The Doom series, a cornerstone of gaming since 1993, must navigate the challenges of modern gaming in 2025.
The Doom series, first launched in 1993, has become synonymous with video games. As one of the most influential and popular series in the industry, it must contend with the pressures of the gaming world in 2025.
Staying Relevant in a Crowded Market
With so much competition for players’ attention, the Doom series faces significant challenges. Free-to-play (F2P) games like Fortnite and Roblox dominate most-played charts, and younger players are spending more time on these titles than ever before. According to UK regulator Ofcom’s latest report, five of the top ten games among UK players were F2P.
‘It doesn’t have to become your obsession for the next two years,’ says Marty Stratton, executive producer of Doom: The Dark Ages. ‘Games like Doom can fit into those habits.’
Marty Stratton is a British video game developer, best known for his work at id Software.
He served as the studio director of id Software from 2013 to 2021.
Stratton joined id Software in 2007 and worked on several games, including RAGE and DOOM (2016).
During his tenure, he oversaw the development of Wolfenstein: The New Colossus and DOOM Eternal.
Stratton has been credited with helping to revitalize the DOOM franchise.
However, relying solely on hardcore players is becoming increasingly difficult due to the rising cost of making premium titles and the decline in overall player numbers.
Industry expert Rhys Elliot notes that while the number of people playing premium titles isn’t increasing, the cost of making them is. This has led to a focus on attracting new players to mitigate this issue.
Balancing Customization and Cost
The Doom series has incorporated customization into its latest installment, The Dark Ages, which should provide a great first-time experience for fans. However, concerns over prices remain a contentious topic in gaming discourse.
‘When you look at the history of game pricing… it really hasn’t skyrocketed,’ says Marty Stratton. ‘You’re not going to be asked to pay anything else, two hours in.’
Doom’s director Hugo Martin argues that players are happy to pay more for a curated experience with replay value. ‘Typically, if you just make a really good game then people will want to play it again,’ he says.
Hugo Martin is a renowned American video game journalist and writer.
He is best known for his work as the lead news editor at IGN, where he covered various aspects of the gaming industry, including new releases, updates, and trends.
Martin's expertise and in-depth analysis have made him a respected figure within the gaming community.
The Role of Game Pass and Pricing Strategies
The rise of subscription services like Microsoft‘s Game Pass has also altered the gaming landscape. With Doom available on PC and Xbox via Game Pass, players can access the game for £14.99 a month.
Analyst Rhys believes we will see more ‘fiddling with prices’ and surcharges to see what customers are willing to pay, as well as wider ranges of revenue-sharing models (RRPs) for new releases. He suggests this increased competition should benefit consumers.
‘You can pick up the first 2016 Doom game for like £4 right now,’ says Rhys. ‘Ultimately, it’s a market. Players will determine what they want to spend.’
The Value of a Premium Experience
Despite the changing landscape, Doom’s makers believe their latest installment is worth jumping into. ‘We think about price when we’re developing it – we obviously want the value to be there for players,’ says Marty.
‘I think it’s there’s still a place for a good, premium, highly polished, fun single-player game,’ adds Hugo. The Doom series will need to adapt to these challenges while maintaining its core appeal and staying true to its fans.
