DOOM: The Dark Ages fans have begun canceling their pre-orders after uncovering that the game's physical edition only contains a meager 85 MB on the disc, necessitating an enormous 80 GB download to play. This revelation surfaced after several retailers prematurely shipped the game before its official launch date.
In a recent post on Twitter (X), user @DoesItPlay1 shed light on the mishandled physical release, prompting numerous fans to reconsider their pre-orders. Does It Play, a Twitter (X) account dedicated to game preservation and the review of physical editions, ensures that new releases can function without mandatory internet access. Unfortunately, DOOM: The Dark Ages requires an internet connection for an update before it can be played.
@DoesItPlay1's post sparked a conversation among fans, many of whom expressed their dismay over Bethesda's decision. A significant number of fans have chosen to hold off for the digital version, citing a preference for a fully playable physical copy without the need for additional downloads. The requirement for an internet connection has left many feeling that they do not truly own the game.
Despite these setbacks, early recipients of the game have taken to Reddit to share overwhelmingly positive experiences, describing DOOM: The Dark Ages as a remarkable entry. Here at Game8, we awarded the game an impressive 88 out of 100, praising its brutal renaissance of the DOOM series. This latest installment shifts away from the aerial combat seen in DOOM (2016) and Eternal, opting instead for a more grounded, gritty combat experience. For a deeper dive into our review, please check out our article below!