The highly anticipated release of Doom: The Dark Ages has hit a snag. Enthusiasts were excited to get their hands on the physical copy, but a recent discovery has led to widespread disappointment among fans. The game’s disc contains minimal data, necessitating a substantial 85 GB download to play.

This revelation has sparked outrage, with many players expressing their dissatisfaction on social media. As a result, cancellations of pre-orders have been reported, potentially impacting the game’s sales. The controversy highlights the growing tension between digital distribution methods and consumer expectations for physical media.

Key Takeaways

• The physical release of Doom: The Dark Ages contains minimal data on the disc.
• An 85 GB download is required to play the game on all platforms.
• The controversy has led to a wave of pre-order cancellations among fans.
• The situation underscores the conflict between digital distribution and physical media expectations.
• Bethesda’s decision has sparked discussions about game ownership and accessibility.

Physical Copies Require Substantial Download

The release of Doom: The Dark Ages has brought a surprising twist for players who prefer physical copies of their games. While owning a physical copy is often associated with the ability to play without significant downloads, this is not the case with Doom: The Dark Ages.

Only a Few MB on PS5 and Xbox Series X Discs

The game discs for PS5 and Xbox Series X contain only a small amount of data, measured in a few megabytes (MB). This minimal data presence on the discs indicates that the majority of the game content is not stored on the physical media.

85 GB Download Required to Play

To play Doom: The Dark Ages, players must perform a substantial download of approximately 85 GB. This full download requirement effectively transforms the experience of owning a physical copy into one that is more akin to a digital purchase, with the added step of a significant download. For physical copies of Doom, this means an 85 GB data transfer is necessary.

Some Doom Fans Are Canceling Their Dark Ages Pre-Orders

Doom fans are speaking out against the physical release strategy for Doom: The Dark Ages, sparking a wave of pre-order cancellations. As reported by Pure Xbox, a Twitter user named DoesItPlay1 stated that some fans had canceled their pre-orders due to the controversial physical release decision.

Social Media Backlash Following Discovery

The backlash began after fans discovered that the physical version of the game requires a substantial download. On Twitter, users expressed their frustration, with some stating that they had canceled their pre-orders in response. “The outrage this time is disproportionate,” noted DoesItPlay1, highlighting the intensity of the reaction.

DoesItPlay1’s Report on “Huge” Cancellations

According to DoesItPlay1’s post, the volume of cancellations appears to be unusually high compared to typical social media outrage cycles. Several replies to the post confirmed that users had canceled not just standard pre-orders but also collector’s editions. Some users mentioned shifting from day-one purchases to waiting for significant discounts before considering the digital version. Despite the cancellations, early reviews indicate that the game itself has received positive feedback for its gameplay.

Growing Industry Trend Affecting Game Preservation

The gaming industry is witnessing a concerning trend that affects game preservation. The shift towards minimal-data physical releases, as seen with the recent DOOM: Dark Ages pre-orders, is creating significant barriers for players.

This trend is not limited to a single game; it’s becoming a common practice in the industry. Digital download requirements are becoming a standard feature, even for physical copies of games.

Digital Download Requirements Becoming Common

The requirement for substantial downloads for physical copies is becoming more prevalent. For instance, the DOOM: Dark Ages release requires an 85 GB download despite being available on a disc. This can be problematic for players with limited internet access or data caps.

Concerns for Players Without High-Speed Internet

Players without high-speed internet are disproportionately affected by this trend. Those in rural areas, with data caps, or slow connections may find themselves unable to play games they’ve legally purchased. The preservation community is also raising concerns about the long-term accessibility of these games once servers are eventually shut down.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Doom: The Dark Ages’ physical release has sparked debate among fans and industry observers alike. The game’s physical copies contain minimal data, requiring an 85 GB download to play, a decision that has led some fans to cancel their pre-orders. Despite generally favorable reviews for the Doom game, this controversy has overshadowed its positive aspects. The situation highlights the tension between publisher distribution strategies and consumer expectations, raising questions about what constitutes a “disc” or physical copy in modern gaming. As the industry evolves, finding a balance between digital convenience and physical ownership remains a challenge. The long-term impact on the release and sales of Doom: The Dark Ages remains to be seen, but the vocal cancellations suggest potential financial consequences for players and the game’s overall success.