Xbox Slammed for 'Not Understanding Art' After id Software Layoffs
id Software lead services programmer Chris Hays has spoken out against Xbox and Microsoft following last month's layoffs, which affected 136 staff at the Doom developer. In an interview with Andre Peschke on Auf ein Bier, Hays blasted Xbox, saying 'They fundamentally don't understand art.'
Hays stated that it is 'impossible' to create a AAA game like id Software has done before with half the number of people. He also emphasized that the layoffs have gutted entire departments and disciplines within the studio.
According to Hays, id Software's overseers at Microsoft and Xbox are trying to minimize unrest following the layoffs. However, he claims that studio management is given talking points on what can be said publicly, rather than being open with employees about the future of the studio.
Hays noted that id Software now houses fewer staff than it did when making Doom 2016, and expressed concerns that the studio's ability to create games like Doom Eternal will be severely impacted. He also criticized Xbox and Microsoft for prioritizing Game Pass over traditional game sales, stating 'They don't understand art.'