Doom: The Dark Ages "biggest launch" in id Software history

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 8:40 am

Doom: The Dark Ages Shatters Records, Becomes id Software's Biggest Launch Ever

Bethesda and id Software are celebrating a monumental achievement: Doom: The Dark Ages has become the biggest launch in the studio's history! The news, shared on social media, reveals that a staggering three million players have already plunged into the demon-infested world since the game's release this month.

This impressive feat is even more remarkable when you consider the pace. Bethesda reports that Doom: The Dark Ages reached this player count seven times faster than its predecessor, *Doom Eternal*.

The game's success is evident across platforms. According to SteamDB, *Doom: The Dark Ages* dominated the PC sales charts on Steam during the week of May 13th-20th, 2025, beating out popular titles like the Steam Deck, Stellar Blade, and Cyberpunk 2077.

While the launch is undoubtedly a triumph, it's important to acknowledge that *Doom: The Dark Ages* was also available on Game Pass from day one. Industry analyst Chris Dring, co-founder of The Game Business, estimates that over two million players came from Xbox, according to Ampere figures.

Critical reception has also been positive. Eurogamer's Chris Donlan praised the game, calling it a "more grounded" entry in the series while maintaining its signature "brisk and playful" style. He highlighted the game's "pure gaming charisma" and its nostalgic appeal.

This launch signals a strong start for *Doom: The Dark Ages* and solidifies its place as a major success for id Software and Bethesda.

Keywords: Doom: The Dark Ages, id Software, Bethesda, biggest launch, sales, Steam, Game Pass, Xbox, Chris Donlan, Eurogamer, PC gaming, video games, gaming news, Doom Eternal, May 2025, three million players

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