Fans of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* have been left disappointed after discovering that the game's physical edition only contains an 85 MB disc, requiring a massive 80 GB download to play the full game. This revelation has led to a significant wave of pre-order cancellations, as players express their frustration over the unexpectedly large download requirement. This issue came to light after some retailers inadvertently shipped the game before its official release date, sparking widespread discussion among the gaming community.
On Twitter (X), the account @DoesItPlay1, known for its focus on game preservation and the quality of physical game releases, highlighted the problem with the physical edition of *DOOM: The Dark Ages*. The account pointed out that the game requires an internet connection to download the necessary updates, which has led many fans to feel that they don't truly own the game if it can't be played without an internet connection. This sentiment has fueled the cancellation of pre-orders, with many fans opting to wait for the digital release instead.
Despite the backlash against the physical edition, some early recipients of the game have taken to Reddit to share their positive experiences, praising the game for its return to the gritty, ground-based combat that fans of the *DOOM* series love. Here at Game8, we've given *DOOM: The Dark Ages* an impressive score of 88 out of 100, celebrating its brutal renaissance of the franchise. For a deeper dive into our thoughts on the game, feel free to check out our detailed review below!
Fans Cancel Their Pre-Orders
The decision by Bethesda to include such a small amount of data on the physical disc has sparked a significant conversation about the value of physical media in today's gaming landscape. Fans have expressed their preference for a fully playable physical copy without the need for extensive downloads, highlighting a growing concern about the reliance on digital downloads for complete game experiences.
While the physical edition has disappointed many, the gameplay itself has received high praise. Early players have lauded *DOOM: The Dark Ages* for its engaging combat and the return to the series' roots, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for long-time fans. If you're interested in learning more about how *DOOM: The Dark Ages* reinvents the beloved series, don't miss our in-depth review linked below.
