DOOM: The Dark Ages fans have been hit with a wave of disappointment following the discovery that the game's physical edition contains only an 85 MB disc. This revelation has led to a significant number of pre-order cancellations as players find themselves needing to download over 80 GB of data to actually play the game. This issue surfaced after several retailers inadvertently shipped the game before its official release date, sparking widespread frustration among the community.

The controversy was brought to light by the Twitter (X) account @DoesItPlay1, known for its focus on game preservation and the review of physical game editions. They emphasized the problem of the small disc size and the necessity of an internet connection to update and play DOOM: The Dark Ages. This requirement has led many fans to feel that they don't truly own the game, prompting them to cancel their pre-orders and consider waiting for the digital release instead.

Despite the backlash, early recipients of the game have shared positive feedback on platforms like Reddit, praising the game's immersive experience. Here at Game8, we've rated DOOM: The Dark Ages an impressive 88 out of 100, applauding its return to a more grounded, gritty combat style that marks a brutal renaissance for the series. For a deeper dive into our review, feel free to check out our detailed article below.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Pre-Launch Updates

Fans Cancel Their Pre-Orders

The discontent among DOOM: The Dark Ages fans escalated when it was discovered that the physical disc only holds 85 MB, necessitating a massive download to play. This unexpected requirement has led many to reconsider their pre-orders, especially after early shipments from retailers.

@DoesItPlay1 took to Twitter (X) to voice their concerns about this issue, highlighting how the game's need for an internet connection to function fully undermines the value of owning a physical copy. Their post ignited a discussion where many fans expressed their disappointment and shifted their support towards the digital version of the game.

Despite the controversy, those who got their hands on the game early have shared overwhelmingly positive reviews, celebrating the game's return to a more intense and grounded combat experience. At Game8, we've given DOOM: The Dark Ages a high score of 88 out of 100, recognizing its significant contribution to the series. For more insights into our review, please visit our in-depth article.