id Software is working more closely with MachineGames than ever, according to studio co-director Marty Stratton, following the major Xbox layoffs that significantly reduced the Doom developer's workforce earlier this year. Speaking at a recent press event for DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations, Stratton said that about half of the studio exited as part of the restructuring. The cuts were first reported in July, when Xbox layoffs hit id Software and affected 95 employees, including long-time Quake developers SyncError and sponge.

Despite the cuts, Stratton said the remaining team was deliberately structured to remain viable across both game development and technology. One of the changes has been an even closer relationship with MachineGames, with the two studios increasing cooperation on technology development and engineering. Stratton noted that this work had already started earlier in 2026, before the layoffs.

We're working more closely with MachineGames than ever.

The two Bethesda studios have collaborated for years and both use technology based on id Tech. Their recent work also includes Dawn of the Machine, the new Quake episode released for the game's 30th anniversary. Stratton's emphasis on technology is notable because the layoffs affected parts of id Software's engine and technology teams, raising questions about the future of id Tech.

MachineGames has not announced its next major project, although another Wolfenstein game has been widely discussed. Stratton did not confirm that id Software is involved in a new Wolfenstein title, and his comments focused on the studios' technology partnership rather than a specific game.

Source: PC Gamer