Former Id Software Developers Form Employee-Owned Studio Hidden Horses
Laid-off developers from Microsoft's id Software launch an independent studio focused on classic shooters.
1Post-Layoff Studio Formation
Following the July layoffs at id Software, where approximately 136 employees were cut, over 20 former staff members established Hidden Horses. This new independent studio aims to prioritize employee ownership and creative autonomy. The founders include veterans like Todd Boyce and Dustin Land, who previously worked on major titles.
2Democratic Operational Structure
Hidden Horses operates with a flat, employee-owned hierarchy where leaders are democratically elected rather than appointed by top-down management. Founders argue this model eliminates investor pressure and prevents the need for constant, aggressive growth. Every team member holds a stake in the company, ensuring their long-term commitment to success.
3Developing Danger Pay
The studio's debut project is Danger Pay, a single-player first-person shooter inspired by arcade classics like Smash TV and dystopian films such as The Running Man. The team intends to focus on classic gameplay mechanics, intentionally avoiding modern industry trends like focus-group testing or chasing popular market fads.
4Funding Through Crowdfunding
To finance the initial development of Danger Pay, the studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign. These funds are intended to cover essential business startup costs, including hardware, software licenses, and employee healthcare. The campaign goal is specifically calibrated to match the projected timeline and financial requirements of their project.
5Shifting Professional Risks
Co-founder Regan Carver describes the transition as trading one set of risks for another. Previously, the team faced the uncertainty of corporate loyalty despite financial stability. Now, the team relies on mutual trust and shared goals, focusing entirely on the challenge of succeeding as an independent, self-governed game developer.
6Rejection of Corporate Hierarchy
The founders explicitly cite negative experiences with top-down corporate structures as a primary motivation for their flat organization. They believe that traditional hierarchies often silence valuable contributions from lower-level staff. By democratizing decision-making, they hope to foster an environment where every idea is considered regardless of a person's title.
7Microsoft's Strategic Context
The formation of Hidden Horses follows significant cuts to Microsoft's Xbox division, which the company implemented to increase its market valuation. While Microsoft claimed it retained enough staff to maintain its proprietary engines, the departure of these 20 veterans highlights the human cost of these large-scale corporate restructuring efforts.
8Future Studio Outlook
Hidden Horses currently has no plans for rapid expansion, preferring to maintain a manageable size that sustains their livelihoods rather than chasing massive profits. While the studio is exploring promotional initiatives like documentaries, their primary focus remains on delivering a classic shooter experience that resonates with their core community.