id Software Head: We're All-In on id Tech, Not Unreal Engine

Summary

Following recent devastating layoffs, id Software studio head Marty Stratton has broken his silence and clarified the studio's future direction. In response to speculation that id Software might abandon its proprietary engine and adopt Epic's Unreal Engine, Stratton stated emphatically: "We are fully committed to id Tech. We are not moving to Unreal." He revealed that just yesterday he met with five or six technical directors, and the enthusiasm and excitement for the new engine technology in that meeting convinced him there is no cause for concern. Stratton emphasized that id Software will continue to move forward as a technical powerhouse. He also expressed sadness over the departure of colleagues and old friends over the past month, though he provided no further details about the layoffs. This statement matters to both players and the industry. For players, id Tech has been the foundation of iconic franchises like DOOM and Quake, and sticking with it suggests future titles will maintain the signature fluid combat and performance optimization. For the industry, as many studios shift to commercial engines, id Software's commitment to proprietary technology highlights the value of technical independence and reignites the debate over custom versus off-the-shelf engines. Despite the lingering shadow of layoffs, this clear technical pledge injects confidence into the studio's…