### Doom and Quake Veteran's New FPS Faces Funding Crisis Amid Microsoft Layoffs Romero Games, founded by John Romero, a co-creator of the iconic Doom franchise, has announced that funding for its upcoming first-person shooter (FPS) has been abruptly pulled by its publisher. This decision comes in the wake of significant layoffs and budget cuts at Microsoft, which appears to be the driving force behind the funding withdrawal. The studio is now facing potential closure as it grapples with the fallout from this unexpected financial setback [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-and-quake-veterans-new-fps-loses-funding-with-microsoft-seemingly-to-blame/1100-6532939/?comment_page=1][https://gamerant.com/doom-john-romero-funding-game-microsoft-xbox-layoffs]. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Funding Withdrawal**: Romero Games has confirmed that its publisher has canceled funding for its new FPS project, along with several other unannounced projects at various studios [https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/romero-games-new-shooter-loses-funding-the-studio-may-be-closing-and-it-looks-like-microsoft-is-to-blame]. 2. **Impact of Microsoft Layoffs**: The layoffs at Microsoft have triggered a wave of cutbacks across the gaming industry, affecting not only Romero Games but also other developers who were reliant on Microsoft for funding [https://gameranx.com/dennis/id/543788/article/romero-games-entire-studio-reportedly-being-laid-off]. 3. **Potential Studio Closure**: Reports indicate that Romero Games may be facing a full studio closure as a result of the funding loss, with many employees already laid off [https://www.shacknews.com/article/145001/romero-games-microsoft-funding-cuts]. 4. **Community Reaction**: The news has been met with disappointment from fans and industry peers, with Romero expressing heartbreak over the situation, highlighting the emotional toll of the layoffs and funding cuts [https://gamerant.com/doom-john-romero-funding-game-microsoft-xbox-layoffs]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Layoffs and Funding Cuts**: The layoffs at Microsoft have been described as "mass" and have led to immediate funding cancellations for multiple projects, including Romero's FPS [https://www.eurogamer.net/doom-creator-john-romeros-next-shooter-project-loses-funding-following-microsoft-cuts]. - **Statements from Romero Games**: The studio has publicly stated that they are exploring options following the funding withdrawal, indicating a state of uncertainty regarding their future projects [https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/john-romeros-next-fps-has-lost-funding-in-the-wake-of-the-microsoft-cuts]. ### Conclusion: A Troubling Turn for Romero Games In summary, the abrupt loss of funding for Romero Games' new FPS project, attributed to recent layoffs at Microsoft, has left the studio in a precarious position. The following points encapsulate the situation: 1. **Funding Canceled**: Romero Games has lost financial backing for its upcoming FPS due to publisher decisions linked to Microsoft layoffs. 2. **Layoffs Impacting Industry**: The cuts at Microsoft have broader implications, affecting multiple studios and projects. 3. **Studio's Future in Jeopardy**: Romero Games faces potential closure as it navigates the fallout from these funding cuts. 4. **Community Disappointment**: The gaming community has expressed sadness over the news, reflecting the emotional impact on both fans and developers. The future of Romero Games remains uncertain as they seek to adapt to these challenging circumstances [https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/doom-creators-new-fps-loses-funding-following-xbox-layoffs-3222286][https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-new-shooter-from-romero-games-loses-funding-as-staff-post-theyve-been-let-go-thanks-to-microsoft-cuts].