BBC Newsbeat
Doom is a name that resonates deeply within the video gaming world.
Debuting in 1993, this first-person shooter continues to be a significant and beloved franchise in the gaming industry.
However, even Doom and its formidable hero, The Doom Slayer, must navigate the challenges of today’s gaming landscape in 2025.
Attracting new gamers, competing with industry giants, and managing the increased costs of producing blockbuster games are current hurdles.
In a recent conversation with BBC Newsbeat, the creators of the upcoming installment, Doom: The Dark Ages, shared how they plan to tackle these issues.
‘A Familiar Experience’
While the Doom series is celebrated for its epic battles against enormous foes, it faces other daunting challenges.
As Marty Stratton, the executive producer, noted, “There are countless distractions today, from games to movies.” Free-to-play titles like Fortnite and Roblox, alongside yearly releases like Call of Duty and EA FC, dominate player engagement.
Research indicates that many younger players are spending their gaming time on these so-called “forever games.”
According to the latest Online Nation report by Ofcom, five of the top ten games in the UK are free-to-play, with Fortnite and Roblox boasting millions of active users.
For Doom, which can be completed in under 20 hours, appealing to these gamers presents a challenge, but Marty believes it can fit easily into their routines.
The Competitive Edge
The Doom franchise, developed by ID Software based in Dallas, has an advantage with its well-established and dedicated fan base.
However, industry experts like Rhys Elliot from Alinea Analytics indicate it’s increasingly difficult to solely depend on dedicated gamers.
Though the overall number of premium game players has stagnated, production costs continue to rise.
“Game developers need to generate revenue each year in a capitalist market,” he explained, pointing toward the need for attracting new fans.
Attracting New Players
Response to previews of Doom: The Dark Ages has been promising, according to director Hugo Martin. He attributes this to the game’s new “Medieval sci-fi” theme and updated gameplay mechanics.
“We see many comments expressing interest, with some saying ‘I think this will be my first Doom,’ which is thrilling for us,” he remarked.
The industry trend toward customization also features in The Dark Ages, allowing players to refine various gameplay aspects and difficulty settings.
Pricing Concerns
Pricing continues to be a pertinent issue within gaming discussions. In 2010, a new game averaged £40, equating to about £60 today when adjusting for inflation.
Doom: The Dark Ages is priced at £69.99 for its standard edition and close to £100 for the limited Premium Edition.
Marty insists that game pricing has remained relatively stable over time, amid rising costs due to external factors such as tariffs and manufacturer announcements.
The Value of Full-Priced Games
He posits that free games often lead to higher long-term expenses due to in-game purchases, contrasting with the straightforward pricing of Doom.
While free games rely on microtransactions that can accumulate, Hugo believes that a quality, engaging game is worth a premium price for its replay value.
As the landscape evolves, the developers maintain confidence that there remains a strong market for polished, enjoyable, single-player experiences.
