id Software has begun early-stage development on a new game in the DOOM universe, according to The Verge journalist Tom Warren. This news arrives just as the studio was being written off following the layoff of more than half its staff. Yet, it seems the Doom Slayer isn’t ready to retire just yet.
According to Warren, despite losing 136 employees (out of roughly 185), id Software has not been relegated to a support studio. The team is currently in the early stages of developing the next installment. There are no details on the project yet—no title, setting, or gameplay specifics. However, the mere fact that the studio is working on a new DOOM title serves as a major morale boost for fans hungry for good news after a string of worrying reports.
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What do we know about the new DOOM?
The most reliable source right now is Tom Warren from The Verge. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “While the layoffs at id were significant, my understanding is that the changes haven’t turned id into a support studio. Instead, they are currently in the early stages of developing a new DOOM game.” This isn’t an official announcement, but rather insider information from a journalist with an impeccable track record regarding Microsoft-related news.
id Software itself confirmed the following in an official statement:
“We still have the team needed to create the games and technology we are known for. Our current staffing level matches the size of the team during the development of DOOM (2016).”
In other words, the layoffs don’t mean the studio has lost key divisions; rather, it has returned to a team size that has already proven effective. Furthermore, the studio refuted rumors about the closure of its technology department—id Tech continues to be actively developed.
What will it be: a sequel to The Dark Ages, a follow-up to Eternal, or a new reboot?
This is where speculation begins. There is no official answer, but we can make educated guesses based on the logic of the series.
The modern DOOM trilogy shapes up as follows:
The Dark Ages was released in May 2025 as a prequel. Logically, the next game could be either a direct sequel to Eternal (chronologically following the 2020 title) or a new reboot that reimagines the franchise. Only time will tell which path id Software chooses. The first hint might appear at QuakeCon 2026, scheduled for August 6–9; experts generally agree that this is where the first official details regarding the development direction, AI mechanics, and updated technologies could be revealed.
How will the layoffs affect development?
The 136 layoffs represent more than half of the staff. The Quality Assurance department and the id Tech engine development team were hit particularly hard. Former employees described the cuts as a “bloodbath.” One visual effects artist, Derek Best, stated that the VFX department had been reduced to a single person.
However, there is a flip side. Following the restructuring, Microsoft and ZeniMax intend to focus more on major franchises: DOOM, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Quake, and Wolfenstein. This means the DOOM brand is safe—it won’t be abandoned. Moreover, rumors about id Software switching to Unreal Engine proved to be exaggerated; id Tech remains in active development, with dozens of specialists working on it across several offices.
The risks are clear: losing half the team could impact development speed and the quality of the final product. Yet, id Software’s advantage lies in the fact that it isn’t a studio that chases after other people’s technology. It possesses its own engine, its own style, and a loyal fanbase. And judging by their statements, the team is fully committed to this direction.
Against this backdrop, a story-driven expansion for The Dark Ages—Revelations—was released in July. The DLC garnered 87% positive reviews on Steam and saw a peak concurrent player count of nearly 14,000. It serves as a reminder: even in turbulent times, id Software continues to deliver high-quality content.
Don’t expect an announcement anytime soon—the project is still in the very early stages. However, the fact that id Software is already working on a new DOOM title is great news for anyone who feared the series might be abandoned. The next step for readers is to keep an eye on official Bethesda and id Software channels, as well as QuakeCon in August; that is where the first clues might appear.
