DOOM: The Dark Ages Sees Massive Pre-Order Cancellations Over Physical Edition Disappointment

Fans of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* are facing a major letdown as they cancel their pre-orders following the revelation that the physical edition of the game comes with just an 85 MB disc. This tiny disc requires players to download an additional 80 GB to play the game, a discovery that has left many feeling deceived. The issue came to light after several retailers inadvertently shipped the game before its official release date.

The backlash was swift and vocal, with @DoesItPlay1, a prominent Twitter (X) account dedicated to game preservation and the quality of physical game editions, highlighting the problem. They emphasized the need for games to be playable without an internet connection, a standard many fans hold dear. The account's post became a rallying point for fans to express their frustrations and disappointment over Bethesda's decision to release a physical edition that feels more like a digital one. Many are now choosing to wait for the digital release instead of dealing with the hassle of a physical copy that requires significant downloads and an internet connection to play.

The sentiment among fans is clear: they value the ability to own a game outright without relying on internet connectivity. The requirement to download such a large portion of the game after purchasing a physical disc has led to a sense of not truly owning the product. This has sparked a significant wave of pre-order cancellations.

Despite the controversy surrounding the physical release, some early recipients of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* have taken to Reddit to share their positive experiences with the game itself. They describe it as an amazing addition to the series. Here at Game8, we've reviewed *DOOM: The Dark Ages* and awarded it an impressive 88 out of 100. The game marks a brutal renaissance of the *DOOM* series, shifting away from the aerial combat of *DOOM (2016)* and *Eternal* to a more gritty, boots-on-the-ground approach. For a deeper dive into our thoughts on the game, feel free to check out our detailed article below!