DOOM: The Dark Ages Sees Surge in Pre-Order Cancellations Over Subpar Physical Edition

Fans of DOOM: The Dark Ages have been hit with a wave of disappointment following the discovery that the game's physical edition contains a mere 85 MB on the disc, requiring players to download over 80 GB to actually play it. This revelation has led to a significant number of pre-order cancellations, as reported by several fans on social media platforms. The issue came to light after some retailers mistakenly shipped the game before its official release date, allowing early buyers to uncover the unexpected download requirement.

The controversy was further amplified by a tweet from @DoesItPlay1, a Twitter (X) account dedicated to game preservation and the review of physical game editions. They highlighted the problematic physical release, emphasizing that DOOM: The Dark Ages necessitates an internet connection for updates before it can be played, which has sparked a debate about game ownership and the value of physical copies. Many fans voiced their frustration and disappointment on the platform, with several deciding to hold off and wait for the digital version instead, feeling that the need for an internet connection undermines their sense of ownership over the game.

Despite the backlash regarding the physical edition, early recipients of the game have shared positive feedback on Reddit, praising the game's quality. Here at Game8, we've reviewed DOOM: The Dark Ages and awarded it an impressive score of 88 out of 100. We commend its brutal renaissance of the DOOM series, which shifts away from the aerial combat of DOOM (2016) and Eternal towards a more grounded, gritty combat experience. For a deeper dive into our thoughts on the game, feel free to check out our detailed review below!

DOOM: The Dark Ages Pre-Launch Updates

Fans Cancel Their Pre-Orders

The disappointment over the physical edition's minimal content has led many DOOM: The Dark Ages fans to cancel their pre-orders. The issue was brought to the forefront by @DoesItPlay1, who not only discussed the blundered physical release but also rallied fans to share their opinions on Bethesda's decision. The consensus among the community has been clear: a physical copy should be ready to play without the need for an extensive download, and the requirement of an internet connection to update the game has left many feeling as though they don't truly own the game.

Despite the uproar, those who got their hands on the game early have shared overwhelmingly positive experiences on Reddit, highlighting the game's amazing quality. Our review at Game8 echoes this sentiment, giving DOOM: The Dark Ages high marks for its return to the series' roots with a gritty, boots-on-the-ground approach to combat. To learn more about what makes this game stand out, be sure to read our full review below!