Reviving the Quest for New Players in the Dark Ages

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        <span>By Peter Gillibrand &amp; Tom Richardson</span>
        <p><span>BBC Newsbeat</span></p>
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        <img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/78bb/live/ed7ac1a0-326b-11f0-8947-7d6241f9fce9.png.webp" alt="Doom's main character, The Doom Slayer, in a dramatic landscape." />
        <figcaption>Doom's iconic main character has been a staple since 1993</figcaption>
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    <p>Doom is a name that resonates deeply within the video gaming world.</p>
    <p>Debuting in 1993, this first-person shooter continues to be a significant and beloved franchise in the gaming industry.</p>
    <p>However, even Doom and its formidable hero, The Doom Slayer, must navigate the challenges of today's gaming landscape in 2025.</p>
    <p>Attracting new gamers, competing with industry giants, and managing the increased costs of producing blockbuster games are current hurdles.</p>
    <p>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.</p>

    <h2>'A Familiar Experience'</h2>

    <p>While the Doom series is celebrated for its epic battles against enormous foes, it faces other daunting challenges.</p>
    <p>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.</p>
    <p>Research indicates that many younger players are spending their gaming time on these so-called "forever games."</p>
    <p>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.</p>

    <p>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.</p>

    <h2>The Competitive Edge</h2>

    <p>The Doom franchise, developed by ID Software based in Dallas, has an advantage with its well-established and dedicated fan base.</p>
    <p>However, industry experts like Rhys Elliot from Alinea Analytics indicate it's increasingly difficult to solely depend on dedicated gamers.</p>
    <p>Though the overall number of premium game players has stagnated, production costs continue to rise.</p>

    <p>“Game developers need to generate revenue each year in a capitalist market,” he explained, pointing toward the need for attracting new fans.</p>

    <h2>Attracting New Players</h2>

    <p>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.</p>
    <p>"We see many comments expressing interest, with some saying 'I think this will be my first Doom,' which is thrilling for us," he remarked.</p>
    <p>The industry trend toward customization also features in The Dark Ages, allowing players to refine various gameplay aspects and difficulty settings.</p>

    <h2>Pricing Concerns</h2>

    <p>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.</p>
    <p>Doom: The Dark Ages is priced at £69.99 for its standard edition and close to £100 for the limited Premium Edition.</p>

    <p>Marty insists that game pricing has remained relatively stable over time, amid rising costs due to external factors such as tariffs and manufacturer announcements.</p>

    <h2>The Value of Full-Priced Games</h2>

    <p>He posits that free games often lead to higher long-term expenses due to in-game purchases, contrasting with the straightforward pricing of Doom.</p>
    <p>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.</p>

    <p>As the landscape evolves, the developers maintain confidence that there remains a strong market for polished, enjoyable, single-player experiences.</p>
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