In a shocking turn of events, just one day before Microsoft announced layoffs affecting 9,000 employees, John Romero’s studio, Romero Games, was caught off guard during a meeting with the tech giant. Despite not owning the studio, Microsoft had been a significant supporter, but suddenly cut its funding, leading to the studio’s closure.
According to a report from TheJournal, John and Brenda Romero’s studio is officially shutting down, leaving over 100 employees without jobs. This drastic move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of reallocating funds—around $80 billion—for future AI investments.
Brenda Romero expressed her discontent to TheJournal, stating that the decision by Microsoft was neither a reflection of their team’s capabilities nor the quality of their work. She added that the studio consistently met all deadlines and milestones, emphasizing that the choice stemmed from corporate decisions beyond their control.
Employees were taken aback by the suddenness of the closure, especially since it followed a meeting with Microsoft where no mention of impending cuts was made. This lack of communication left many feeling blindsided.
Since founding the studio in 2015, the Romeros have produced several games and two expansions for the original Doom titled SIGIL 1 and SIGIL 2, both well-received by fans. However, the studio struggled to release a major financially successful title, which may have influenced Microsoft’s decision to withdraw funding. Interestingly, TheJournal reported that Romero Games had shown strong financial performance, generating million-euro profits.
Romero Games was preparing to develop two first-person shooters, including one called Blackroom, which was ultimately canceled in 2023. The future of the second project appears uncertain with the current developments.
As they navigate this transition, the Romeros are focusing on assisting affected employees in securing new job opportunities. While the landscape looks grim, it would certainly be a significant loss for the gaming industry if John Romero did step back from his influential role.
What impact do layoffs like this have on the gaming industry? Layoffs can stifle innovation and creativity, leading to fewer new games and ideas in development.
What does Microsoft’s investment shift mean for gaming? This shift suggests that Microsoft is prioritizing AI over traditional gaming investments, potentially altering how gaming companies operate.
Will Romero Games get a chance to revive in the future? While the possibility exists, it largely depends on securing new funding and opportunities in a competitive industry.
How can affected employees find new roles? Networking within the gaming industry and reaching out to recruitment agencies can provide valuable leads for new job opportunities.
In conclusion, while the future of Romero Games remains uncertain, the gaming community is hoping for resilience from the Romeros and their talented team. Continue exploring more insightful content at Moyens I/O.