Doom: The Dark Ages' new expansion, Revelations, arrives as a strong addition to the franchise, showcasing an evolution of the base game's combat mechanics. However, the DLC's release is critically overshadowed by devastating layoffs that have reportedly decimated Id Software, the storied developer behind the Doom series.
Microsoft's recent fiscal year opening brought widespread layoffs across its Xbox division, impacting numerous studios, including Id Software. Reports indicate that fewer than half of Id's 186 employees remain following these cuts, a stark reduction for a studio responsible for AAA blockbusters. This occurred despite The Dark Ages achieving the company's biggest launch in history. The future of Id Software, a studio with a legacy stretching back to the early 1990s, is now uncertain, with the remaining team size comparable to a support studio rather than one capable of forging major titles.
Revelations picks up the narrative thread of The Dark Ages, though the story's specifics may be challenging to recall after a 14-month gap. The core premise remains straightforward: the player embodies Doomguy, tasked with eliminating demons. The expansion introduces Metroidvania-lite elements, beginning after the Slayer is defeated and sent to Purgatory. Here, the Slayer's iconic chainsaw shield is broken, armor is lost, and ammunition reserves are depleted, yet the demonic onslaught continues.
The introduction of the Chain Spear is a central highlight of Revelations, significantly altering combat. This new weapon can reflect enemy projectiles, similar to the chainsaw shield, but it is complemented by a new dodge mechanic. This shift encourages a more agile approach, emphasizing evasion over parrying. Successfully timed dodges build a Spear Empowerment meter, fueling potent spear attacks, including powerful throws and enhanced melee strikes. The combat transforms into a frenetic dance, with players constantly moving to avoid attacks and engage enemies.
This emphasis on speed is further enhanced by the spear's Meat Hook ability, allowing rapid traversal across arenas by pulling the Slayer towards enemies. This mechanic offers great verticality and allows for repositioning to gain tactical advantages, adding a layer of versatility that may appeal to players seeking a faster pace akin to earlier Doom entries.
The expansion features several levels where players must gather MacGuffins to open a portal out of Purgatory. Echoing Metroidvania design, these levels contain secrets and require collected keys for full exploration. The chainsaw shield eventually returns, becoming essential for both traversal and puzzle-solving, demanding players alternate between the shield and spear abilities. Some environmental puzzles are noted as being particularly challenging.
However, the new combat focus on the Chain Spear means the returning chainsaw shield can feel cumbersome for players who have adapted to the agile spear-based combat. The desire to maintain momentum and speed often clashes with the shield's defensive, stationary role.
Revelations offers a roughly six-hour campaign, introducing new demons and bosses. The expansion also includes the Ripatorium for horde-mode challenges and a Master Key that unlocks new explorable areas within its levels. Despite these additions, the future of Id Software's output is uncertain.
While Doom is reportedly a franchise Zenimax, Id's parent company, intends to focus on, the decimation of the development team raises serious questions. Reports from former employees describe the situation as a "bloodbath." Ideas for future projects at Id have been discussed, but none have been greenlit, and the studio's technological backbone may be compromised. A Kotaku report suggests the Id Tech engine team is down to a single person, potentially rendering the engine, crucial for the series' ability to render numerous demons and complex environments, obsolete.
This situation is compounded by speculation about Microsoft potentially selling off its Xbox division. Such a move would likely lead to further job losses and studio closures. If Revelations and The Dark Ages represent the final projects led by Id Software, it would be a significant loss for the gaming industry, marking an unfortunate end for a developer renowned for its iconic "rip and tear" approach. Revelations is available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.