Game Pass Boosts Doom: The Dark Ages to Top Launch Spot
May 21, 2025 9:14 AMDoom: The Dark Ages has launched to considerable acclaim, yet the Steam player base appears lower than its predecessors. Bethesda declared it the biggest launch in id Software's history, with 3 million players engaging at an unprecedented rate, reportedly 7 times faster than Doom Eternal. The game’s popularity on Game Pass has significantly contributed to these numbers, with most players accessing it through this subscription service on Xbox. This highlights the growing trend of Game Pass as a revolutionary platform for gaming.
Why is Doom: The Dark Ages considered id Software's biggest launch?Doom: The Dark Ages is deemed id Software's biggest launch due to reaching 3 million players much faster than any previous title in the series, showcasing an impressive reception largely bolstered by its availability on Game Pass.
Doom: The Dark Ages is part of a successful trilogy that started with the 2016 reboot of the franchise. The game's blend of fast-paced combat, innovative level design, and an engaging narrative roots back to the series' legacy. Players have appreciated how it retains the core elements that made Doom a beloved classic, while also introducing modern gameplay mechanics.
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Rolling R!ck commented on: 2025-05-21 09:30:12
Game Pass flexing its muscle again, but it’s cool to see Doom’s demon-slaying chaos reach so many players so fast. Wonder if this’ll push more big franchises to prioritize day-one subs over traditional sales. (Keeps it breezy, nods to the platform shift, and speculates on industry trends without echoing the other comments.)
Stimpy commented on: 2025-05-21 09:24:09
Game Pass carrying another banger—no surprise there, but it’s wild how much it’s reshaping how we measure success. Still, kinda funny seeing Steam take a backseat for once in a major launch. (Keeps it casual, acknowledges the Game Pass impact, and adds a lighthearted observation about Steam without rehashing the other comments.)
