Doom Eternal
{{Short description|2020 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = February 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Doom Eternal
| image = Cover Art of Doom Eternal.png
| alt = Packaging artwork depicting the Doom Slayer fighting the Marauder and a horde of demons
| developer = id Software{{efn|Panic Button developed the Nintendo Switch version of the game.}}
| publisher = Bethesda Softworks
| director = Hugo Martin
| producer = Timothy Bell
| programmer = Evan Eubanks
| artist = Tony Garza
| writer = {{ubl|Hugo Martin|Adam Gascoine|Jon Lane|Chad Mossholder}}
| composer = Mick Gordon{{efn|The music for The Ancient Gods DLC was composed by Andrew Hulshult and David Levy.}}
| series = Doom
| engine = id Tech 7
| platforms = {{ubl|PlayStation 4|Stadia|Windows|Xbox One|Nintendo Switch|PlayStation 5|Xbox Series X/S}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|March 20, 2020}}
|Windows, PS4, Stadia, Xbox One|March 20, 2020
|Nintendo Switch|December 8, 2020
| PS5, Xbox Series X/S|June 29, 2021}}
| genre = First-person shooter
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
Doom Eternal is a 2020 first-person shooter game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. The sequel to Doom (2016), and the seventh game in the Doom series, it was released for PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, and Xbox One on March 20, 2020, with a port for Nintendo Switch released on December 8, 2020, and versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S released on June 29, 2021.
Set some time after the events of the 2016 game, the story follows the Doom Slayer once again, on a mission to end Hell's consumption of Earth and foil the alien Khan Maykr's plans to exterminate humanity. Along with the single-player campaign, a multiplayer mode, Battlemode, was introduced. In this mode, players can either play as the Doom Slayer or as a demon, and fight until either the Doom Slayer defeats the demons, or vice versa. A horde mode was added in October 2021. The Ancient Gods, a two-part standalone campaign DLC set after the events of the main game, was released between October 2020 and March 2021.
Doom Eternal received positive reviews from critics, who praised its campaign, graphics, level design, soundtrack, and combat mechanics, though some disliked the increased focus on storytelling and its platforming sections. Doom Eternal received five nominations at The Game Awards 2020, including Game of the Year and Best Action Game, as well as a nomination for Action Game of the Year at the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. A prequel, Doom: The Dark Ages, was released in 2025.
Gameplay
Players once again take on the role of the Doom Slayer who battles the demonic forces of Hell, from a first-person perspective. The game continues its predecessor's emphasis on "push-forward" combat, encouraging the player to aggressively engage enemies to acquire health, ammo, and armor. The player has access to various firearms, such as the Combat Shotgun, Super Shotgun, Heavy Cannon, Rocket Launcher, Plasma Rifle, Chaingun, BFG 9000, Ballista, and the Unmaykr. Melee weapons such as a chainsaw, the "Crucible Blade" energy sword, the Sentinel Argent Hammer (Hellbreaker), and a retractable arm-blade called the "Doomblade" can also be used. The arm blade provides the opportunity for a larger variety of quick and violent "glory kill" executions, which drops extra health. The Super Shotgun is now equipped with the "Meat Hook", a ranged accessory that grabs onto enemies and slingshots the player towards them, functioning as a grappling hook, useful both in combat scenarios and environmental navigation. The Doom Slayer's armor now includes a shoulder-mounted Equipment Launcher with the ability to lob grenades and ice bombs. In addition, there is the Flame Belch, a flamethrower that sets enemies on fire with it to drop armor pickups. Finally, killing enemies with the chainsaw will drop ammunition.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2018/08/10/a-bigger-badder-bloodier-demon-fest |title=Doom Eternal: A Bigger, Badder, Bloodier Demon Fest |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |date=August 10, 2018 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711161304/https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2018/08/10/a-bigger-badder-bloodier-demon-fest |url-status=live }} New movement mechanics such as wall-climbing, dash moves, and horizontal bars to swing from have also been introduced.{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-release-date-trailer-everything-we-know/ |title=Everything we know about Doom Eternal |first=Tom |last=Senior |work=PC Gamer |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=June 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630143005/https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-release-date-trailer-everything-we-know/ |url-status=live }}{{Citation|title=Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger: 15 Minutes of DOOM Eternal Gameplay| date=January 21, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGyKppM68qs|language=en|access-date=January 23, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318035546/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGyKppM68qs|url-status=live}}
Like its predecessor, Doom Eternal invites the player to develop simple tactics. As the game gets harder, the player needs to use the advantages of fight arenas, and their bonuses, in more strategic ways. They also need to decide which enemy has to be killed first and how to move on the battlefield.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/doom-eternal-single-player-review|title=Doom Eternal Single-Player Review|last=McCaffrey|first=Ryan|date=April 8, 2020|website=IGN|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317175227/https://www.ign.com/articles/doom-eternal-single-player-review|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/doom-eternal-the-kotaku-review-1842471145|title=Doom Eternal: The Kotaku Review|last=Alexandra|first=Heather|date=March 24, 2020|website=Kotaku|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407023658/https://kotaku.com/doom-eternal-the-kotaku-review-1842471145|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/doom-eternal-review-intelligent-inferno/1900-6417432/|title=Doom Eternal Review - Intelligent Inferno|last=Hornshaw|first=Phil|date=March 27, 2020|website=GameSpot|access-date=April 9, 2020|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411232429/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/doom-eternal-review-intelligent-inferno/1900-6417432/|url-status=live}}
Creative director Hugo Martin has stated there would be twice as many demon types as in the 2016 reboot. There are new types of enemies, such as the Marauder and Doom Hunter, while others, such as the Pain Elemental, Arachnotron, and Arch-vile, have been reintroduced from previous Doom entries. A new system called "Destructible Demons" is featured, in which enemies' bodies progressively deteriorate as they take damage. Through this system, certain parts of a demon's anatomy can be destroyed to eliminate their ability to use their stronger attacks. There is also a new life system. During gameplay, players can collect 1-up items (which look like green helmets) scattered around the environment. When the Doom Slayer perishes in combat, he will respawn where he died, instead of restarting at the nearest checkpoint.
The game features several asymmetric multiplayer modes, including Battlemode. This game type is a 2v1 PvP multi-round match where two player-controlled demons take on one fully loaded Slayer. There were five playable demons at launch, with more to be included in free updates post-launch. The current six available demons are the Marauder, Mancubus, Pain Elemental, Revenant, Arch-vile, and Dread Knight. In addition to regular attacks, each demon has a "summoning wheel," which contains a selection of four additional abilities. An additional mode, Horde mode, was released on October 26, 2021, as a part of update 6.66.
Also new to the game is the hub area, called "Fortress of Doom", which players can visit between missions, containing a number of rooms with upgrades and gear locked behind doors. Players can also unlock a bonus weapon, the Unmaykr, after clearing six challenging Slayer Gates.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternals-hub-area-the-fortress-of-doom-has-up/1100-6472907/|title=Doom Eternal's Hub Area: The Fortress Of Doom Has Upgrades, Easter Eggs, And More|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=February 4, 2020|archive-date=February 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204013821/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternals-hub-area-the-fortress-of-doom-has-up/1100-6472907/|url-status=live}}
Plot
= Main campaign =
In 2163, fourteen years after the events on Mars,{{efn|As depicted in Doom (2016)}} Earth has been overrun by demons, wiping out 60% of the planet's population. The Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC) has been fully corrupted into a demonic cult. What remains of humanity has either fled Earth or joined the Armored Response Coalition (ARC) resistance movement. The Doom Slayer, having previously been betrayed by Dr. Samuel Hayden, returns with a satellite fortress controlled by the AI VEGA to quell the demonic invasion by killing the Hell Priests: Deags Nilox, Ranak, and Grav. The priests serve an angelic being known as the Khan Maykr, who seeks to sacrifice mankind for her own race's survival. The Slayer teleports to Earth and kills Deag Nilox, but the Khan Maykr transports the two remaining priests to unknown locations.
The Slayer retrieves a celestial locator from the Sentinel world of Exultia, and then travels to Hell to acquire a power source from the exiled Sentinel, the Betrayer. The Betrayer also gives him a dagger to stab the heart of his son, whose body was turned into the apocalyptic demon, the Icon of Sin. The Slayer finds and kills Deag Ranak at his citadel in the Arctic. In response, the Khan Maykr moves Deag Grav again and accelerates the invasion of Earth. With no leads on the last Hell Priest, VEGA suggests finding Dr. Hayden, who knows his location. At an ARC compound, the Slayer retrieves Hayden's damaged robot chassis and the demonic Crucible.
Upon uploading Hayden's mind into the fortress, he reveals Deag Grav is hiding on Sentinel Prime; the only way to get there is a portal located in the lost city of Hebeth in Mars' core. The Slayer travels to the Martian moon Phobos, where he uses the BFG 10000 to shoot a hole in the surface of Mars to reach Hebeth. After reaching Sentinel Prime, flashbacks reveal the Slayer to be the original Doomguy. Found badly wounded by Sentinels sometime after Doom 64, Doomguy was brought before the Deags and forced to fight in a gladiatorial arena. Impressed by Doomguy's ruthlessness in battle, the Deags inducted him into the Sentinels.
In the present, the Slayer finds and kills Deag Grav in the arena. The Khan Maykr reveals to the Slayer her plan to resurrect the Icon of Sin to consume mankind. The Slayer travels to the Sentinel homeworld of Argent D'Nur for his own Crucible. Further flashbacks reveal that during the battle of Argent D'Nur, a rogue Maykr called the Seraphim imbued Doomguy with superhuman abilities by putting him in the Divinity Machine, transforming him into the Doom Slayer. It is revealed that the Khan Maykr had made a pact with Hell to produce Argent energy, which is created through the mass sacrifice of human souls. In return for providing worlds for Hell to invade, the Maykrs receive a share of the Argent energy produced by Hell, which allows their own dimension, Urdak, to survive.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-what-the-hell-are-the-story-and-endin/1100-6475232/|title=Doom Eternal--What The Hell Are The Story And Ending About?|last=Hornshaw|first=Phil|date=April 9, 2020|website=GameSpot|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=April 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418153349/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-what-the-hell-are-the-story-and-endin/1100-6475232/|url-status=live}}
The Slayer enters Urdak through Hell's citadel, Nekravol, and halts the Icon's awakening ceremony by using the Betrayer's dagger to destroy its heart. Free from Maykr control, the Icon of Sin awakens and teleports to Earth. With the dimensional barrier destroyed, the demons break their alliance with the Maykrs and invade Urdak. The Slayer kills the Khan Maykr before returning to Earth to confront the Icon of Sin, although VEGA is left behind to ensure the portal stays open and in doing so, learns that he is the mind of the Father, the creator of the Maykr race. The Slayer kills the Icon of Sin in battle, ending Hell's invasion of Earth.
=''The Ancient Gods''=
==''Part One''==
Despite defeating the Icon of Sin and halting Hell's invasion of Earth, the Doom Slayer's victory did not come without cost. The death of the Khan Maykr and Hell's conquest of Urdak have given the demons a chance to dominate all dimensions and reinitiate their invasion of Earth. To prevent this, the Slayer, Samuel Hayden, and ARC scientists set out to liberate the Seraphim. The Slayer travels to the UAC Atlantica Facility, where the Seraphim's containment pod is. He uploads Hayden's consciousness into the pod, and it is revealed that he and the Seraphim are one and the same.
The Seraphim, suffering from a transfiguration terminal illness, tasks the Slayer with retrieving the Father's Life Sphere from the Blood Swamps of Hell, located within the Ingmore's Sanctum, in order to combine it with VEGA and return the Father to physical form. The Slayer finds the sphere but chooses to destroy it rather than hand it to the Seraphim, and instead retrieves the Dark Lord's Life Sphere with the intent of resurrecting and then destroying him, which in turn will destroy all demons outside of Hell.
The Slayer returns to Urdak, which has been corrupted by the demons' occupation and reaches the Luminarium, which anyone with a Life Sphere may activate. However, the Slayer is confronted by the Seraphim, consumed by the degenerative transfiguration, and defeats him before the Father teleports him away. Despite being warned that bringing the Dark Lord into physical form is irreversible, the Slayer proceeds to summon him, only to be confronted with a being who is a mirror image of him.
==''Part Two''==
Having summoned the Dark Lord into existence, the Doom Slayer attempts to kill him but fails, as blood cannot be shed in the Luminarium. The Dark Lord tells the Slayer he will be waiting for him in Hell's capital city of Immora.
To reach Immora, the Father informs the Slayer that he must activate the Gate of Divum, the only portal capable of reaching the city. The Slayer goes to Argent D'nur for a Wraith Crystal to power the portal, located inside the World Spear, a massive crystalline alien ship that had landed on the planet long ago. On the way, the Slayer encounters the Betrayer, who has reassumed his original name, Valen, after the defeat of the Icon of Sin. The Slayer lights the Torch of Kings to rally the remaining uncorrupted Sentinel forces, then recovers the Wraith Crystal.
The Slayer activates the Gate of Divum on Earth. Traveling to Immora, the Slayer is greeted by the city's formidable defenses consisting of a massive wall and an army of demons. He is assisted by an army of Sentinels led by Valen and many of the remaining human forces, who teleport in and assault the city. While Hell's main forces are occupied with them, the Slayer follows the Dark Lord.
Teleported to an arena, the Dark Lord and the Slayer fight. The Dark Lord reveals that he was the true creator of the multiverse and that Jekkad (later known as Hell) was the first dimension. The Maykrs, including the Father, betrayed him and rewrote history to depict the Father as the first being. This led the enraged Dark Lord to influence Samur Maykr to turn Doomguy into the Doom Slayer, whose original purpose was to (unintentionally) contribute to the destruction of the Maykrs and the Father, fulfilling the Dark Lord's revenge. The Slayer kills the Dark Lord, all demons outside of Hell are instantly destroyed with his death, saving not just humanity but all forms of life across the universe and stopping the invasion for good. Being also one of the Dark Lord's creations, the Slayer falls unconscious before being sealed inside a stone sarcophagus at the Ingmore's Sanctum by the Seraphs until he is needed again.
Development
Publisher Bethesda Softworks announced the game at E3 2018, with the first gameplay footage being unveiled at QuakeCon 2018. The game was set to be released for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Xbox One.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/11/e3-2018-bethesda-announces-doom-eternal-sequel-to-doom |title=E3 2018: Bethesda Announces Doom Eternal, Sequel to Doom |last=Schwartz |first=Terri |date=June 11, 2018 |work=IGN |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612151655/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/11/e3-2018-bethesda-announces-doom-eternal-sequel-to-doom |url-status=live }} In 2019, it was announced that Doom Eternal would come to Google's Stadia streaming platform.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/DOOM/status/1108059651990605824 |title=DOOM Eternal is coming to Stadia |access-date=March 19, 2019 |archive-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921185234/https://twitter.com/DOOM/status/1108059651990605824 |url-status=live }} The game was developed by id Software with the Nintendo Switch version being developed by Panic Button.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/doom_eternals_pvp_component_wont_be_an_extension_of_existing_multiplayer_mode |title=DOOM Eternal's PvP Component Won't Be An Extension Of Existing Multiplayer Mode |first=Liam |last=Doolan |work=Nintendo Life |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812182837/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/doom_eternals_pvp_component_wont_be_an_extension_of_existing_multiplayer_mode |url-status=live }} Doom directors Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton both returned, with Martin as game director and Stratton as executive producer.
The game is the first to be developed with the id Tech 7 engine. According to Stratton, the team aimed at making a "Doom universe", featuring larger and more varied locales, including "Hell on Earth", for players to explore.{{cite web |url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/08/10/quakecon-2018-building-a-doom-universe/308555/ |title=QuakeCon 2018: Building a DOOM Universe |first=Fran |last=Soto |work=Hardcore Gamer |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812214100/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/08/10/quakecon-2018-building-a-doom-universe/308555/ |url-status=live }} Unlike its predecessor, id Software developed the game's multiplayer component in-house, as opposed to being outsourced to the previous game's multiplayer developer Certain Affinity,{{cite news |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/10/17675824/doom-eternal-competitive-multiplayer-details-pvp-quakecon-2018 |title=Doom Eternal will have competitive multiplayer that's different from Doom 2016 |work=Polygon |access-date=August 11, 2018 |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622165511/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/10/17675824/doom-eternal-competitive-multiplayer-details-pvp-quakecon-2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/10/17675824/doom-eternal-competitive-multiplayer-details-pvp-quakecon-2018 |title=Doom Eternal will have competitive multiplayer that's different from Doom 2016 |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |work=Polygon |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622165511/https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/10/17675824/doom-eternal-competitive-multiplayer-details-pvp-quakecon-2018 |url-status=live }} with the goal of making the experience more "social" and "connected" with the single-player campaign. The team decided to remove the SnapMap mode and reassign its resource to develop post-launch campaign downloadable content.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-ditches-snapmap-to-focus-on-campaign-/1100-6461105/ |title=Doom Eternal Ditches SnapMap To Focus On Campaign DLC, New PvP Mode |first=Alessandro |last=Fillari |work=GameSpot |date=August 12, 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029081846/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-ditches-snapmap-to-focus-on-campaign-/1100-6461105/ |url-status=live }} While originally scheduled for a release on November 22, 2019, Doom Eternal{{'s}} release was later pushed back to March 20, 2020, with a Nintendo Switch port coming at a later date. On November 30, the Switch port's release date was revealed to be December 8, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/9/18656977/doom-eternal-trailer-release-date-bethesda-e3-2019 |title=Doom Eternal launches November 22nd with a new 'Battlemode' multiplayer experience |first=Megan |last=Farokhmanesh |date=June 9, 2019 |website=The Verge |access-date=June 10, 2019 |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714024343/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/9/18656977/doom-eternal-trailer-release-date-bethesda-e3-2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/8/20904505/doom-eternal-delayed-release-date |title=Doom Eternal delayed to March 2020 |first=Petrana |last=Radulovic |date=October 8, 2019 |website=Polygon |access-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208085123/https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/8/20904505/doom-eternal-delayed-release-date |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/bethesda-apparently-broke-its-own-denuvo-protection-for-doom-eternal/|title=Bethesda apparently broke its own Denuvo protection for Doom Eternal|date=March 20, 2020|access-date=May 16, 2020|first=Kyle|last=Orland|archive-date=May 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515163001/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/bethesda-apparently-broke-its-own-denuvo-protection-for-doom-eternal/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-finally-launches-on-nintendo-switch-this-december/1100-6484983/ |title=Doom Eternal Finally Launches On Nintendo Switch This December |website=GameSpot |first=Alessandro |last=Barbosa |date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130152927/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-finally-launches-on-nintendo-switch-this-december/1100-6484983/ |url-status=live }}
Aesthetically, the game aims at having a closer resemblance to the original Doom games, with the enemies' designs having been modified from those in the 2016 game to match the designs of the original games.{{cn|date=May 2025}} Additionally, the developers included the option to have a centered weapon view, which was traditional in the first two Doom games and was added as a post-release update to Doom 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-will-have-centred-weapons-as-an-option-at-launch/|title=Doom Eternal will have centred weapons as an option at launch|first=Jody|last=Macgregor|website=PC Gamer|date=December 14, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2019|archive-date=December 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216063220/https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-will-have-centred-weapons-as-an-option-at-launch/|url-status=live}} Games cited as influences on the gameplay include arcade-style action games such as Devil May Cry and Bayonetta as well as chess.{{cite news |last1=Jenkins |first1=David |title=Doom Eternal preview and interview – if chess was an arcade shooter |url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/21/doom-eternal-preview-interview-chess-arcade-shooter-12095644/ |access-date=April 24, 2020 |work=Metro |date=January 21, 2020 |archive-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417111315/https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/21/doom-eternal-preview-interview-chess-arcade-shooter-12095644/ |url-status=live }} According to Martin, one facet they improved on was based on the controversy that arose from a video posted by Polygon of gameplay from the 2016 game. In that video, the person behind the gameplay did not appear to grasp some of the basic mechanics of Doom or even FPS gameplay, which led to some in the player community ridiculing the site.{{cite web | url = https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/05/why-a-video-of-someone-playing-doom-poorly-became-a-culture-war-issue.html | title = Why a Video of Someone Playing 'Doom' (Poorly) Became a Culture-War Issue | first = Jesse | last = Signal | date = May 16, 2016 | access-date = June 24, 2020 | work = New York Magazine | archive-date = June 25, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200625062109/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/05/why-a-video-of-someone-playing-doom-poorly-became-a-culture-war-issue.html | url-status = live }} Martin said their team studied that video and believed that the person controlling the game was struggling against the design of the game, and for Doom Eternal wanted to make sure it was playable by everyone and not just skilled players and took some of those design factors into account.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2020/06/24/doom-polygon-video/ | title = "I would like to thank them" – Doom 2016's creative director responds to that notorious Polygon video | first = Kirk | last = McLeand | date = June 24, 2020 | access-date = June 24, 2020 | work = VG247 | archive-date = June 24, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200624222648/https://www.vg247.com/2020/06/24/doom-polygon-video/ | url-status = live }} On August 6, 2020, Bethesda Softworks announced that next-gen versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X were also in development, with owners of the existing PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game being able to upgrade to the next-gen versions of the game at no additional cost.{{Cite web|last=Good|first=Owen S.|date=August 6, 2020|title=Doom Eternal, Elder Scrolls Online get free upgrades on PS5, Xbox Series X|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/6/21357035/doom-eternal-playstation-5-xbox-series-x-launch-date-upgrade-free-ps4-xbox-one|access-date=August 6, 2020|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=January 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116190535/https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/6/21357035/doom-eternal-playstation-5-xbox-series-x-launch-date-upgrade-free-ps4-xbox-one|url-status=live}}
The game is dedicated to id programmer Stephen Ash, who died during development in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/obituary-veteran-programmer-stephen-ash-has-passed-away|title=Obituary: Veteran programmer Stephen Ash has passed away|first=Chris|last=Kerr|website=www.gamasutra.com|date=May 28, 2019|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420205622/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/343443/Obituary_Veteran_programmer_Stephen_Ash_has_passed_away.php|url-status=live}}
Music
Mick Gordon returned as the composer. In January 2019, he put out a call for "metal screamers" to participate in a recording session to contribute to the soundtrack.{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/videogames/doom-game-soundtrack-composer-looking-for-choir-of-killer-metal-screamers|title=Doom Game Soundtrack Composer Looking For Choir Of "Killer Metal Screamers"|date=January 8, 2019|website=Metal Injection|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329100237/https://metalinjection.net/videogames/doom-game-soundtrack-composer-looking-for-choir-of-killer-metal-screamers|url-status=live}} The "heavy metal choir" included James Rivera of Helstar, Tony Campos of Static-X, Sven de Caluwé of Aborted, James Dorton of Black Crown Initiate, and Nature Ganganbaigal of Tengger Cavalry.{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/video/watch-doom-eternal-enlists-static-x-aborted-black-crown-initate-members-for-soundtrack|title=Watch: DOOM Eternal Enlists STATIC-X, ABORTED, BLACK CROWN {{sic|INITATE|hide=y}} Members For Soundtrack|website=Metal Injection|date=March 5, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329100232/https://metalinjection.net/video/watch-doom-eternal-enlists-static-x-aborted-black-crown-initate-members-for-soundtrack|url-status=live}} Ganganbaigal died between the recording and the game's release.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-shows-off-its-heavy-metal-choir/ |title=Doom Eternal shows off its heavy metal choir |first=Fraser |last=Brown |date=March 5, 2020 |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206113346/https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-shows-off-its-heavy-metal-choir/ |url-status=live }} Oktavist Eric Hollaway also added vocals.{{Cite tweet |user=Mick_Gordon |author=Mick Gordon |number=1241583435157651456 |title=This is the incredibly low voice of @EricHollawayVO. Eric is an Oktavist, meaning he has the unique ability to sing very, very, very low. He's a superhuman vocalist in DOOM: Eternal and a wonderful human. Send Eric some love!}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lQUuXKW4FQ|title=LIVE STREAM: DOOM Eternal Music Quarantine & Chill|author=Mick Gordon|publisher=YouTube|date=March 20, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-date=March 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324035620/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lQUuXKW4FQ|url-status=live}}
= Soundtrack dispute =
The soundtrack was released for download on April 19, 2020, for buyers of the collector's edition.{{Cite web |title=Doom Eternal's Delayed Soundtrack Is Now Available For Collector's Edition Owners |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternals-delayed-soundtrack-is-now-available-/1100-6476229/ |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110140736/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternals-delayed-soundtrack-is-now-available-/1100-6476229/ |url-status=live }} In the hours following the soundtrack's release, fans noticed differences between the soundtrack album and the music in the game, such as the large amount of compression on the track "BFG Division 2020" compared to the 2016 version. Gordon confirmed on Twitter that he only mixed a small number of the tracks, such as "Meathook" and "Command and Control". Metadata suggests that most of the soundtrack was mixed by Chad Mossholder, id's audio director.{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/04/22/doom-eternal-soundtrack-bad-mixing/|title=Doom Eternal's bungled soundtrack highlights the mistreatment of video game music|publisher=vg247|first=Mat|last=Ombler|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=May 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501035205/https://www.vg247.com/2020/04/22/doom-eternal-soundtrack-bad-mixing/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-composer-distances-himself-from-the-n/1100-6476272/|title=Doom Eternal Composer Distances Himself From The Newly Released Soundtrack|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626162956/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-composer-distances-himself-from-the-n/1100-6476272/|url-status=live}} Given his experiences working on the game,{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/mick-gordon-releases-tell-all-statement-on-doom-eternal-ost |title= Mick Gordon releases tell-all statement on Doom Eternal OST |date=November 9, 2022|last=Makar |first= Connor |website=VG247|access-date=November 9, 2022 }} Gordon stated that he doubted he would work with id again.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternals-official-soundtrack-wasnt-mixed-by-its-composer-and-you-can-tell/|title=Doom Eternal's official soundtrack wasn't mixed by its composer, and you can tell|first=Fraser|last=Brown|date=April 20, 2020|website=PCGamer|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321032236/https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternals-official-soundtrack-wasnt-mixed-by-its-composer-and-you-can-tell/|url-status=live}}
In May 2020, Stratton released a statement on Reddit, saying that Gordon was given extensive time to mix the tracks and repeatedly delayed progress, missed deadlines, and refused to respond to emails or phone calls. According to Stratton, when Gordon did not complete the mixing before the soundtrack release deadline and refused to provide id with the source files as contractually required, Stratton suggested he collaborate with Mossholder. Gordon agreed and sent Mossholder about 12 finished tracks. Mossholder mixed and edited the remaining songs together from in-game assets, which were more heavily compressed to compensate for the other in-game audio. Stratton later wrote that although id had intended to continue working with Gordon, they would use a different composer in the future.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-head-marty-stratton-weighs-in-on-ost-/1100-6476802/|title=Doom Eternal Head Marty Stratton Weighs In On OST Controversy|publisher=GameSpot|first=Steve|last=Watts|date=May 4, 2020|access-date=May 10, 2025}}
In September 2020, Andrew Hulshult announced that he and David Levy would compose music for The Ancient Gods campaign expansion.{{cite web |last1=Borthwick |first1=Ben |title=Doom Eternal gets two new composers for The Ancient Gods DLC |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/doom-eternal-gets-two-new-composers-for-the-ancient-gods-dlc |publisher=Video Gamer |access-date=March 22, 2021 |date=September 4, 2020 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206113347/https://www.videogamer.com/news/doom-eternal-gets-two-new-composers-for-the-ancient-gods-dlc |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Mottura |first1=Marco |title=DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods, si torna all'inferno con il primo DLC |url=https://www.everyeye.it/articoli/intervista-doom-eternal-the-ancient-gods-torna-inferno-dlc-49916.html |website=everyeye.it |access-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828210057/https://www.everyeye.it/articoli/intervista-doom-eternal-the-ancient-gods-torna-inferno-dlc-49916.html |url-status=live }} Hulshult had previously composed music for id's Quake Champions (2017).{{cite news |last1=Chalk |first1=Andy |title=Quake Champions is getting new music from Brutal Doom composer Andrew Hulshult |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/quake-champions-is-getting-new-music-from-brutal-doom-composer-andrew-hulshult/ |access-date=March 31, 2023 |work=PC Gamer |publisher=Future plc |date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026204622/https://www.pcgamer.com/quake-champions-is-getting-new-music-from-brutal-doom-composer-andrew-hulshult/ |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |url-status=live}}
On November 9, 2022, Gordon released a lengthy post on Medium in response to Stratton's Reddit post. The post contains his own account of the history of the in-game score, the original soundtrack (OST), and how he repeatedly attempted to engage id to resolve problems before and after the release of the OST. The post also contains a detailed rebuttal of nine claims from Stratton's post, and includes screenshots of e-mails, audio file metadata, Skype conversations with Stratton, and of the contracts between him and id Software.{{cite news |last1=Valentine |first1=Rebekah |title=Doom Eternal Composer Alleges Unpaid Wages and Abuse in Lengthy Soundtrack Controversy Response |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/doom-eternal-composer-alleges-unpaid-wages-and-abuse-in-lengthy-soundtrack-controversy-response |access-date=November 9, 2022 |work=IGN |date=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110225947/https://www.ign.com/articles/doom-eternal-composer-alleges-unpaid-wages-and-abuse-in-lengthy-soundtrack-controversy-response |url-status=live }} He further alleged that there was no contract for a soundtrack album until two days before the game release, and that Mossholder had been working on a soundtrack assembly for six months before Gordon was brought on board.
On November 16, 2022, Bethesda released a statement backing Stratton, Mossholder, and everyone on the id Software team. They said they had evidence to rebut Gordon's claims and implied that his statement incited harassment and violence.{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Bethesda says Mick Gordon's Doom Eternal soundtrack allegations are one-sided |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bethesda-says-mick-gordons-doom-eternal-soundtrack-allegations-are-one-sided |access-date=November 17, 2022 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117045641/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/bethesda-says-mick-gordons-doom-eternal-soundtrack-allegations-are-one-sided |url-status=live }}
Release
The March 20, 2020, release date for Doom Eternal came to coincide with that of Nintendo's Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Due to the demand expected for both games, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, GameStop decided to begin selling Doom Eternal one day earlier, on the 19th, to minimize crowding.{{cite tweet|author-link=GameStop|user=GameStop|number=1240447268102246400|date=March 18, 2020|title=To ensure we adhere to CDC-recommended social distancing guidelines, we will be selling DOOM Eternal a day early on Thursday, 3/19 as a safety precaution for our customers and associates. Animal Crossing will release on Friday 3/20 to further help separate the crowds.|access-date=March 18, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|title=Doom Eternal Will Be Available Early At GameStop Due To "Social Distancing" Concerns|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-will-be-available-early-at-gamestop-d/1100-6474952/|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 18, 2020|date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319023327/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-will-be-available-early-at-gamestop-d/1100-6474952/|url-status=live}} The stark contrast in tone between both games, combined with them being released on the same day, prompted fans of both series to celebrate the coincidence by creating light-hearted crossover art featuring the Doomguy and Animal Crossing{{'}}s Isabelle as "best friends".{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-internet-has-decided-doomguy-and-animal-crossings-isabelle-are-best-friends-now/|title=The internet has decided Doomguy and Animal Crossing's Isabelle are best friends now|first=Wes|last=Fenlon|website=PC Gamer|date=January 21, 2020|access-date=April 2, 2020|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408033921/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-internet-has-decided-doomguy-and-animal-crossings-isabelle-are-best-friends-now/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/24/21150803/animal-crossing-isabelle-doomguy-doom-eternal-new-horizons|title=How did Animal Crossing's Isabelle and the Doomguy become best friends?|first=Julia|last=Lee|date=February 24, 2020|website=Polygon|access-date=April 2, 2020|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418194943/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/24/21150803/animal-crossing-isabelle-doomguy-doom-eternal-new-horizons|url-status=live}}
=Downloadable content=
Before the game's release, it was announced that two campaign add-ons were planned to be released during the first year after launch. Access to these expansions is included with the purchase of the game's Deluxe Edition.{{cite web|url=https://gear.bethesda.net/products/doom-eternal-deluxe-edition|title=DOOM ETERNAL DELUXE EDITION|website=Bethesda.net|access-date=May 16, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809153105/https://gear.bethesda.net/products/doom-eternal-deluxe-edition|url-status=dead}}
On May 8, 2020, two screenshots were published in the game's Twitter account, teasing scenes from the upcoming first story DLC.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-story-dlc-teased-with-two-screenshots/|title=Doom Eternal story DLC teased with two screenshots|website=PCGamer|date=May 8, 2020|access-date=May 16, 2020|archive-date=May 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511112515/https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-story-dlc-teased-with-two-screenshots/|url-status=live}} On August 7, 2020, a teaser trailer for the first part of the campaign DLC was released.{{cite web |url=https://slayersclub.bethesda.net/en/article/7tFPLEq3dytDNKLWhIcl5/heres-a-look-at-doom-eternal-the-ancient-gods-part-one |title=The fight's not over! Here's a look at DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One |date=August 7, 2020 |last=Wilhem |first=Parker |access-date=September 14, 2020 |archive-date=September 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916041951/https://slayersclub.bethesda.net/en/article/7tFPLEq3dytDNKLWhIcl5/heres-a-look-at-doom-eternal-the-ancient-gods-part-one |url-status=live }} In the teaser, the name of the DLC, to be released in two parts, was revealed to be The Ancient Gods and a date was set for a full trailer for Part One to be released on August 27, 2020, during the first night of Gamescom. In said trailer, the release date for the first expansion was revealed as October 20, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KqsTyDHV5A|title=DOOM Eternal – The Ancient Gods, Part One Official Trailer|website=YouTube|date=August 27, 2020 |access-date=August 28, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828041133/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KqsTyDHV5A|url-status=live}} The Ancient Gods: Part One continues the story shortly after the events of the main campaign. The Ancient Gods is a standalone expansion, not requiring the base game to play.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/doom-eternal/ancient-gods-dlc-interview|title=The Doom Eternal DLC will deliver "what people wanted" – plus more Marauders|date=August 28, 2020 |access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828225122/https://www.pcgamesn.com/doom-eternal/ancient-gods-dlc-interview|url-status=live}}
On March 7, 2021, it was announced that a teaser trailer for the Ancient Gods: Part Two DLC would be released on March 15. Similar to Part One, it is a standalone expansion. The teaser in turn announced a full trailer for release two days later on March 17, which announced the expansion's release on March 18.{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/doom-eternal-ancient-gods-2-dlc-reveal-confirmed/|title=Doom Eternal Ancient Gods 2 DLC Expansion Reveal Confirmed|date=March 7, 2020|website=GameRant|access-date=March 9, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308043722/https://gamerant.com/doom-eternal-ancient-gods-2-dlc-reveal-confirmed/|url-status=live}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 88/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/doom-eternal/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Doom Eternal for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Red Ventures |access-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317140651/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/doom-eternal |url-status=live }}
PS4: 87/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/doom-eternal/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Doom Eternal for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Red Ventures |access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322111820/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/doom-eternal |url-status=live }}
XONE: 88/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/doom-eternal/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Doom Eternal for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Red Ventures |access-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317140721/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/doom-eternal |url-status=live }}
NS: 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/doom-eternal/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=DOOM Eternal for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Red Ventures |access-date=September 5, 2021 |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211110031/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/doom-eternal |url-status=live }}
| Destruct = 8.5/10{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=March 17, 2020|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-doom-eternal-583021.phtml|title=Review: Doom Eternal|website=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322143216/https://www.destructoid.com/review-doom-eternal-583021.phtml|url-status=live}}
| EGM = 4/5{{cite magazine|last=Goroff|first=Michael|date=March 17, 2020|url=https://egmnow.com/doom-eternal-review/|title=Doom Eternal review|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media, LLC|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318031446/https://egmnow.com/doom-eternal-review/|url-status=live}}
| GI = 9.25/10{{cite magazine|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|date=March 18, 2020|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/doom-eternal/doom-eternal-review-bloody-brilliant|title=Doom Eternal Review – Bloody Brilliant|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319025921/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/doom-eternal/doom-eternal-review-bloody-brilliant|url-status=live}}
| GSpot = 8/10{{cite web|last=Hornshaw|first=Phil|date=March 24, 2020|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/doom-eternal-review-the-thinking-slayers-ripping-a/1900-6417432/|title=Doom Eternal Review - The Thinking Slayer's Ripping And Tearing|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-date=March 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325035247/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/doom-eternal-review-the-thinking-slayers-ripping-a/1900-6417432/|url-status=live}}
| GRadar = 3.5/5{{cite web|last=West|first=Josh|date=March 17, 2020|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/doom-eternal-review/|title=DOOM ETERNAL REVIEW: "SCREAMS AT YOU TO MOVE FASTER AND TO FIGHT HARDER, AND YOU CAN DO NOTHING BUT OBEY"|website=GamesRadar+|publisher=Future plc|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317150414/https://www.gamesradar.com/doom-eternal-review/|url-status=live}}
| IGN = 9/10{{cite web|last=McCaffrey|first=Ryan|date=March 24, 2020|url=https://ca.ign.com/articles/doom-eternal-final-review|title=Doom Eternal Final Review|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817184408/https://www.ign.com/articles/doom-eternal-final-review|url-status=live}}
| JXV = 18/20{{cite web|last=de Panthaa|first=L'avis|date=March 17, 2020|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1195136/doom-eternal-au-sommet-du-fast-fps.htm|title=Doom Eternal : Au sommet du fast-FPS|website=Jeuxvideo.com|publisher=Webedia|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318030916/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1195136/doom-eternal-au-sommet-du-fast-fps.htm|url-status=live}}
| PCG = 9/10{{cite journal|last=Scott-Jones|first=Richard|date=March 18, 2020|url=https://www.pcgames.de/Doom-Eternal-Spiel-61755/Tests/Review-Video-Performance-Tuning-Release-Termin-1345835/|title=Doom Eternal im Test mit Video: Brutal schnell und höllisch gut!|journal=PC Games|publisher=Network N|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318191230/https://www.pcgames.de/Doom-Eternal-Spiel-61755/Tests/Review-Video-Performance-Tuning-Release-Termin-1345835/|url-status=live}}
| PCGN = 9/10{{cite web|last=Schütz|first=Felix|date=March 17, 2020|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/doom-eternal/pc-review|title=Doom Eternal PC review – purifying, cathartic violence|website=PCGamesN|publisher=Computec Media AG|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318031438/https://www.pcgamesn.com/doom-eternal/pc-review|url-status=live}}
| VG247 = 4/5{{cite web|last=Iwaniuk|first=Phil|date=March 17, 2020|url=https://www.vg247.com/doom-eternal-review/|title=Doom Eternal review – cathartic combat, passable platforming, and stupid swimming|website=VG247|publisher=videogaming247 Ltd|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318031443/https://www.vg247.com/2020/03/17/doom-eternal-review/|url-status=live}}
}}
Doom Eternal received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic. Critics praised the campaign, graphics, level design, combat, soundtrack, and improvements over its predecessor, while some disliked the increased focus on storytelling and lore, and the platforming sections.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-review-roundup/1100-6474875/|title=Doom Eternal Review Roundup - GameSpot|first=Steven T.|last=Wright|work=GameSpot|date=March 17, 2020|access-date=March 23, 2020|archive-date=March 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323062618/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/doom-eternal-review-roundup/1100-6474875/|url-status=live}}
Phil Hornshaw of GameSpot gave the game an 8 out of 10, praising the game's combat and platforming, but criticizing the game's story, calling it "overly serious and confusing". Andrew Reiner of Game Informer criticized the game's multiplayer, calling it "a huge step back for the entire series." He also criticized the puzzles, saying he felt they were out of place. He did, however, praise the game's combat, particularly the game's expanded arsenal, as well as the soundtrack, calling it "catchy". He gave the game a score of 9.25 out of 10.
On its initial release, the version of the game offered via the Bethesda Launcher appeared to have been intended to ship with the Denuvo digital rights management (DRM) protection software, but it was not set up properly, leaving the game DRM-free. However, this was patched soon afterwards. Also, on May 14, 2020, the game was patched on Windows to include Denuvo anti-cheat technology, which operates by installing a kernel-mode driver.{{cite web |title='Doom Eternal' Gets Massive Backlash Over Latest Update |url=https://www.ibtimes.com/doom-eternal-gets-massive-backlash-over-latest-update-2977863 |website=www.ibtimes.com |date=May 17, 2020 |access-date=May 22, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205210234/https://www.ibtimes.com/doom-eternal-gets-massive-backlash-over-latest-update-2977863 |url-status=live }} Some were concerned this would open up their computers to security vulnerabilities, while others claimed performance losses caused by the patch. This led users to review bomb the game on Steam over the decision.{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/doom-eternal-adds-denuvo-on-pc-immediately-gets-review-bombed-591137.phtml | title = Doom Eternal adds Denuvo on PC, immediately gets review bombed | first = Patrick | last = Hancock | date = May 16, 2020 | access-date = May 16, 2020 | work = Destructoid | archive-date = May 17, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200517181253/https://www.destructoid.com/doom-eternal-adds-denuvo-on-pc-immediately-gets-review-bombed-591137.phtml | url-status = live }} On May 20, id went on record stating that they would remove Denuvo anti-cheat upon the game's next patch due the following week, and would re-evaluate how they would implement anti-cheating measures in the game.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/20/21265562/doom-eternal-denuvo-anti-cheat-pc-removed | title = id Software will remove Denuvo anti-cheat from PC version of Doom Eternal | first = Julia | last = Lee | date = May 20, 2020 | access-date = May 20, 2020 | work = Polygon | archive-date = May 20, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200520220109/https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/20/21265562/doom-eternal-denuvo-anti-cheat-pc-removed | url-status = live }} The following week, the anti-cheat software was confirmed to be removed from the game.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-05-29-denuvo-security-software-removed-from-doom-eternal-and-metro-exodus | title = Denuvo security software removed from Doom Eternal and Metro Exodus | first = Hadyn | last = Taylor | date = May 29, 2020 | access-date = July 22, 2020 | work = gamesindustry.biz | archive-date = July 22, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200722150158/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-05-29-denuvo-security-software-removed-from-doom-eternal-and-metro-exodus | url-status = live }}
=Accolades=
=Sales=
The game had 100,000 concurrent users on Steam on launch day, more than double that of 2016's Doom.{{cite web|first=Andy|last=Chalk|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-roars-past-100000-concurrent-users-on-steam/|title=Doom Eternal roars past 100,000 concurrent users on Steam|website=pcgamer.com|date=March 20, 2020|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-date=March 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324155732/https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-eternal-roars-past-100000-concurrent-users-on-steam/|url-status=live}} The game doubled the launch weekend revenue of 2016's Doom.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Phillips|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-25-doom-eternal-had-the-series-best-opening-sales-weekend|title=Doom Eternal had the series' best opening sales weekend|website=eurogamer.net|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330004058/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-25-doom-eternal-had-the-series-best-opening-sales-weekend|url-status=live}}
In Europe, the game debuted at number 2 in the UK charts and number 2 in the Switzerland charts behind Animal Crossing: New Horizons, although Doom Eternal{{'}}s physical sales were 33% less than its predecessor – a likely side-effect of the social distancing procedures implemented in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|first=Christopher|last=Dring|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-03-22-animal-crossing-new-horizons-smashes-sales-records-in-the-uk|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons smashes sales records in the UK|website=gamesindustry.biz|date=March 22, 2020|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329065813/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-03-22-animal-crossing-new-horizons-smashes-sales-records-in-the-uk|url-status=live}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210412211430/https://gamecharts.ch/games_system.asp?system=Total&week=202012&year=2020|archive-date=April 12, 2021|url=https://gamecharts.ch/games_system.asp?system=Total&week=202012&year=2020|title=PLATTFORMÜBERGREIFEND |work=GameChartz.ch|date=April 12, 2021|access-date=April 12, 2021}}
In North America, the game was the sixth-best-selling game of March 2020, though this does not include digital sales.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/21/march-2020-npd-animal-crossing-powers-march-to-blockbuster-game-sales/|title=March 2020 NPD: Animal Crossing powers March to blockbuster game sales|website=VentureBeat|date=April 21, 2020|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422005043/https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/21/march-2020-npd-animal-crossing-powers-march-to-blockbuster-game-sales/|url-status=live}} SuperData estimated that, as of March 2020, the game had sold 3 million digital copies worldwide, beating 2016's Doom{{'}}s 957,000 units of launch month sales. This made Eternal the fourth-highest-grossing console game of March 2020.{{Cite web|first=Rebekah|last=Valentine|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-22-animal-crossing-new-horizons-broke-record-for-most-digital-units-sold-in-a-single-month|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold an estimated 5m digital units in March|website=gamesindustry.biz|date=April 22, 2020|access-date=April 23, 2020|archive-date=April 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426163928/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-22-animal-crossing-new-horizons-broke-record-for-most-digital-units-sold-in-a-single-month|url-status=live}}
In Germany, the game sold 100,000 units as of May 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/marketing-pr/doom-eternal-verkaufszahlen-200514/|title=Doom Eternal Verkaufszahlen: 100.000 Stück in Deutschland (Update)|language=de|date=May 14, 2020|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807130737/https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/marketing-pr/doom-eternal-verkaufszahlen-200514/|url-status=live}}
According to former id Software employee Dave Saunders, Doom Eternal has made over $450 million in revenue in less than a year following its launch.{{Cite web |last=McGlynn |first=Anthony |date=March 1, 2021 |title=Doom Eternal has made over $450 million in revenue |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/doom-eternal/revenue/ |access-date=May 6, 2023 |website=PCGames N |language=en-US |archive-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305162655/https://www.pcgamesn.com/doom-eternal/revenue/ |url-status=live }}
{{clear}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://bethesda.net/en/game/doom}}
{{Doom series}}
{{Id Software}}
{{Portal bar|Speculative fiction|Video games}}
Category:Bethesda Softworks games
Category:Doom (franchise) games
Category:First-person shooters
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Multiplayer online games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:Science fantasy video games
Category:Apocalyptic video games
Category:Video games about demons
Category:Video games developed in the United States
Category:Video games scored by Mick Gordon
Category:Video games set in outer space
Category:Video games about extraterrestrial life
Category:Video games set on Mars
Category:Video games set in hell
Category:Works set in the 2160s
Category:Video games set in the 22nd century
Category:Fiction set on Phobos (moon)
Category:Xbox Cloud Gaming games
Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games
Category:Video games about cults
Category:Video games about Satanism