Romero Games Confirms Continued Operation Amidst Industry Shifts

In a significant update for the gaming community, Romero Games has officially announced its continued operation, dispelling recent rumors of closure. While confirming a reduction in its workforce, the studio is actively pursuing new opportunities and evaluating potential partnerships to bring future projects to fruition, particularly after the termination of funding for a previously unannounced first-person shooter title.

Romero Games Navigates Industry Upheaval and Forges Ahead

On a pivotal Monday, July 7th, 2025, Romero Games, a distinguished developer in the video game landscape, issued a clarifying statement regarding its operational status. This announcement came in the wake of an Irish publication, The Journal, erroneously reporting the studio's complete shutdown and significant layoffs impacting over 100 individuals. Countering these claims, a representative from Romero Games emphatically stated via Bluesky, "Romero Games is not closed, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure it does not come to that. Any suggestion otherwise is factually incorrect." The statement further highlighted the team's active presence in the studio on the day of the update, diligently discussing their strategic next steps.

While the studio confirmed that some dedicated team members were indeed affected by layoffs, a direct consequence of funding cessation from Microsoft following broader Xbox division cutbacks, the core of Romero Games remains intact. Brenda Romero, a co-founder of the studio alongside the legendary John Romero, a key figure in the creation of 'DOOM', had previously expressed the profound disappointment within the team. She noted that the decision, originating from "high-level" discussions within Microsoft, was beyond the studio's "visibility and control," despite the team consistently meeting every development milestone. This unforeseen shift in funding has compelled the studio to re-evaluate its staffing structure comprehensively. At its peak for the canceled project, Romero Games directly employed 42 individuals, with a wider network of over 100 contributors. Currently, the studio is engaging with several publishers who have shown keen interest in supporting the completion of their sidelined game, exploring various avenues to bring their creative endeavors to light.

This evolving situation at Romero Games offers a poignant reflection on the volatile nature of the modern video game industry, particularly for independent studios navigating the complex interplay of financial backing and corporate restructuring. It underscores the critical importance of adaptable business models and diversified funding strategies in a sector frequently rocked by major company reorganizations. The resilience demonstrated by Romero Games in actively seeking new partnerships and reassessing its path forward provides a hopeful narrative for studios facing similar challenges. It prompts a broader conversation about fostering an ecosystem where creative vision and dedicated craftsmanship can thrive, even amidst economic pressures and strategic shifts by larger entities.