Doom’s latest instalment confronts rising costs, free-to-play giants, and a changing player base

Doom has been a titan in gaming since its first launch in 1993. The brutal first-person shooter revolutionised the genre and created a loyal fanbase that has stood the test of time. But in 2025, even a legendary franchise like Doom and its superhuman protagonist, the Doom Slayer, will face fierce challenges in an evolving industry.

The latest release, Doom: The Dark Ages, arrives amid a landscape dominated by free-to-play (F2P) titans such as Fortnite and Roblox, and annual blockbusters like Call of Duty and EA FC. These “forever games” dominate players’ time, especially among younger audiences, leaving premium games scrambling to capture attention.

Marty Stratton, executive producer of Doom, acknowledges the competition for gamers’ time, pointing out that “there’s so much stuff competing for our attention these days.” However, he believes Doom’s shorter playtime—under 20 hours—fits modern habits. “It doesn’t have to become your obsession for the next two years,” he says, hinting that the series can slot into busy lives more easily than sprawling open-world games.

Doom’s legacy gives it a solid footing. Developed by ID Software, the franchise boasts a devoted following. Still, Rhys Elliot, industry expert at Alinea Analytics, warns that developers can no longer rely only on hardcore fans. The premium games market isn’t growing, while production costs soar. “The people who make games—they still need to make revenues each year because, you know, capitalism,” he notes bluntly.

Attracting new players is key. Doom’s director, Hugo Martin, points to the positive reaction to The Dark Ages’ previews, praising its “Medieval sci-fi” setting and gameplay changes. He’s hopeful about the many first-time Doom players commenting on social media. Customisation options also aim to welcome newcomers, letting players tweak difficulty and gameplay for a personalised experience.

But the biggest hurdle remains cost. Video games have long sparked debate over pricing. A decade ago, a new game cost about £40 in the UK—equivalent to around £60 today after inflation. Doom: The Dark Ages carries a hefty price tag of £69.99 for the standard edition, with a premium version pushing near £100.

Stratton insists prices haven’t “skyrocketed” but acknowledges the spotlight is back on game costs due to concerns over tariffs and rising console prices. This environment makes free-to-play games even more attractive to budget-conscious players who don’t need expensive new hardware.

Still, Doom’s team argues that “free” games often end up costing more. Microtransactions—small in-game purchases—can add up to hundreds of pounds. A recent TSB poll found that dedicated players might spend around £22 monthly on such extras. Doom’s one-off purchase avoids surprise charges, says Stratton: “You’re not going to be asked to pay anything else, two hours in.”

Hugo Martin believes players appreciate paying for a curated, replayable experience. “Typically, if you just make a really good game, then people will want to play it again,” he explains.

Subscription services like Microsoft’s Game Pass and Sony’s PlayStation Plus add another wrinkle. Doom is available on Game Pass, which costs £14.99 monthly, giving many gamers an alternative to full-price purchases. Players can also pay £34.99 to access The Dark Ages early with bonus content—another way to tap “superfans” eager for the latest.

Rhys predicts more “price fiddling” and tiered offers as companies test what players will pay. He welcomes the potential for more competition and pricing diversity, which could benefit consumers.

Ultimately, Doom’s creators believe their product stands strong. “We think about price when we’re developing it—we obviously want the value to be there for players,” says Stratton. Hugo sums up their confidence: “There’s obviously still a place for a good, premium, highly polished, fun single-player game.”

The Doom Slayer might have faced demons and monsters for decades, but in 2025, his fiercest battles are economic and cultural, proving that even legends must adapt or fall.