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Unleashing Doom: The Dark Ages with Ray Tracing & Speed Boosts

May 21, 2025 11:55 AM

In a recent interview, id Software's director of engine technology, Billy Khan, discusses the innovative developments in Doom: The Dark Ages, which utilizes the new id Tech 8 engine. This latest installment in the Doom franchise promises significant advancements, such as enhanced ray tracing features, shorter loading times, and impressive graphical fidelity across both consoles and PC. The team emphasized the importance of optimizing performance while incorporating features like destructible environments and dynamic physics. Khan also highlighted the collaboration between various departments to ensure a seamless gaming experience, showcasing how careful planning plays a vital role in the development of the engine and overall gameplay.

What new features does Doom: The Dark Ages offer with id Tech 8?

Doom: The Dark Ages introduces several noteworthy features powered by id Tech 8, including enhanced ray tracing capabilities, dynamic physics systems allowing for destructible environments, and significantly improved loading times. The engine supports up to five times larger maps compared to its predecessor, Doom Eternal, while maintaining high performance across different platforms.

Doom: The Dark Ages marks the latest entry in the renowned Doom franchise, known for its fast-paced action and demon-slaying gameplay. Following the success of Doom Eternal, this installment pushes the boundaries of technology with id Tech 8, intended to enhance player immersion and engagement through refined visuals and realistic interactions in a vast open world. Fans of the series can expect an exhilarating experience as they battle against hordes of enemies in an expansive environment filled with destruction and chaos.



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Alex Riverton

Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.

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N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2025-05-21 12:18:08
Can’t wait to see how those destructible environments play into the classic Doom chaos—imagine blasting a hole in a wall just to chainsaw a demon on the other side. Also, props to id Software for still making optimization a priority despite all these flashy upgrades.
Miss Peachy Miss Peachy commented on: 2025-05-21 12:06:09
Id Tech 8 sounds like a game-changer, especially with those destructible environments—nothing like smashing demons *and* the scenery. Also, five times larger maps RIP my free time. Ray tracing and faster loading are great, but I’m most hyped for the dynamic physics. Nothing says ‘Doom’ like chaos that actually *feels* chaotic.
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