After over four years since the release of Doom Eternal, reports are circulating that the next installment in the iconic first-person shooter series will transport the Doom Slayer to a medieval setting. Allegedly titled Doom: The Dark Ages, the game is expected to be officially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9.
According to details from insiders like Insider Gaming, Doom: The Dark Ages has been in development at id Software for at least four years. It is believed to be the project formerly known by the codename “Year Zero,” which was referenced in a document leak last year during Microsoft’s legal battle with the FTC over the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
While concrete details are scarce, the “Dark Ages” subtitle strongly implies a drastic tonal shift, with the legendary Doom marine ripping and tearing through hellish demons in a medieval world reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s cult classic Army of Darkness.
The potential premise has already captured the imagination of fans, who envision the Doom Slayer clashing his iconic Crucible blade against swords and armored knights possessed by demonic forces.
Adding fuel to the rumor fire, Bethesda’s parent company ZeniMax Media recently filed a trademark for “IDKFA,” a reference to the classic Doom cheat code that granted players full ammunition, keys, weapons, and armor.
Multiple outlets, including Eurogamer and The Verge, have corroborated reports that the next Doom game will make an appearance at the Xbox Games Showcase during Summer Game Fest on June 9.
If the rumors prove accurate, Doom: The Dark Ages would mark a bold new creative direction for the iconic shooter franchise, taking the revolutionary gameplay into uncharted medieval territory while staying true to its gory, demon-slaying roots.
As the June 9 showcase approaches, fans eagerly await official confirmation and a first glimpse of the Doom Slayer’s latest hellish adventure through the past. Regardless of the setting, the prospect of a new Doom game is sure to have shooter fans ready to rip and tear once again.
