"DOOM: The Dark Ages Launches with 3 Million Players, id Software's Biggest Hit"

DOOM: The Dark Ages is Out Now!

Biggest Launch in id Software’s History

DOOM: The Dark Ages has stormed onto the scene, marking id Software’s most successful launch to date with a staggering 3 million players. Released just last week, the game has been met with enthusiastic acclaim across various review platforms. A recent Twitter (X) announcement by Bethesda on May 21 highlighted this milestone, showcasing the game's rapid ascent to popularity.

The speed at which DOOM: The Dark Ages reached 3 million players is 7 times faster than its predecessor, DOOM: Eternal. However, it's worth noting that Superdata reported in 2020 that DOOM: Eternal hit the same number within 10 days of its release. These figures were based on estimates, and Bethesda has not officially confirmed these numbers.

When comparing the two titles, it's crucial to consider broader market dynamics. At the time of DOOM: Eternal’s release, Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media, had not yet been acquired by Microsoft, which meant the game was not available on Xbox Game Pass from the start.

In contrast, DOOM: The Dark Ages launched simultaneously on PC Game Pass, influencing its performance data on platforms like Steam. According to SteamDB, the game reached a peak of 31,470 concurrent players, significantly lower than DOOM: Eternal's launch peak of 104,891 players. Analyst firm Ampere estimates that 2 million of DOOM: The Dark Ages' players came from Xbox.

Despite these numbers, fans and critics alike are hailing DOOM: The Dark Ages as a standout entry in the franchise. Here at Game8, we've awarded it an impressive 88 out of 100, praising its return to the gritty, boots-on-the-ground combat that defines the series' brutal essence. For a deeper dive into our review, feel free to explore our detailed article below!