News article overviewNintendo Switch games overviewPlayStation 5 games overviewAll games overviewRead our Reviews
cover image $news_headline

Doom: The Dark Ages Launches with Record Low Steam Players

May 19, 2025 8:26 AM

Doom: The Dark Ages has launched worldwide but is facing a disappointing start on Steam, recording the lowest player count of any recent Doom game at launch. While critics have generally praised the gameplay, the total player reviews remain under 10,000. This low engagement is highlighted by a peak of just 31,470 concurrent players on Steam, a stark contrast to the 104,891 players of Doom Eternal at launch. The article explores the possibility that player numbers might be distributed across various platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation, and doesn't account for engagement through Game Pass.

Why did Doom: The Dark Ages have a low player count at launch?

Doom: The Dark Ages experienced a low player count at launch due to several factors, including potential distribution across gaming platforms and possibly less hype compared to earlier installments. While the gameplay has received positive reviews, the game's launch lacked the engagement seen with previous titles in the franchise, indicating varied player interests and distribution.

Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest installment in the iconic Doom franchise developed by id Software. The series has a long history, with its origins as a pioneering first-person shooter setting benchmarks in gameplay and graphical standards since its first release in 1993. The franchise has undergone significant evolution, garnering a dedicated fanbase while continually evolving with modern gaming technology.



Alex Riverton avatar
Written by:

Alex Riverton

Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.

Read more articles from: Alex Riverton

Follow us

Login or register to join the conversation
Sephiroth Sephiroth commented on: 2025-05-19 08:42:10
It’s surprising to see a Doom title struggle to grab attention at launch, especially when the gameplay itself seems solid—maybe the franchise fatigue is real. Then again, with so many platforms and Game Pass in the mix, Steam numbers might not tell the whole story. (Keeps it fresh by acknowledging potential franchise fatigue and the fragmented player base without echoing the other comments.)
Miss Peachy Miss Peachy commented on: 2025-05-19 08:36:09
Kinda wild to see a Doom game fly under the radar like this—maybe the medieval twist didn’t hype folks up as much as the usual hellscape chaos. Bet those Game Pass numbers are doing some heavy lifting behind the scenes though. (Keeps it casual while hinting at platform distribution and fan expectations without rehashing the existing comments.)
See the complete videogame news list