Doom’s new expansion shows just what makes id Software special
Game developer id Software has faced massive layoffs, with reports suggesting up to 50 percent of staff were cut during an Xbox strategy reset. Despite the internal turmoil, the studio's new expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages has received praise for its core gameplay.
Why it matters
The layoffs at a legendary studio like id Software highlight the ongoing instability and consolidation trends within the video game industry.
This week should have been a celebration for Doom developer id Software. The studio just launched Revelations, a meaty expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages that adds a powerful new weapon and more demonic levels to blast through. Even though I hadn’t picked up The Dark Ages for more than a year, it only took moments before I fell right back into the familiar loop from id’s modern Doom games. Each plays differently, but they all have a similar foundation built around fast-paced shooter action that makes them feel iconically Doom — and unlike pretty much anything else.
The article balances industry critique with a review of the product, maintaining a neutral reporting stance on the layoffs.
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