Dev at id Software says Microsoft 'burned a lot of bridges' in the industry: 'They fundamentally don't understand art, they don't understand games'

Chris Hays, lead services programmer at id Software, has spoken out about Microsoft's decision to lay off 136 employees at the studio. Hays was disappointed by the announcement, as it came just a day before the release of Doom: The Dark Ages DLC. The layoffs led to a crunch period, causing demoralization among the remaining team members.

Hays stated that Microsoft fundamentally doesn't understand art, games, or the business model, as evidenced by their decision to cut 50% of a AAA studio. He emphasized that the studio's success relied on the relationships and experience built by the team, which has now been lost. Hays believes that Microsoft's actions have permanently damaged its reputation in the industry, making it difficult for the studio to regain trust and recruit new talent.

He also highlighted the lack of foresight in Microsoft's decisions, questioning how they plan to maintain the infrastructure, engine, and skyboxes when so many key departments have been eliminated.