Id Software Co-Founder Admits His Faith in Microsoft's Stewardship Was Off the Mark

John Carmack, the co-founder of id Software, has conceded that his earlier confidence in Microsoft's ownership of the studio was misplaced, following massive layoffs that cut 136 roles, more than half of the studio's headcount. PC Gamer reported that Carmack acknowledged his previous statement about Microsoft being "a good steward of the brand" now "isn't aging well."

PC GamerJohn Carmack reacts to massive layoffs at id Software: 'My 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand' statement isn't aging well'

"My 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand' statement isn't aging well."

Carmack's reaction comes as the layoffs are expected to dampen the mood at the upcoming QuakeCon founder reunion, a gathering he has long participated in. While he expressed disapproval of the cuts, PC Gamer noted that he stopped short of outright criticism, instead offering a measured reflection on corporate decision-making.

"You can't rule out the possibility that executives are idiots, but that shouldn't be your default belief."

Carmack's tempered response underscores the difficulty of assigning blame in large corporate restructurings, even as the scale of the layoffs draws attention to Microsoft's stewardship of the legendary game studio. The cuts represent a dramatic reduction for a team that has produced iconic titles like Doom and Quake.