Id Software’sdirector, Marty Stratton, reveals new details about the cinematics inDOOM: The Dark Agesand explains how the narrative has been improved.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Introduces a More Engaging Story
Hell is once again unleashed inDOOM: The Dark Ages, the latest entry in Id Software and Bethesda’s iconic shooter franchise, set to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on June 13, 2025. As the third installment in the modern trilogy, this game serves as a prequel.
We now understand whyThe Dark Agesembraces a medieval theme—and we can’t stop drooling over the stunning replica of the Slayer’s helmet, already available for pre-order.
But DOOM: The Dark Agesis more than just a gameplay evolution. While we wait for confirmation on a Spanish dub, it’s been revealed that the story will play a more significant role than inDOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
A Narrative-Driven Experience
Marty Stratton, director at Id Software, discussed the game’s focus on storytelling in an interview featured in the latest issue of EDGE magazine, with GamesRadar sharing key details.
The studio was surprised by the high percentage of players who watched—and didn’t skip—the cinematics in DOOM Eternal. As a result, The Dark Ages will place greater emphasis on non-playable story sequences, a shift that was already hinted at during January’s Xbox Developer_Direct event.
Stratton even states thatDOOM: The Dark Agesfeatures a stronger narrative because fans of the series have shown a growing interest in it, moving away from the purely arcade-style gameplay of the classic entries.
The Importance of Story in DOOM: The Dark Ages
Stratton explained that nearly every interview he does includes questions about the new game’s story. Additionally, YouTube channels, forums, and online discussions have thoroughly analyzed the franchise’s iconography, demonstrating a deep player interest in the DOOM universe.
Because of this, Id Software decided to expand the saga’s lore inDOOM: The Dark Ages, making storytelling more central than in the previous two games.
“In many interviews, the first question we get is about the story. There are YouTube channels dedicated to analyzing every tiny detail of the iconography. And our data shows that in DOOM Eternal, an extremely high percentage of players watched the cinematics.”
In contrast to DOOM (2016), where lore was presented through documents and codex entries, The Dark Ages compiles these elements into fully realized cinematics. However, players will still have the option to skip them.
“A DOOM game without a story is just an arcade game. Yes, some people enjoy that experience, but that’s why the ‘skip’ button exists,” Stratton remarked.
Looking back, the first DOOM game to emphasize storytelling was DOOM 3, though its slower pace and survival horror elements disappointed some fans. That’s why the 2016 reboot returned to a more fast-paced, arcade-style approach.
However, DOOM Eternal and its DLCs expanded the franchise’s lore, captivating players and paving the way for The Dark Ages to continue in the same vein.
DOOM: The Dark Ageswill launch on August 07, 2025, arriving on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, as well as day one on Game Pass. Be sure to check out the available editions—including the collector’s bundle—or the officially confirmed PC requirements.
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