DOOM: The Dark Ages
News, coverage and analysis tracking DOOM: The Dark Ages across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"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.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft": Xbox owners accused of cultivating a "disposable worker mentality" in damning report on layoffs
A report details the impact of recent Microsoft layoffs on Xbox employees, including those at Bethesda, ZeniMax, and id Software. The article highlights a "disposable worker mentality" fostered by unclear goals and abrupt termination processes, with some employees expressing disillusionment with being owned by Microsoft and questioning the value of their work in terms of job security.
'The entire thing is going to fall apart:' Inside the latest round of mass layoffs at Xbox
Microsoft's Xbox division has conducted its fifth round of mass layoffs since 2023, impacting 3,200 employees across studios like Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software. Employees describe the process as cruel and self-defeating, with swift video calls and disabled communication channels. The cuts have led to significant loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning id Software's proprietary id Tech engine and the development teams for major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
DOOM Studio’s Claims That it Can Still Make Games “Stretches Reality”, Says Former Employee
A former id Software employee claims the studio's assertion of having sufficient staff after recent layoffs is unrealistic, stating that critical programming, engineering, and design teams have been significantly depleted. The employee highlighted the loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning the id Tech engine, and suggested that the studio's ability to develop future games is compromised. id Software maintains its headcount is comparable to the DOOM (2016) development period and is committed to its philosophy of all employees being makers.
Game Reviews
This article appears to be a collection of reviews for various games. It mentions a performance review for Assassin's Creed Black Flag from TechPowerUp and reviews for Doom: The Dark Ages from PC Gamer and The Wand Report.
DOOM The Dark Ages – Revelations Review – Only You
The DOOM: The Dark Ages expansion, Revelations, successfully balances the defensive gameplay of the base game with the more frantic, aerial combat fans loved in DOOM Eternal. It introduces the new Chain Spear weapon, which offers versatile combat options and is a standout addition. Revelations provides a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy while exploring the Slayer's past and offering engaging end-game content.
Revelations is the best Doom's ever been, but it's relegated to a DLC for the controversial Dark Ages
The DLC 'Revelations' for Doom: The Dark Ages is praised as the best modern Doom experience, blending Eternal's movement with The Dark Ages' combat and featuring a new Chain Spear mechanic. Despite its quality and length, it's a shame it's a DLC for a controversial entry and that id Software developers were recently laid off by Microsoft.
New Doom Title in “The Early Stages,” Despite Extensive Layoffs at id Software – Rumor
Despite significant layoffs at id Software, reports suggest the studio is in the early stages of developing a new Doom game. While some outlets claimed the studio was reduced to a support role, id Software has confirmed it remains roughly the same size as when it developed Doom (2016). The future direction of the new title remains speculative, with possibilities ranging from continuing the Slayer's story to returning to an old-school Doom experience.
Saturday Patches
This article discusses unofficial game patches and mods, highlighting a mod for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag that removes the yellow color filter. It also mentions the building and testing of a local mesa version for DOOM: The Dark Ages.
id Software gives statement after layoffs with a positive outlook for its future
id Software has issued a statement following recent layoffs, emphasizing a positive outlook for its future in game and technology development, as well as hosting QuakeCon. The studio's current team size is comparable to when they developed Doom (2016), and they maintain a flat studio structure. Reports regarding the id Tech team's status have been clarified by Microsoft, confirming multiple individuals are working on the technology across various locations.
Doom dev Id is now "about the same size we were when making Doom 2016" after layoffs
Id Software has addressed recent layoffs, stating that the studio remains adequately staffed to continue developing games and technology. Despite significant job cuts impacting over half the team, the developer confirmed its current size is comparable to when it was developing Doom 2016. The studio emphasized its commitment to its core philosophy and supporting affected employees, while looking forward to future projects and QuakeCon.
Evening Patches
Recent updates have been released for DOOM: The Dark Ages and Team Fortress 2. The DOOM update is a hotfix, while the Team Fortress 2 update is a general patch. These patches address various issues and improvements for the respective games.
Microsoft Refutes Notion That Foreign-Worker Visas Were Behind Mass Xbox Layoffs
Microsoft communications lead Frank X. Shaw refuted claims that foreign-worker visas were the cause of recent mass layoffs affecting 1,600 people at Xbox. Shaw stated the workforce changes were due to a necessary business restructure, not to replace employees with foreign workers, and that H-1B visa holders represent a small percentage of the overall workforce and were not specific to Xbox.