The Doom series has long held a hallowed place in the annals of gaming history. Since its inception in 1993, it has been a trailblazer, introducing 3D graphics to the gaming mainstream and redefining the first - person shooter (FPS) genre. The question on every fan's lips these days is: will there be a new Doom game? Let's dive in and explore the possibilities.
A Brief Look at Doom's Legacy
The original Doom was revolutionary. It brought fast - paced, demon - slaying action to players worldwide. The gameplay, centered around "rip and tear" mechanics, was a breath of fresh air. Composer Mick Gordon's heavy - metal soundtrack further added to the game's intense atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience.
The 2016 reboot of Doom was a massive success. It brought the franchise back into the spotlight, appealing to both long - time fans and a new generation of gamers. With its brutal combat and stunning visuals, it set a high bar. This was followed by 2020's Doom Eternal, which not only doubled the launch - weekend revenue of its predecessor but also expanded the lore and gameplay mechanics. The two DLCs, The Ancient Gods Part One and Two, released in 2020 and 2021 respectively, further extended the game's lifespan and provided more content for eager fans.
Recent Hints and Rumors
In recent times, there have been several clues that point towards a new Doom game. In 2023, a leak claimed that id Software was working on a game tentatively titled Doom Year Zero. While this has yet to be officially confirmed, it certainly got the gaming community talking.
Then, there were the more recent developments in 2024. The Verge published a report about the Xbox business, and in it, there was a sentence that read, "Microsoft will be banking on some new game announcements lifting the doom around Xbox." The capitalization and italicization of the word "doom" seemed too coincidental, leading many to believe it was a hint towards a new Doom game announcement.
Adding fuel to the fire, a Zenimax trademark for a game labeled "idkfa" was discovered. For those in the know, "idkfa" is a famous cheat code from the classic Doom games. While trademarks don't always guarantee an imminent game reveal, combined with the other hints and the fact that it has been four years since the release of Doom Eternal, it's hard not to be excited.
The Announcement of Doom: The Dark Ages
All the speculation came to fruition when, at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, id Software officially announced the next installment in the Doom franchise - Doom: The Dark Ages. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the gaming community.
Doom: The Dark Ages is set to be a prequel to the 2016 Doom reboot and Doom Eternal. It will transport players to a medieval - inspired world, a significant departure from the more modern and futuristic settings of recent games in the series. Players will get to wield unique weapons like maces and saw shields as they battle the forces of hell.
The game is expected to launch in the latter half of 2025. It will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with day - one access on Game Pass. Despite Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda, the decision to keep the game multi - platform shows the commitment to making Doom accessible to all fans, regardless of their preferred gaming console.
What to Expect from Doom: The Dark Ages
Staying true to the Doom formula, The Dark Ages will be a single - player FPS. The focus will be on precision and strafing, harking back to the classic Doom games. The gameplay will be fast - paced, with players needing to weave through enemy projectiles to deliver a tight and focused combat experience.
The medieval setting will undoubtedly bring new challenges and enemies. Imagine facing off against demons clad in medieval - style armor or using the environment, with its castles and dungeons, to your advantage. The developers at id Software have always been known for pushing the boundaries, and it will be exciting to see how they incorporate the new setting into the tried - and - true Doom gameplay.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question - yes, there will be a new Doom game, and it's called Doom: The Dark Ages. With its unique setting, return to classic gameplay elements, and the reputation of id Software behind it, it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2025. Whether you're a die - hard Doom fan who has been with the series since the beginning or a newcomer looking for an intense, action - packed FPS experience, Doom: The Dark Ages is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Are you excited for the release of Doom: The Dark Ages? What features or gameplay elements are you hoping to see in the new game? Let us know in the comments below!