Bethesda Softworks has confirmed surfacing reports about layoffs at id Software, but I don’t have details on whether the layoffs were across the board, Rage-specific or pulled from the Doom 4 team.
“As part of its standard business practice, id regularly evaluates staffing to ensure it has a workforce that meets the needs of the studio,” said VP of marketing and PR Pete Hines in an email.
“As part of that process, some id employees were recently let go, he continued. “id is still recruiting and hiring qualified developers, and development work on future id titles continues unabated.”
The release of a new game from id Software is always an event, but the response to Rage was a bit muted, especially in light of the monumental impact Bethseda’s own The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim had a few months later.
id Software was independent until 2009, when ZeniMax Media, who also owns Bethesda, picked it up.
id Software has talked about Doom 4 for years now, while the game remains shrouded in secrecy. John Carmack has talked about sequels to Rage, as well, but it’s unclear if those will ever go forward.
Sorry to hear that.
So are they not sacking actual long time employees but just the typical short term contractors they bring on to finish projects. Doesn't this same thing happen all the time?
Well when you take 6 years to develop a game that did not sell, these things happen. But still, it is a shame nonetheless.
Damn that sucks. I still think of them as that tiny company from way back when.
The reason the response to Rage was a bit muted is because Rage is not a very good game.
@Saga said:
True dat.
Longtime id software fan here. Sorry to see this happen, but ...
There were some fundamental ways Rage could have been improved, and possibly been a much more well-received game. The scope of the game simply wasn't big enough for the conceptual canvas it hinted at. By the same token, the design of the game felt limited despite how ambitious the graphic engine made everything look. There was a constant disparity in what it seemed like you should be able to do and what you were actually able to do.
That and the ending was abysmal.
Here's hoping this doesn't hinder Doom 4's development, but I think it's inevitable.
Terrible when people lose their jobs.
While they have solved most problems for PC. I'm still waiting for my high-resolution pack.
I very much enjoyed Rage, the basic FPS elements were excellent but the world was pretty lacking. That said the horrendous state of the PC version was treason!
Rage didn't do so hot anyway. Its $30 already, and saw no recognition at any GOTY awards.
They fucked up big time on rage. I was very excited for it, but the moment I heard about the state of the PC version I knew I wasn't going to get it.
My god I'd rather have doom 4 than any other product related to RAGE.
Quake 3 Arena 2
@ShaneDev said:
Yeah, particularly after a big project like Rage.
I've been saying this for years. :P
So is Rage getting a pc version?
(i know.... i know)
@MordeaniisChaos said:
"Layoff" is rarely used in terms of a contract position. Typically a contractor has signed an agreement stating they are employed up until a certain date. I highly doubt these layoffs are in reference to Rage or Doom 4-specific contractors.