DOOM 4, often mockingly referred to as Call of DOOM, took a radically different direction from what the reboot ultimately delivered.
Nine years have passed since the release of the DOOM reboot. Prior to that, id Software was developing a game that felt like a blend of Call of Duty and Gears of War. The road to the 2016 release of DOOM was a long one. Originally announced in 2008 as DOOM 4, the project struggled during development, ultimately leading to a reboot in 2011. id Software initially aimed to make major changes, and in hindsight, it is fascinating to imagine what the original reboot concept might have looked like. Thanks to Reddit, a wealth of newly leaked material is now available to explore.
DOOM 4’s NY “Hell Dimension” environment. Apparently hell was going to be part of the game and not being set exclusively on Earth!
-Nicholas Bell #DOOM4 #DOOM #LostMedia pic.twitter.com/DghbhazaTx— Crispies (@Runhob) December 14, 2025
All nine links lead to concept art, though only the hellish dimension has been embedded here. While the visuals are undeniably stunning, they do not feel particularly DOOM-like. Many of the images depict grotesque creatures that appear more akin to Dead Space or The Thing, alongside environmental renders and vehicle concepts. From industrial factory-inspired areas to technological designs and stone sculptures, the artistic direction is undeniably impressive.
Despite the quality of the work, the original reboot concept feels more like a spin-off than a mainline entry, and these leaks help illustrate why the idea was ultimately reworked. Nine years ago, NoClip released a documentary titled To Hell and Back, offering an in-depth look at the challenges id Software faced during the reboot.
The documentary highlighted how divisive the project’s direction was, noting that while many developers loved the design, they ultimately felt it strayed too far from the franchise’s roots. Director Marty Stratton stated that the production quality was exceptionally high, but “it did not feel enough like DOOM”. Instead of a fast-paced slaughter in hell, DOOM 4 placed combat on Earth, featuring a darker narrative reminiscent of military shooters like Gears of War and Call of Duty.
The game focused on military resistance, with humanity’s survivors attempting to repel a demonic invasion. Stratton also confirmed that the original concept included cover-based mechanics, where players would take cover and occasionally pop out to shoot enemies. This approach bears a striking resemblance to Gears of War: E-Day.
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