DOOM: The Dark Ages fans are canceling their pre-orders following the disappointing revelation that the game's physical edition contains only an 85 MB disc, requiring a massive 80 GB download to be playable. This issue came to light after several retailers accidentally shipped the game before its official release date, sparking widespread frustration among the community.
The controversy was highlighted by @DoesItPlay1, a dedicated Twitter (X) account focused on game preservation and the quality of physical game editions. They emphasized the need for an internet connection to update and play DOOM: The Dark Ages, which contradicts the traditional value of owning a physical copy. Many fans expressed their disappointment on the platform, feeling that this requirement undermines the ownership experience they seek with physical media. As a result, numerous pre-orders have been canceled, with fans opting to wait for the digital release instead.
Despite the backlash, early recipients of the game have taken to Reddit to share positive experiences, praising the game's brutal return to the DOOM series. At Game8, we rated DOOM: The Dark Ages an impressive 88 out of 100, appreciating its shift from the aerial dynamics of DOOM (2016) and Eternal to a more grounded, gritty combat style. For a deeper dive into our review, check out our detailed article below!