DOOM: The Dark Ages Faces Massive Pre-Order Cancellations Over Physical Edition Disappointment

Fans of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* are expressing their disappointment and cancelling their pre-orders following the discovery that the game's physical edition disc contains only 85 MB of data. This revelation means players will need to download over 80 GB to fully enjoy the game, a significant inconvenience that has not sat well with the community. This issue surfaced after several retailers prematurely shipped the game ahead of its official release date.

The concerns were highlighted in a recent Twitter (X) post by user @DoesItPlay1, a notable account dedicated to game preservation and ensuring that physical editions of games are functional without an internet connection. The post pointed out that *DOOM: The Dark Ages* requires an internet connection to update and become playable, sparking a wave of frustration among fans. Many have voiced their discontent on the platform, with a significant number choosing to cancel their pre-orders and wait for the digital release instead. The sentiment among these fans is that requiring an internet connection to play a supposedly physical copy diminishes the sense of ownership over the game.

Despite the backlash regarding the physical edition, early recipients of the game have shared positive experiences on Reddit, praising *DOOM: The Dark Ages* for its gameplay. At Game8, we've reviewed the game and awarded it an impressive 88 out of 100, applauding its return to a more grounded, gritty combat style compared to the aerial dynamics of *DOOM (2016)* and *Eternal*. For a detailed analysis of the game, feel free to explore our in-depth review below!

DOOM: The Dark Ages Pre-Launch Updates

Fans Cancel Their Pre-Orders

The backlash against the physical edition of *DOOM: The Dark Ages* has led to widespread pre-order cancellations. The minimal data on the game disc, coupled with the need for a large download, has left many fans feeling misled. The early shipment by some retailers only amplified the issue, as it brought the problem to light sooner than expected.

Despite the physical edition's issues, the game itself has received positive feedback from those who have played it early. Here at Game8, we believe *DOOM: The Dark Ages* brings a brutal renaissance to the series, offering a compelling shift towards a more visceral, boots-on-the-ground combat experience. For more insights into why we've rated the game so highly, be sure to read our full review.