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

DOOM: The Dark Ages fans are expressing their dissatisfaction by canceling their pre-orders following the discovery that the game's physical disc contains only 85 MB. This revelation has sparked widespread frustration as players realized they would need to download an additional 80 GB to play the game. This issue surfaced after several retailers prematurely shipped the game before its official release date.

A recent post by Twitter (X) user @DoesItPlay1 highlighted the shortcomings of the physical release, leading to a wave of cancellations. @DoesItPlay1, an account dedicated to game preservation and ensuring the playability of physical editions without internet, pointed out that DOOM: The Dark Ages requires an internet connection for updates, which has been a significant point of contention for fans.

The post garnered attention and prompted fans to voice their frustrations over Bethesda's decision. Many have decided to hold off on purchasing until the digital version is available, citing a preference for a fully functional physical copy without the need for internet connectivity. The sentiment among the community is that requiring an internet connection diminishes the ownership experience of a physical game.

Despite the backlash, some early recipients of the game have shared positive feedback on Reddit, praising the game's experience. Here at Game8, we rated DOOM: The Dark Ages an impressive 88 out of 100, celebrating its return to the roots of the DOOM series with a focus on gritty, boots-on-the-ground combat. For a deeper dive into our review, feel free to check out our detailed article below!

In light of these developments, players who still wish to engage with DOOM: The Dark Ages can look forward to an exclusive skin available with the digital version. This offers a silver lining for those who choose to wait for the digital release, providing an additional incentive to experience the game's brutal renaissance.