DOOM: The Dark Ages
News, coverage and analysis tracking DOOM: The Dark Ages across the outlets.
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If knowledge if power, why are game companies setting it alight?
Recent waves of layoffs in the video game industry, including significant cuts at Microsoft, are leading to a devastating loss of institutional knowledge. This collective wisdom, crucial for development workflows and efficiency, is often undocumented and passed between colleagues. Companies like Nintendo are highlighted as prioritizing the preservation of this knowledge, while others risk reinventing the wheel and facing increased crunch due to employee turnover.
Acclaimed 2025 PS5 Action Game 67% Off on PlayStation Store, Brand-New DLC Included
id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages Premium Edition is currently available for 67% off on the PlayStation Store, priced at $32.99, with the sale ending August 13, 2026. This edition includes the base game, the Revelations campaign DLC, a digital artbook and soundtrack, and a Divinity skin pack. The critically acclaimed 2025 title is the eighth main entry in the Doom franchise and serves as a prequel to the 2016 game.
One excellent, unforgettable expansion has fixed Doom: The Dark Ages
The Revelations expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages masterfully reintroduces the series' signature speed and mobility, addressing criticisms of the base game's shield-focused mechanics. The new Chain Spear weapon and reintroduced air dashes provide expressive combat options, making the expansion a significant improvement and justifying the game's concept. This 10-12 hour expansion is available on Steam.
The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 hides surprising versatility and value for money in its unassuming 60% form factor
The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 offers a compelling value proposition in the 60% magnetic gaming keyboard market, priced competitively against rivals like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini. It features useful customization options such as Smart Tap and Tap Lock, along with light and fast magnetic switches, though some minor issues like spacebar crunch and a less premium casing are present.
Halo’s PlayStation Debut Could Also Be Its Farewell
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from broad multi-platform releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved towards a renewed focus on console exclusivity. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, involves scaling back the Xbox division and potentially canceling unannounced titles, though games already expected on other platforms will proceed. The article analyzes the implications of this shift for future Halo titles and the broader gaming landscape, considering factors like sales, player acquisition, and potential exclusive benefits for Xbox players.
I'm mega impressed by this gaming headset's hot swappable batteries, though less so by its price
The Glorious GHS Wireless InfinitePlay gaming headset offers an impressive hot-swappable battery system providing up to 85 hours of use per battery, alongside a versatile design and a high-quality detachable microphone. However, its $230 price point is considered high for its balanced, though not exceptional, audio quality and build. The headset is compatible with PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
What sense can we make of the madness at id Software?
id Software, known for Doom and Quake, has laid off 136 employees, over half its workforce, amidst broader industry cuts at Microsoft. Conflicting reports suggest the studio is starting a new Doom game and its id-tech engine remains active, despite fears of it becoming a support studio. The article analyzes the potential reasons behind these drastic layoffs, including project phasing and cost-cutting, while also questioning Microsoft's strategy and the impact on team morale and institutional experience.
After Doom director Hugo Martin denied reports that id Software had been gutted, "current and former employees" are disagreeing with his optimism
Current and former employees of id Software are disputing director Hugo Martin's optimistic statements following recent layoffs at the studio. Sources claim that a significant portion of the Doom (2016) development team was let go, contradicting Martin's assertion that the studio was not "gutted." These employees expressed disappointment, feeling their contributions were undervalued, and highlighted past struggles like the development of Doom 4 as evidence of the studio's fragility.
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
Doom: The Dark Ages lead says claims that id Software has been "gutted" by layoffs are "not true," and its engine team is "very much alive and well"
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin addressed reports of significant layoffs, stating that claims of the studio being "gutted" are untrue. He confirmed that the studio's size is comparable to when Doom (2016) was made and that the id Tech engine team is active, with engineers in both Germany and at MachineGames. Martin emphasized that Doom: The Dark Ages is progressing well and that the studio is focused on celebrating the success of their games.
Doom: The Dark Ages' DLC is a true FPS triumph, and its developers deserve better
The DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages, titled Revelations, introduces new mechanics like the chain spear and restores the dash ability from Doom Eternal, offering a fresh and exhilarating combat experience. Despite the positive reception of the DLC, the article highlights the tragic impact of recent Xbox layoffs on id Software, potentially jeopardizing the future of the id Tech engine and the studio's talent.
No, Doom maker id Software hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by the Xbox cuts, insists director Hugo Martin
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin has refuted claims that the studio has been significantly harmed by recent Xbox layoffs. Martin stated that the studio's size is comparable to when it developed Doom 2016 and that the id Tech engine remains active. These statements come amidst reports of substantial staff reductions at id Software following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
"Id Tech is there, the Doom team is here": Doom: The Dark Ages director pushes back against idea studio have been "nerfed into the ground" by Xbox layoffs
Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin pushed back against reports that Id Software has been significantly weakened by recent Microsoft layoffs, stating the studio is the same size as when it developed Doom 2016. He emphasized that the id Tech engine is alive and well, with engineers at both Id Software and MachineGames collaborating. Martin also highlighted the commercial success of the Revelations DLC and expressed gratitude for fan support during a difficult time for affected employees.
Games Inbox: Are you playing EA Sports FC more because of the World Cup?
Readers discuss their current engagement with EA Sports FC, with some playing less due to the lack of an official World Cup license and the team's performance. Other topics include potential Grand Theft Auto 6 boycotts, Xbox's mobile gaming strategy, the future of console design, and the impact of industry layoffs on studios like id Software.
The Razer Blade 18 steps up to some of the most powerful gaming laptops I've tested and nearly steals the win
The 2026 Razer Blade 18 offers powerful performance comparable to top-tier gaming laptops, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU and up to an RTX 5090 GPU. While its slimline design, dual-mode 4K display, and impressive battery life are notable, its high price and incremental CPU update make it a difficult recommendation, especially compared to the older model or competitors like the MSI Raider A18 HX.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Game at Develop:Star Awards 2026
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive and Kepler Interactive was awarded Best Game at the Develop:Star Awards 2026, alongside wins for Best Narrative and Best Audio. Other notable winners included Frontier Developments for Best Studio and Sony Interactive Entertainment for Publishing Star.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations review – the best DLC of the year
This review praises Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations as an exceptional DLC expansion, calling it one of the best ever made and potentially the best Doom game since the 90s. Despite the recent layoffs at id Software, the expansion successfully blends elements from Doom Eternal and Doom: The Dark Ages, introducing the versatile Chain Spear weapon and improved level design. The DLC is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft," says Doom dev: "They have destroyed immense amounts of value that I don't even think that they're aware of"
A developer at id Software claims there are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft, citing mass layoffs that occurred just before the launch of a new Doom DLC. The developer stated that Microsoft has destroyed significant value and that even successful game launches do not guarantee job security. This comes after reports of 136 out of 185 developers being laid off from the studio.
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledge
A new report details an environment of fear and uncertainty within Microsoft's Xbox Studios following recent layoffs, with employees unsure of future cuts and the impact on game development. Studios like id Software and Bethesda Game Studios have lost significant talent, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and the ability to maintain core franchises and proprietary technology.
