DOOM: The Dark Ages Sees Surge in Pre-Order Cancellations Due to Underwhelming Physical Edition

Fans of DOOM: The Dark Ages have expressed significant disappointment and are canceling their pre-orders after discovering that the physical edition of the game only includes an 85 MB disc. This revelation has stirred frustration among the community, as players were expecting a more substantial physical component. Instead, they are required to download over 80 GB to fully enjoy the game, a move that has led many to question the value of purchasing a physical copy.

This issue came to light after several retailers inadvertently shipped the game ahead of its official release date. A Twitter (X) post by @DoesItPlay1, an account dedicated to game preservation and the review of physical game editions, highlighted the problem. The account noted that DOOM: The Dark Ages necessitates an internet connection to update and become playable, a requirement that has not sat well with fans who prefer offline access to their games.

The post sparked a wave of reactions, with many fans expressing their disappointment and opting to wait for the digital release. The sentiment is that an internet-dependent physical copy feels less like true ownership. Bethesda's decision has been met with criticism, as fans had hoped for a ready-to-play physical experience without additional downloads.

Despite the backlash, early recipients of the game have taken to Reddit to share their positive experiences, praising the game's quality. Here at Game8, we've given DOOM: The Dark Ages an impressive score of 88 out of 100. We appreciate its brutal renaissance of the DOOM series, shifting from the aerial dynamics of DOOM (2016) and Eternal to a more grounded, intense combat experience. For a deeper dive into our review, check out our detailed article below!