Doom: The Dark Ages has stormed into the gaming world, amassing an impressive 3 million players within its first week of release. This monumental achievement marks the biggest launch in id Software's 34-year history, surpassing even the highly acclaimed Doom Eternal. The medieval-themed FPS, released on May 15, 2025, has captivated gamers across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, with over 2 million players logging in via Xbox alone.

The game's rapid success is a testament to its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and the power of Xbox Game Pass, which offered it as a day-one release. Industry analysts, including Christopher Dring, noted that the game's player count grew seven times faster than Doom Eternal, a clear indicator of its widespread appeal.

As the first Doom title released under Xbox's ownership (following the acquisition of ZeniMax Media), Doom: The Dark Ages had big shoes to fill. The game was unveiled at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, where its dark, medieval aesthetic and expanded lore immediately set it apart from its predecessors.

Leading up to launch, the game partnered with major brands like Harley-Davidson for a Doom-themed motorcycle and Nvidia for exclusive GPU bundles. These collaborations, combined with a strategic marketing push, clearly paid off, as the game shattered expectations.

Despite its success, Doom: The Dark Ages faced initial skepticism due to its lower peak concurrent player count on Steam (31,470) compared to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal. However, Bethesda clarified that the Game Pass effect played a significant role, as many players opted for the subscription service over purchasing the game outright.

With hype still soaring, Doom: The Dark Ages is poised to attract even more players in the coming months. Its success also reinforces Xbox's first-party strategy, joining other hits like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

For fans of the series, the game's bold new direction—combining medieval warfare with the franchise's signature fast-paced combat—sets a high bar for future installments. Will the next Doom game dare to go even bigger? Only time will tell.