Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insider

By Charles Johnson | July 7, 2026 | Updated: July 7, 2026 | 5 min read | 0 Comments

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Wolfenstein and Doom Continue Development Amid Xbox and ZeniMax Staff Cuts

Wolfenstein and Doom still in development – Microsoft’s recent workforce reductions have raised concerns about the future of several major franchises, but reports indicate that Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake remain active projects despite the upheaval. While the focus has often been on Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, the company’s broader portfolio is experiencing changes, with id Software and other studios undergoing restructuring. This development comes as Xbox announces sweeping cuts across its operations, signaling a shift in priorities within the gaming industry.

Xbox’s Major Staff Reductions

Xbox has confirmed it will reduce its workforce by 3,200 employees during this financial year, with 1,600 layoffs taking effect immediately. As part of this reorganization, five game studios are being affected, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, which are returning to independent status. Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set to be sold, while Arkane Lyon is reviewing potential strategic options. These moves reflect a broader effort to streamline operations and reallocate resources to high-priority titles.

The impact of these cuts extends beyond Xbox itself. ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda and several other studios, is also facing reductions. ZeniMax oversees multiple studios, including id Software, MachineGames, and ZeniMax Online Studios, all of which are now under scrutiny. According to insider reports, significant staff reductions have already begun at id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, but the studios are not closing down.

“ZeniMax will be impacted significantly by the reorganisation but will not be reduced to only Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, despite rumours over the last few weeks,” wrote Jason Schreier on BlueSky. “The publisher will also still work on Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake.”

While Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has been prioritizing titles like Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout in recent discussions, the latest developments suggest that other franchises will still receive attention. The rumored focus on these three games has led to speculation about their future, but insiders confirm that their development remains ongoing. This reassurance comes as the gaming industry navigates a period of uncertainty following Microsoft’s restructuring.

Wolfenstein 3 and the TV Show Ambitions

Wolfenstein 3, a long-rumored sequel, has yet to receive an official announcement. However, recent reports indicate that Microsoft is actively supporting MachineGames, the developer behind the franchise, following the success of Indiana Jones and The Great Circle. This investment aligns with the company’s interest in expanding the Wolfenstein brand beyond games, as a television series based on the franchise is currently in development at Amazon. The synergy between the game and TV adaptations highlights Microsoft’s strategic approach to leveraging its intellectual property.

The continuation of Wolfenstein’s development is bolstered by the presence of a TV show in the works, suggesting that the franchise remains a key asset for Microsoft. This dual approach—simultaneously working on a new game and a new media format—aims to maximize the franchise’s reach and commercial viability. The same strategy appears to be at play with Doom and Quake, both of which are set to see future releases despite the current staff reductions.

Future of Doom and Quake

Doom: The Dark Ages, the latest entry in the iconic series, is set to receive its first expansion, Revelations, on July 7. While this marks progress for the franchise, questions linger about whether additional content will follow. Doom has always been a staple of id Software, but the studio’s recent staff cuts have sparked concerns about its long-term trajectory.

Quake, on the other hand, has been in a dormant state since 2017’s Quake Champions. A new mainline entry has been speculated for years, with MachineGames often cited as the potential developer. However, the studio has never managed to handle two triple-A projects simultaneously. If Microsoft’s investment in MachineGames materializes, it could signal a shift in the responsibility for Quake’s next chapter, ensuring the series continues its legacy.

Confusion persists over which studio will lead the development of future Quake games. While MachineGames has frequently been linked to the project, id Software’s role remains unclear. This ambiguity reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding the direction of both franchises, as Microsoft navigates the challenges of balancing resource allocation with creative ambition.

Broader Implications for Gaming Industry

The restructuring at Xbox and ZeniMax underscores the competitive pressures facing game studios in the current market. As companies seek to optimize budgets and focus on high-profile titles, smaller or less-established franchises risk being deprioritized. Yet, the continued development of Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake suggests that these series still hold strategic value for Microsoft.

While the immediate impact of staff cuts is evident, the long-term consequences depend on how effectively the remaining teams can adapt. For example, ZeniMax Online Studios, responsible for The Elder Scrolls Online, faces challenges as it continues to develop its multiplayer title. However, the studio’s survival indicates that Microsoft remains committed to maintaining its diverse portfolio.

These changes also highlight the evolving landscape of game development, where studios must now navigate both internal reorganizations and external market demands. The balance between cutting costs and sustaining creative output will be critical in determining the success of upcoming projects. For fans of Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake, the key question remains: will these games receive the support needed to thrive in a more competitive environment?

As the gaming industry continues to adapt to shifting priorities, the survival of these franchises serves as a testament to their enduring appeal. The recent staff reductions at ZeniMax Media and Xbox mark a new phase in their development cycles, but they also open opportunities for innovation and fresh directions. With the upcoming expansions and potential new entries, the future of these iconic titles remains uncertain yet hopeful.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest in gaming, including insights on the evolving stories behind beloved franchises. For those interested in contributing to the conversation, the Submit Stuff page offers a convenient way to share your thoughts and features.

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