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Microsoft cuts 136 of id Software’s 185 staff as Carmack voices regret
Microsoft has reportedly cut a large share of the workforce at id Software, the storied studio behind franchises such as Doom and Quake, eliminating 136 of its 185 staff. The scale of the reduction — roughly three-quarters of the team — marks a dramatic contraction for one of the most influential names in video game…
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“My ‘Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand’ statement isn’t aging well” – id Software co-founder John Carmack speaks out after devastating Xbox layoffs
John Carmack, co-founder of id Software — the studio behind Doom and Quake — has publicly responded to sweeping layoffs at his former company following a major restructuring at Microsoft’s Xbox division. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced an initial 1,600 job losses, with a further 1,600 expected over the coming year, affecting numerous studios…
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Rocket Report: “Panic” over Transporter availability; Isar to launch from Canada
This edition of Ars Technica’s Rocket Report (Edition 9.02) rounds up recent developments across the global launch industry, with attention turning to Asia for the debuts of China’s reusable Long March 10B and India’s privately built Skyroot Vikram-1. The headline items include Germany’s Isar Aerospace striking a deal to launch from Canada and the retirement…
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DC’s 2-Part Sci-Fi Masterpiece Officially Gets an Update on What’s Next
The article reports that a third season of HBO’s DC series Peacemaker has not yet been confirmed, but star Jennifer Holland has offered fans an encouraging signal about the show’s future. Speaking to People Magazine, Holland — who plays Emilia Harcourt and whose real-life partner is DC Studios co-head James Gunn — said she “could…
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Polestar owners left ‘holding the bag’ after EV brand pulls out of the US
Polestar has announced it will stop selling its electric vehicles in the United States from the 2027 model year, leaving thousands of existing owners and dozens of dealers uncertain about servicing, software updates, warranties and resale values. The withdrawal follows the federal government’s refusal to authorise continued sales under a rule banning vehicles with connected-vehicle…
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Id Software co-founder John Carmack “can’t muster anger or outrage” over Xbox gutting the Doom studio, but does say it’ll “dampen the mood of the founder reunion”
Aw shucks. That’s a bummer. I’m not angry about it, though. Surely this had to happen, just like the execs said it did. I’m paraphrasing quite facetiously, but that is the basic gist of id Software co-founder John Carmack’s reaction to the studio cutting 136 workers as part of Microsoft’s mass layoffs earlier this week,…
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Meta risks $12B EU fine over addictive Instagram and Facebook feeds
Meta has been found in preliminary breach of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) over the “addictive” design of Instagram and Facebook, and could be forced to redesign both apps as well as face a fine of up to $12 billion (roughly £9 billion). The European Commission concluded that Meta failed to adequately assess the…
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Microsoft’s AI drive saw its carbon emissions grow by 25 percent in 2025
Microsoft pledged to be carbon negative by 2030, but its AI push has wrecked its goal.
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Apple TV’s ‘Silo’ Stars Explain Why Season 3 Is the Show’s Most Intense Installment Yet
Silo Season 3’s Common and Alexandria Riley explain why the new installment was their most challenging and tease Season 4.
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George R.R. Martin’s Favorite ‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-Off Gets a Colossal Season 2 Update
HBO programming chief Casey Bloys has confirmed that filming on the second season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest Game of Thrones spin-off, is nearing completion, telling fans the team is “finishing up shooting Season 2”. The update is notable because the show has been widely embraced as the most faithful adaptation…