John Romero Voices Support for id Software Staff Amid Reported Layoffs and Calls to Preserve the Studio's Legacy

John Romero, co-founder of id Software and one of the creators of the original DOOM, has publicly expressed his support for current and former studio employees following the latest wave of reported layoffs affecting ZeniMax Media studios. Romero praised the talent and dedication of the developers while emphasizing that the legacy of id Software should continue despite ongoing restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.

In a message shared on social media, Romero described id Software as a studio built by exceptionally creative people whose work has shaped the video game industry for decades. He encouraged the gaming community to recognize the contributions of affected developers and expressed confidence that their experience and talent would continue to benefit the industry regardless of where they work next. Romero stressed that the value of a legendary studio ultimately lies in its people.

The comments come after reports that ZeniMax Media, including teams within id Software, had been affected by Microsoft's broader restructuring efforts. While Microsoft has not disclosed the full extent of the changes at every studio, the reported layoffs have sparked concern across the gaming industry about the future of several long-established development teams.

Romero also urged fans to remember the importance of preserving id Software's creative legacy. As one of the founding studios behind landmark franchises such as DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein, id Software has played a defining role in the evolution of first-person shooters and game engine technology. Romero's message serves as both a tribute to the developers behind those achievements and a reminder that the studio's influence extends far beyond any single restructuring or generation of hardware.