ZeniMax will keep making Doom and Wolfenstein despite Xbox cuts
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs and studio restructuring have raised questions about the future of classic franchises like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein. New reports suggest those games will keep getting made.
Rock Paper Shotgun reported on ZeniMax's pivot strategy amid the Xbox cuts. The news comes as Microsoft officially announced the scale of layoffs affecting their studio lineup. Several studios face uncertain futures outside of Xbox, including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane.
The ZeniMax distinction
ZeniMax remains part of Xbox. The division is changing how it operates. The pivot reportedly focuses on big game series, which is where franchises like Doom and Wolfenstein fit.
Minecraft developer Mojang has moved directly underneath Xbox boss Asha Sharma in the new structure. That placement suggests Minecraft remains a priority. The question was whether older franchises would get squeezed out.
Classic franchises safe
According to the reporting, Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein will reportedly continue being worked on at ZeniMax. This is good news for players of id Software's legacy titles.
The pivot to big series makes business sense. Fallout and The Elder Scrolls are massive franchises with long development cycles and huge audiences. But that does not mean smaller studios or older franchises get abandoned entirely.
What the cuts mean
The Xbox layoffs have affected how studios remaining under Microsoft's banner will operate going forwards. Some studios gained independence. Others found new owners. Arkane staff must negotiate their own future.
ZeniMax's situation is different. The division is restructuring around its biggest properties while maintaining support for established franchises. Doom and Wolfenstein have dedicated fanbases and proven track records. They are not experimental properties.
Industry context
The gaming industry has seen massive layoffs throughout 2024 and 2025. Microsoft's cuts are part of a broader trend. Studios are consolidating. Publishers are focusing on proven IP.
For players, this means fewer experimental projects and more sequels. For developers, it means job instability and studio closures. The human cost of these business decisions is real.
What fans should watch
ZeniMax's pivot is worth following. The division owns some of gaming's most important franchises. How they balance big series with legacy properties will tell us a lot about Microsoft's long-term strategy.
For Crosspad readers who care about the health of the gaming industry, this is a story worth watching. The decisions made here will affect what games get made for years to come.
Sources: Rock Paper Shotgun, Game File