A lead programmer at id Software has stated that Xbox does not understand art or games following recent staff reductions at the studio. Chris Hays, who serves as lead services programmer and has worked at id Software for 16 years, made the comments in a podcast interview. Clips from the discussion circulated widely in early August 2026.
Hays addressed the impact of layoffs that took place in July as part of a broader Xbox restructuring. Microsoft announced cuts totaling 3,200 positions across its gaming division. id Software lost approximately half its workforce, with reports indicating more than 100 roles eliminated. Hays said entire departments and disciplines were removed.
He stated that creating a triple-A game similar to previous titles is now impossible with the reduced staff. Hays explained that the studio is no longer the same as before. He noted that the team size is smaller than the group that developed Doom in 2016. Reassurances from leadership that the studio remains unchanged do not match the current situation, according to Hays.
Hays said the people and the relationships among teams formed the core of what made id Software successful. He added that cutting half a studio without considering how games are made shows a lack of understanding of the cohesion required for strong results. Hays also commented on the business approach, including Game Pass, and said the decisions lacked foresight for maintaining a healthy development studio.
The remarks came after a period of intensive work on the Doom: The Dark Ages DLC. Hays described the timing of the announcements as difficult for the remaining staff. id Software had earlier released a statement saying the current team size is comparable to the period of Doom 2016 development and that it retains the crew needed for its games and technology. Hays presented a different assessment based on the departments that were affected.
Hays remains employed at the studio. His comments represent one of the more direct public statements from an active id Software staff member about the recent changes under Microsoft ownership. The studio continues operations following the adjustments.
