DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on Thursday, May 15, but early reports reveal that the physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S require a substantial internet download.
Players who have received early copies report that the PS5 disc contains only 85 MB of data, while the Xbox version holds about 324 MB.
Given that the full game size is approximately 85 GB, this means that the majority of the game must be downloaded online.
This practice is not unprecedented; previous Bethesda titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also required significant downloads despite being sold as physical copies.
The game’s packaging includes a clear “Internet Required” disclaimer on the bottom left of the case, indicating that an online connection is necessary to install and play the game. However, this approach causes concern among collectors and gamers who prefer physical copies for reasons such as ownership, preservation, and limited internet access.
With concerns regarding the state of physical media and consumer ownership — “physical media is dead!” — it doesn’t help that companies are filling in the rest of that grave.
The trend of releasing physical games that function primarily as digital licenses is becoming more common, with some industry observers noting the shift undermines the value of physical media.
While digital distribution offers convenience, the practice raises questions about long-term title access and game preservation.
As some e-shops shutter, trapping games on a single console to die, players and collectors alike are left to consider the trend’s implications on gaming experiences and preserving video game history.
Players are voicing frustrations, with many claiming they have canceled their Doom pre-orders. This leaves us wondering how physical copies can survive as game sizes increase, and what the industry’s answer is.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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