DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to be id Software’s most brutal entry yet, but its focus on cinematic storytelling is a game-changer. Developers now see story as a crucial part of the DOOM universe.

DOOM: The Dark Ages trailers showcase not only intense combat but also stunning cinematic sequences. Why has id Software decided to emphasize storytelling in a franchise known for its relentless action? It turns out that players have spent so much time analyzing the lore of DOOM that the developers now consider it an essential part of their new vision.

Studio director Marty Stratton addressed this in an interview with Edge magazine (via GamesRadar+). “In many interviews, the first question we get is about the story,” he explained. “There are YouTube channels dedicated to breaking down every tiny detail of the game’s iconography.”

Given the overwhelmingly positive reception of DOOM Eternal’s cutscenes, id Software has decided to further develop this narrative approach. “Our data shows that a massive percentage of players watch the cinematics in DOOM Eternal.” According to Stratton, this added focus on storytelling enhances the overall experience: “We just feel that it makes for a complete experience.”

DOOM: The Dark Ages – A Darker, More Sinister Setting

This doesn’t mean id Software is slowing down the gameplay. DOOM: The Dark Ages will still deliver the franchise’s signature high-adrenaline action. By placing the Doom Slayer in a medieval setting, developers have experimented with “darker and more sinister” gameplay mechanics while staying true to the core DOOM experience.

Joe Russo, one of the project leads, spoke with Entertainment Tonight about the game’s cinematic focus and the broader impact of storytelling in modern gaming. During the interview, he also referenced the response to the upcoming Netflix sci-fi film Estado eléctrico, set to debut on March 14, 2025. This big-budget production follows Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt as they navigate a retro-futuristic, semi-apocalyptic America of the 1990s, populated with advanced robotics.

Source: 3DJuegos