"They don't understand art" - id Software lead slams Xbox, says it's "impossible" to make games like 2016's Doom now

Chris Hayes, a lead developer at id Software, recently criticized Microsoft for the significant layoffs at the studio and the subsequent challenges in creating high-quality games. During an interview on the Well Played podcast, Hayes explained that it is "hard to make a game that is triple-A, that is like we've done before, with half the people. And by hard I mean impossible."

Hayes noted that the loss of entire departments and disciplines has made it difficult to maintain the cohesion that previously contributed to the studio's success. He stated, "We're not the same id. We're half the same id." Hayes also expressed skepticism regarding reassurances from higher-ups at the studio, claiming these words were intended to prevent remaining developers from leaving and suggesting they were sourced from Microsoft.

Regarding Microsoft's claim that the number of developers at id Software remains the same as during the release of 2016's Doom, Hayes disagreed. He pointed out that the list of contributors for that game was longer than the current staff, reinforcing his belief that Microsoft does not fully grasp the intricacies of game development.

Hayes also addressed the topic of Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription-based gaming service. He questioned the validity of financial reports stating poor sales under Bethesda, arguing that the traditional sales model does not apply to Game Pass. Hayes emphasized that cutting half the studio without considering its impact on game development demonstrates a lack of understanding of the business and the artistic aspects of creating games.