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John Carmack responds to Id Software layoffs, admits Microsoft stewardship claim aging badly
Video Games Chronicle • • technology
Key Points:
- Id Software has laid off 136 employees, including 96 in Richardson, Texas, and 40 remote roles, as part of Xbox's business restructuring.
- Co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness over the layoffs but refrained from anger, citing a lack of full financial details and suggesting Id Software may have been marginally profitable under Microsoft.
- Carmack highlighted the challenges game studios face in generating revenue and competing in a tough market, noting that beloved games must also be financially successful to continue.
- While acknowledging the possibility of executive mismanagement, Carmack stated there was no clear strategy that would have significantly increased Id Software's revenues and remains hopeful the studio can recover.
- Carmack dismissed the idea of buying back Id Software or its IP, citing its likely high valuation and his belief that he is not suited to lead a modern game studio.
