Doom: The Dark Ages Sets Record for id's Biggest Launch Yet

Doom: The Dark Ages has achieved significant player engagement since its launch, with 3 million players reported just a week after release. Bethesda claims this is the biggest launch in id Software’s history, reaching this milestone faster than the previous title, Doom Eternal. The game, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, managed a peak of 31,470 concurrent players on Steam. However, comparisons reveal that its performance may have lagged behind past titles, possibly due to its $69.99 price tag and the competition with Game Pass subscriptions. While Bethesda has not released specific sales figures, the emphasis on player count suggests a strong performance in console markets.

While Doom: The Dark Ages reached 3 million players quickly, its peak concurrent player count on Steam was lower than previous entries like Doom Eternal. This disparity suggests that, although it is popular, it may not have achieved the same level of sales success on PC, particularly due to the influence of Game Pass and its pricing strategy.

Doom: The Dark Ages represents a noteworthy shift in the franchise, moving from the high mobility of Doom Eternal to a more powerful, weighty rhythm of gameplay. This change has evoked mixed reactions, but the game has received positive reviews, reflecting an evolution in the iconic series that continues to capture a large audience across various platforms.