07/07/2026 22:24 - Tecnologia
In a decision that has shocked the video game industry, Xbox has reportedly eliminated almost the entire programming team at id Software, the legendary studio behind the iconic Doom franchise. This measure, part of a deep restructuring within Microsoft, indicates that future Doom games will reportedly be developed using Unreal Engine 6, Epic Games' proprietary graphics engine, abandoning the historic id Tech engine.
For those unfamiliar with gaming history, id Software, founded in 1991 by John Carmack and John Romero, pioneered the development of in-house graphics engines. The id Tech engine not only powered Doom but also served as the foundation for iconic titles like Quake and Wolfenstein. Its technology influenced entire generations of developers and laid the groundwork for the FPS (first-person shooter) genre.
Unreal Engine 6 is reportedly the latest iteration of the video game engine developed by Epic Games. It is one of the most widely used tools in the global industry, known for its ability to render photorealistic graphics, its dynamic lighting system (Lumen), and its Nanite geometry technology. Migrating Doom to this engine represents a paradigm shift: instead of maintaining a proprietary engine, Xbox is reportedly opting to standardize its production on a widely tested technology.
This decision is framed within Microsoft's announcement to lay off 4,800 employees, equivalent to 2.1% of its global workforce. Of that total, 1,600 workers belong to the Xbox division, with projections reportedly reaching 3,200 layoffs by fiscal year 2027. The company is also reportedly divesting from studios such as Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while maintaining its focus on Mojang and King.
While cutting staff in its gaming area, Microsoft is reportedly doubling down on Artificial Intelligence. The company announced a $2.5 billion investment in its AI unit, Frontier Company. According to reports from local media like TN and Infobae, Asha Sharma, CEO of Xbox, cited low margins and the memory supply chain crisis as key factors behind the layoffs.
Key Data: The tech sector reportedly lost 154,000 jobs in the first half of 2026, according to consolidated industry data.
The migration to Unreal Engine 6 could reportedly have profound implications for Doom's technical identity:
Xbox's decision reportedly reflects a broader trend in the video game industry, where large corporations seek to optimize costs and consolidate operations. Betting on external engines like Unreal Engine allows studios to focus on creative design rather than maintaining proprietary technology. While saying goodbye to the id Tech programming team marks the close of a historic chapter, it also opens doors to new possibilities for one of the most influential franchises of all time. The future of Doom, now reportedly powered by Unreal Engine 6, promises to take the experience into uncharted territory.
Sources: Infobae (Malditos Nerds), TN, Rosario3. Date: July 7, 2026.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
