Dive into the latest updates and developments for DOOM: The Dark Ages, a highly anticipated addition to the iconic shooter series!
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⚫︎ In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, the director behind the Doom series, shed light on the decision to exclude multiplayer from Doom Eternal. The focus was shifted early in development to perfect the campaign, a choice driven by the game's expansive scope and resource allocation. Martin emphasized that adding multiplayer would have compromised the quality of the single-player experience.
Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages doesn't have multiplayer because it would definitely come at the expense of
the campaign (Games Radar)
⚫︎ The official DOOM X (formerly Twitter) account announced that fans can expect new gameplay footage and hands-on impressions for DOOM: The Dark Ages on March 31. This is a golden opportunity for enthusiasts to get a deeper look into what the game has in store.
Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages: keep an eye here tomorrow for press hands-on impressions and new gameplay (Official Bethesda X Page)
⚫︎ Bethesda unveiled the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica through its latest merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, this meticulously crafted replica is now up for pre-order. It's a must-have for fans, featuring a design inspired by the game and part of a broader merchandise lineup ahead of the game's release.
Read more: Bethesda Reveals DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in Latest Merch Unboxing Video (Official Bethesda X Page)
⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15, promising a medieval prequel that builds upon the beloved elements of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal. The game introduces new gameplay dynamics and expands on underexplored concepts like the Wintherin dragons, now featuring a semi-mechanical dragon that players can pilot.
Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages May Level Up One of Eternal's Best Additions (Game Rant)
⚫︎ In an interview for PC Gamer's upcoming print issue 408 (396 in the U.S.), DOOM: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin and producer Marty Stratton discussed the game's challenge runs. Martin hinted that a melee-only playthrough, while technically possible, would be slightly out of bounds
and challenging. Stratton compared it to the difficult pistol-only Ultra Nightmare challenge in Doom 2016, suggesting it might be less enjoyable.
Read more: You can theoretically beat Doom: The Dark Ages without using a gun, but 'You'd have a hard time, that's for sure,' says the game's director (PC Gamer)
⚫︎ The same interview with PC Gamer revealed more about the narrative conclusion of DOOM: The Dark Ages. Contrary to what some might expect, the story will not end with the Slayer locked in a coffin as seen in Doom 2016. Hugo Martin explained that such an ending would limit future medieval-era stories, as The Dark Ages is meant to be part of a larger Chronicles of the Slayer
saga. The ending will instead open up possibilities for more prequels.
Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages won't end with the Slayer in a coffin waiting for the start of Doom 2016: 'That would mean that we couldn't tell any more medieval stories' (PC Gamer)
⚫︎ In another segment of the PC Gamer interview, Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton delved into the weapon lineup of DOOM: The Dark Ages. Martin disclosed that aside from the shotguns, the arsenal features entirely new weapons or significantly redesigned ones, including a fresh take on the plasma weapon. This deliberate choice aims to offer players new challenges and tools to master.
Read more: 'I think only the shotguns are the same,' says Doom: The Dark Ages director, otherwise the guns are brand-new or significantly transformed (PC Gamer)
⚫︎ Bethesda announced that the Developer Direct 2025 event is live today, January 23, featuring updates from id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The event, which started at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT, is streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms.
Read more: id Software Reveals DOOM: The Dark Age’s Release Date During the Xbox Developer Direct (Official Bethesda X)
⚫︎ Bethesda confirmed its participation in the Developer Direct event set for January 23, 2025. The showcase will include updates from multiple studios, including those working on DOOM, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The event will be streamed live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT on YouTube and other platforms.
Read more: id Software Confirms Participation in the January 2025 Xbox Developers Direct (Official Bethesda X)
⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages was officially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase, presenting a bold new vision for the series. The trailer showcased dragon riding, mech battles, and a darker, more intense visual style, along with significant gameplay changes like the introduction of a shield and flail for melee combat.
Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages Could Be the Series’ Boldest Reinvention Yet (IGN)