6d ago
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a large-scale restructuring that will cut approximately 3,200 jobs over the next year, part of a broader layoff of about 4,800 employees across the company. As part of the reorganization, ZeniMax Media will shift its strategy to focus on major franchises including Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein, according to a Bloomberg report cited by multiple outlets. The restructuring has hit id Software, the studio behind DOOM and Quake, particularly hard. Reports from Game Developer and Game Informer, cited by GIGAZINE and GameSpark, indicate that roughly half of id Software's staff has been laid off, with former Bethesda executive Jeff Gardiner reporting 95 layoffs out of an estimated 185 employees. Veteran developers including principal concept artist Colin Geller, animator Chris Street, and principal programmer Dustin Land have confirmed their departures. The quality assurance department was reportedly devastated. Arkane Studios in Lyon is also under review, with Microsoft considering strategic options including a sale or spin-out, though French labor laws may slow the process. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told employees in an internal memo that no announced first-party titles will be cancelled.
Jul 1
id Software will release the campaign expansion 'DOOM: The Dark Ages - Revelations' on July 8 Japan time (July 7 local time). The DLC introduces the Chain Spear, a new weapon that functions as both a melee tool and a movement device with dash and grapple hook abilities. The expansion is structured in two layers: a base campaign of roughly 60 percent of the total playtime, followed by endgame content that makes up the remaining 40 percent. The base campaign includes four stages - Upper Hell, Ice Hell, Bone Hell, and Oceas - plus a hub called Sentinel. After clearing the final boss, players obtain a Master Key that unlocks endgame activities such as new routes through existing levels, high-difficulty challenge arenas called Crater Suit Encounters, a score-based Slayer Trial mode, playable classic DOOM levels, and endgame-specific upgrades. Clearing all endgame content allows access to an Uber Boss and four ultra-high-difficulty Master Arenas. The total playtime is estimated at 10 to 12 hours. Game director Hugo Martin said the DLC is 'the best DOOM experience we've ever made' and 'the culmination of the past 30 years.'
Jun 19
Bobby Prince, the composer behind the soundtracks of classic first-person shooters including 'Doom', 'Doom II', 'Wolfenstein 3D', 'Rise of the Triad', and 'Duke Nukem 3D', died on June 16, 2026. His work on the 'Doom' soundtrack was added to the U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry in May 2026.
Jun 7
During the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 on June 8, id Software and Bethesda Softworks announced the large downloadable content Revelations for DOOM: The Dark Ages. The DLC will release on July 7, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The base game, a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, launched in May 2025 and shifted the series' combat to a heavier, more strategic style, positioning the Doom Slayer as a tank. Revelations introduces a new weapon, the Chain Spear, which can stab enemies and function as a grappling hook for dynamic movement. The story takes the Slayer to an ice-covered world where, wounded and betrayed, he gains new powers with help from mysterious allies. The trailer shown at the event previewed new areas and enemies. The DLC is also listed for Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud.
Jun 2
The Russo Brothers posted a cryptic Instagram image of Latveria's coat of arms, hinting at a surprise related to 'Avengers: Doomsday' during their SXSW London appearance on June 2. The post tags Marvel Studios and the official Avengers account, fueling speculation that the surprise could be the first public trailer for the film.