In a revealing glimpse into the creative process of one of gaming's most legendary developers, sources indicate that id Software—the mastermind behind the DOOM and Quake franchises—was actively experimenting with multiple new game prototypes before the sweeping layoffs at Xbox's parent company Microsoft dramatically reshaped their trajectory. Among the concepts being considered were a John Wick-inspired 'Gun Fu' action game and a new entry in the Perfect Dark series. However, these ambitions were reportedly derailed when Xbox's restructuring led to the gutting of key teams within id Software.
The news, which emerged from insider reports and corroborated by former employees, paints a picture of a studio at a crossroads. For decades, id Software has been synonymous with fast-paced, visceral first-person shooters, establishing genre-defining mechanics with titles like DOOM (1993), Quake (1996), and the critically acclaimed 2016 DOOM reboot. Yet the company's leadership had apparently grown eager to push beyond its comfort zone, exploring ideas that could redefine its identity while staying true to its core strengths in kinetic action.
The 'Gun Fu' Concept: Borrowing from Hollywood's Ballet of Bullets
One of the most intriguing proposals was a game built around the stylized gunplay known as 'Gun Fu'—a term popularized by the John Wick film series. In the movies, protagonist John Wick employs a fluid, almost dance-like combat style that combines precise shooting with close-quarters martial arts and tactical use of the environment. id Software's internal pitch reportedly aimed to translate this cinematic energy into an interactive experience, possibly featuring a relentless, skill-based combat system that rewarded players for chaining together headshots, slides, and melee takedowns without breaking momentum.
Given id's pedigree, such a project would likely have emphasized high-speed movement, intricate level design, and punishing difficulty—hallmarks of the studio's best work. Early concept art and pre-production materials allegedly showcased a neon-lit urban setting, perhaps a fictional metropolis reminiscent of Hong Kong action films, where players would navigate rooftops, nightclubs, and subway stations while eliminating waves of enemies with a fluid arsenal of pistols, shotguns, and improvised weapons. The 'Gun Fu' idea was described as a passion project for several designers who wanted to honor both classic shooter gameplay and the aesthetic of action cinema.
Perfect Dark: A Reboot That Almost Happened
In addition to the original 'Gun Fu' concept, id Software also contemplated taking the reins of Rare's beloved Perfect Dark franchise. The series, which originally launched on the Nintendo 64 in 2000 as a spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007, starred Joanna Dark, a secret agent battling alien conspiracies. Despite a troubled Xbox 360 sequel in 2010 (Perfect Dark Zero), the IP retained a dedicated fanbase, and Microsoft had long considered reviving it.
id Software's involvement would have been a surprising but potentially inspired choice. The studio's expertise in crafting tight, responsive shooting mechanics could have modernized the stealth-action formula, while their penchant for dark, atmospheric worlds—evident in the demonic landscapes of DOOM and Quake—might have given Perfect Dark a grittier edge. Sources claim that early discussions centered on a reboot that preserved the original's emphasis on gadgetry and non-linear missions, but with a more visceral combat system and a contemporary cyberpunk aesthetic. However, the project never advanced beyond a pre-production phase, partly due to internal disagreements over direction and partly because of the impending layoffs.
The Xbox Layoffs and Their Aftermath
In early 2023, Microsoft announced massive layoffs affecting approximately 10,000 employees across its gaming divisions, including 343 Industries, Bethesda, and id Software. The cuts were part of a broader cost-cutting measure as the company sought to align its workforce with changing market conditions. For id, the layoffs were particularly devastating: key designers, artists, and producers who had been instrumental in the early prototyping of both the 'Gun Fu' game and the Perfect Dark reboot were let go. The studio's management later confirmed that they had been 'toying around' with those ideas, but the layoffs forced a strategic pivot.
Instead of pursuing these experimental projects, id Software was instructed to focus on established franchises, resulting in the accelerated development of DOOM: The Dark Ages, which was announced shortly after the restructuring. While many fans are eager to see what the studio can do with a medieval spin on the DOOM formula, the loss of the 'Gun Fu' and Perfect Dark concepts is a reminder of the fragility of creative ambition in a corporate landscape.
id Software's Legacy and the Cost of Consolidation
Founded in 1991 by legendary programmers John Carmack, John Romero, and others, id Software has weathered numerous industry shifts. The studio pioneered the first-person shooter genre with Wolfenstein 3D and DOOM, and later pushed 3D graphics forward with Quake. Its engine technology has been licensed by countless other developers. Yet even for a studio of its stature, the current environment of corporate consolidation and risk-averse publishing can stifle innovation.
The layoffs at Microsoft are part of a larger trend across the video game industry in 2023–2024, with companies like Electronic Arts, Sony, and Riot Games also cutting thousands of positions. Critics argue that such reductions prioritize short-term shareholder value over long-term creative health. For id Software, the loss of talented individuals may hinder its ability to experiment and surprise audiences in the future.
While the 'Gun Fu' game and Perfect Dark reboot remain in limbo, there is still hope that elements of those prototypes could resurface in future projects. id Software's history is filled with scrapped ideas that later found new life—for instance, the supernatural elements of Quake were originally conceived for a different game. The studio's core team remains intact, and its next announced title, DOOM: The Dark Ages, promises to deliver the brutal, fast-paced combat that fans expect.
Nonetheless, the gaming community mourns what might have been. A John Wick-style shooter by the creators of DOOM—with its focus on fluid combat and intense action—could have been a genre-defining experience. Similarly, a new Perfect Dark from a studio known for reinventing franchises could have honored Rare's classic while bringing fresh ideas. As the industry continues to contract, these 'what-if' scenarios become more frequent, reminding us that behind every released game are countless untold stories.
For now, id Software marches forward, its workforce smaller but its legacy undimmed. The 'Gun Fu' game may never see the light of day, and Joanna Dark's revival may be handed to another studio—or shelved entirely. But the creative spark that led to those ideas remains, and those who were laid off will carry their talents to new ventures. The game industry is ever evolving, and from the ashes of canceled projects often rise innovations that shape the next decade.
Source:Windows Central News