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Doom: The Dark Ages: A Roaring Success
Doom: The Dark Ages, the latest installment in the iconic Doom franchise, has achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching 3 million players in its first week since launch on May 15, 2025. This achievement marks the “biggest launch” in id Software’s 34-year history, surpassing even the success of Doom Eternal. However, this triumph is nuanced, influenced by factors such as its day-one release on Xbox Game Pass and its performance across different platforms.
A Swift Ascent to 3 Million
Bethesda announced that Doom: The Dark Ages hit the 3 million player mark seven times faster than Doom Eternal, a testament to its immediate popularity. This rapid growth underscores the game’s appeal and the effectiveness of Bethesda’s marketing strategies. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, broadening its accessibility to a wide range of gamers.
The Game Pass Effect
A significant factor contributing to the game’s rapid player acquisition is its availability on Xbox Game Pass. According to Ampere Analysis, approximately 2 million of the 3 million players accessed the game through Game Pass. This indicates that while the game has broad appeal, a substantial portion of its player base is driven by the subscription service. This has both positive and potentially negative implications for long-term sales and revenue.
Platform Performance
Despite its overall success, Doom: The Dark Ages has shown varying performance across different platforms. On Steam, the game reached a peak concurrent player count of 31,470. While this is a respectable figure, it pales in comparison to Doom Eternal’s peak of 104,891 and Doom (2016)’s 44,271. The comparatively lower numbers on Steam suggest that many PC gamers are opting to play the game through Game Pass. The game is not currently inside the top 100 most-played games on Steam.
Critical Reception
Doom: The Dark Ages has garnered “generally favorable” reviews from critics. Reviewers have lauded the game’s innovative combat mechanics, atmospheric setting, and weighty gameplay. IGN’s Wesley LeBlanc praised the game for replacing the mobility focus of Doom Eternal with a powerful style of play. GameSpot’s Alessandro Barbosa noted that smart, measured changes have taken the series in surprising new directions, yielding some of its finest moments.
Sales vs. Player Count
While Bethesda has announced the impressive player count, it has not released any sales figures. This approach mirrors the strategy used for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, both of which also highlighted player numbers over sales. This can make it challenging to assess the game’s overall financial success. The lack of sales data raises questions about whether the game’s revenue aligns with its high player count, especially given the significant portion of players accessing it through Game Pass.
A Prequel Story
Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, delving into the Doom Slayer’s early battles against the forces of Hell. The game explores the Doom Slayer’s efforts to save humanity during a war against Hell. This narrative context enriches the Doom universe, providing players with a deeper understanding of the Doom Slayer’s origins and motivations.
Weighing the Numbers
The success of Doom: The Dark Ages is a multifaceted issue. The game’s availability on Game Pass significantly boosted its player numbers, achieving a milestone seven times faster than Doom Eternal. However, its Steam performance indicates that many players are accessing the game through Game Pass, potentially impacting traditional sales. The absence of official sales figures complicates the assessment of the game’s financial success.