[Update] Added response from VP of PR and Marketing at Bethesda Softworks, Pete Hines. [End of Update]
Rumours and reports doing the rounds today concern the future (or not) of the next entry to id Software’s legendary DOOM series of first-person shooters.
Speaking to Kotaku, an unnamed source (who supposedly “close to” Bethesda Softworks and Zenimax Media) claimed that during a company meeting held in Dallas recently, the decision was taken to “indefinitely postpone” production and development of id Software’s DOOM 4.
Why would such a decision be made?
According to the source, the poorer than expected critical and commercial reception of id Software’s recently released RAGE has had a direct impact on the studio’s future projects, DOOM 4 included, and the decision was made due to “the issues and reviews” following the launch of RAGE, most probably referring to the general mixed reaction, as well as the host of technical problems the game encountered on PC.
In addition, the source claims that the underwhelming launch of RAGE has plainly put on display id Software’s project management abilities, in which Zenimax and Bethesda now have “a serious lack of confidence.”
There’s currently no confirmation on whether or not development of DOOM 4 has indeed been put on hold or not, but I’m personally throwing my chips in here and saying that id Software is in a bit of trouble.
Having never before shipped a major game under the umbrella of a corporate structure such as Zenimax and Bethesda, and always having been free to simply compile their games and let the publisher do the rest, the launch of RAGE probably came as a wake-up call to all involved. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear that development of DOOM 4 itself is in a tailspin without proper managerial guidance, which may have contributed to the companies’ decision to halt production until a proper development schedule is put in place.
What say you? Is this mere rumour, or is there some substance to these claims? We’ve heard only snippets and promises regarding DOOM 4 in the past, with a real writer being attached to the project too, but no showings at E3, QuakeCon or gamescom at all.
[Update]
In response to the recent round of rumours, VP of PR and Marketing at Bethesda Softworks, Pete Hines has said in a Twitter posting:
“Re: DOOM 4 rumor, games are done when they are done and no title under development at id has been postponed – indefinitely or otherwise.”
Is that the end of the story? I think not.
[End of Update]
H33rsay is El33tonline’s (regular) round-up of game industry rumours and speculation where we have looks at unconfirmed and unannounced pieces of news emerging from anonymous tipsters, information leaks and generally dubious sources. It may not all be true, but it’s still fun to talk about!
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Comments:
wish they can do a Doom3 HD with the campaign fully playeble in co-op :) and achievements
It looks gloom for Doom, hope it's not going to be the next Duke Nukem Forever 15 years in development. Looks like there is going to be some changes at ID in the higher ups maybe a new president but not a new technical director.
If there is trouble at id, John Carmack wouldn't be shy about throwing his weight around, but Todd Hollenshead's importance to the company can't be discounted - he's been with id Software for a long time now so I don't think it would be a simple matter of a replacement.
Again, if there is trouble at id Software, Zenimax/Bethesda will probably just want to be a little more hands-on with the developer's projects in the future, is all. If any game needs to be made at id (for reasons of commercial success), it's the next DOOM.
That wouldn't be a bad idea fletbed, in fact before the current generation of consoles kicked off, Carmack said it would be interesting to release a high definition version of DOOM 3 to take advantage of the new systems.
id Software might just get away with it, too. ;)
@Oliver yea with Kinect support will also be a welcome add, leader boards for the mini games in Doom3 HD and maybe 10 added multiplayer maps and Resirection Of Evil included,. Games on Demand please :)
I think if ID gets the go ahead for Doom 4 they would outsource the HD remake of Doom 3 to another studio,( if there is going to be one) to concentrate 1001% on Doom 4 story wise and technical wise to show everyone that ID software is still the granddaddy of FPS.
and Give Doom3 HD to Bungie NO THANKS hahahaha OPTI POPTI! >:p
THAT!!! jet packs in Doom 3 multiplayer NOOOOO!!! Fletmeat don't give ID ideas.
Hmm, with all of these ideas, it sounds like we need to get some sort of mod going... ;)
Dang, I still haven't played Resurrection of Evil, even though I bought it the day it came out! Maybe now is the time! ;)
Rage was harshly reviewed in my opinion. Rage is a great game! Some games seem to get preference even though they have hardly change in years....A perfect example is Halo and Call of Duty. How Halo constantly gets "Editors Choice" every release is beyond me. Rage is a much better game in my opinion.
There is no chance that they will ever cancel DOOM. its ID Software's baby, and I really like the idea of redoing Doom 3 in HD. If they would outsource it they would give it to Raven Software, the guys behind the make of Resurrection of Evil. If there is anything to do with ID i will know about it, as its ID software that got me into game. I want to meet John Carmack one day as he is my all time mentor. I think doom 4 won't take that long to come out as they already have the ID Tech 5 engine (RAGE).
"id" is pronounced (and spelled) "id" and not "ID" ... it's pronounced "idd" as in the id, the ego, and the super ego. NOT "EYE DEE" as in Identification.
Q.E.D?
Who stole your ID? You most phone the police and tell them that someone stole your ID. Anyway thanks for setting us right. :)
but i prefer to say "eye dee" coz it sounds much cooler then "id" hahaha
Well the bottom line of it all, the rumour is hogwash. and Doom4 won't be cancelled. It will be the crazy if they did, its one of the best game series in the world.