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DOOM: The Dark Ages News

2025

April 1

⚫︎ In an insightful interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, the visionary director behind the Doom series, shared that the decision to omit multiplayer from Doom Eternal was made early in the development process. The team's focus shifted entirely to perfecting the campaign, with Martin highlighting the game's expansive scope and resource allocation as key factors in this choice.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages doesn't have multiplayer because it would definitely come at the expense of the campaign (Games Radar)

March 30

⚫︎ The official DOOM X (formerly Twitter) account announced on March 30 that fans should mark their calendars for March 31, when new gameplay footage and hands-on impressions from the press will be released. Stay tuned for the latest updates and in-depth insights into DOOM: The Dark Ages.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages: keep an eye here tomorrow for press hands-on impressions and new gameplay (Official Bethesda Twitter Page)

March 15

⚫︎ Bethesda unveiled the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in a captivating merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, this meticulously crafted replica is now available for pre-order. Inspired by the game's design, it's part of a comprehensive merchandise launch ahead of the game's release. The helmet is currently in stock, with shipping planned once all items in an order are ready.

Read more: Bethesda Reveals DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in Latest Merch Unboxing Video (Official Bethesda Twitter Page)

March 12

⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15, offering a thrilling medieval-inspired prequel to the modern Doom saga. Building on the acclaimed Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, this new installment retains the franchise's core elements while introducing innovative gameplay dynamics. The Dark Ages delves deeper into concepts from Doom Eternal, such as the Wintherin dragons, which have inspired the semi-mechanical dragon that players will pilot.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages May Level Up One of Eternal's Best Additions (Game Rant)

March 10

⚫︎ In an exclusive 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 potential for challenge runs with the game's enhanced melee and parry mechanics. Martin hinted that a melee-only playthrough, while "slightly out of bounds," is feasible for dedicated players.

Stratton added that such a run, though possible, might result in a less polished experience, akin to the challenging pistol-only Ultra Nightmare mode in Doom 2016.

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)

⚫︎ In another segment of the PC Gamer interview, Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton revealed intriguing details about the conclusion of DOOM: The Dark Ages. Contrary to fan theories, the story won't conclude with the Slayer being sealed in a coffin, as seen at the start of Doom 2016.

Martin explained that such an ending would limit future medieval-era narratives, as The Dark Ages is designed to be part of a larger "Chronicles of the Slayer" saga. The game's ending will instead pave the way for potential future 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)

March 9

⚫︎ In a detailed discussion for PC Gamer's upcoming issue 408 (396 in the U.S.), DOOM: The Dark Ages game director Hugo Martin and producer Marty Stratton unveiled the game's innovative weapon lineup. Martin disclosed that, aside from the shotguns, the arsenal in The Dark Ages is entirely new, with even the plasma weapon undergoing a significant transformation. This deliberate choice aims to offer players fresh and exciting 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)

January 23

⚫︎ Bethesda announced that the Developer Direct 2025 event is now live, starting today, January 23. This showcase, featuring updates from studios like id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive, is streaming on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. The event kicked off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT.

Read more: id Software Reveals DOOM: The Dark Age’s Release Date During the Xbox Developer Direct (Official Bethesda Twitter)

January 9

⚫︎ Bethesda confirmed its participation in the upcoming Developer Direct event, set for January 23, 2025. The showcase will include updates from multiple studios, including 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 Twitter)

2024

June 11

⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages was officially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase, promising a bold reimagining of the iconic shooter series. The trailer showcased dragon riding, mech battles, and a darker, more intense visual style, while introducing significant gameplay changes, including a shield and flail for melee combat.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages Could Be the Series’ Boldest Reinvention Yet (IGN)