before a recent round of layoffs at the studio. According to accounts cited by Rock Paper Shotgun and GameSpot, the team was exploring ideas for a new Perfect Dark entry, a co-op or multiplayer-focused Doom, and an original “gun fu” concept described as John Wick-inspired and also referred to as “Fury.” PC Gamer adds that the layoffs likely stopped at least one Perfect Dark reboot proposal and the John Wick-style game.
The reports connect the job cuts to an Xbox restructuring plan led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, with GameSpot citing claims that 136 employees were fired and that more than half of id Software’s staff were affected. Some former employees describe the situation as severe and suggest the studio is being reduced for support roles. The sources also state that the Perfect Dark idea became feasible after The Initiative was closed and its planned FPS project was cancelled, with concept art reportedly made for a new effort separate from that studio.
None of the outlets report that the projects were officially approved by Microsoft; they are described as being in ideation or pitch stages when the layoffs occurred.
