Just days before the highly anticipated release of Doom: The Dark Ages, a storm is brewing among longtime fans — and this time, it’s not about gameplay changes or lore decisions. A growing number of players are canceling their pre-orders after discovering that the physical game disc contains only a small amount of data, requiring a massive 85 GB download to access the full game.
Minimal Disc Data Sparks Outrage
The controversy erupted after fans who received early copies of Doom: The Dark Ages reported that the discs — for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X — contain only a few megabytes of data. This effectively turns physical copies into glorified download keys, defeating the purpose for collectors or players with limited internet access. Social media lit up in protest, with many calling out publisher Bethesda for what they see as an anti-consumer move. According to a viral post from Twitter user @DoesItPlay1, fans began canceling their pre-orders en masse due to the discovery.
Why This Matters
For many players, physical discs serve as a form of ownership and preservation. The expectation is that a disc contains a playable version of the game — or at least most of it. With Doom: The Dark Ages requiring an 85 GB download, users with slow internet speeds or data caps are left at a major disadvantage.
This move also raises concerns about long-term access. What happens if servers are shut down in the future? Will players still be able to access the game they purchased on disc?
What Is Doom: The Dark Ages?
Set as a prequel to the 2016 reboot, Doom: The Dark Ages explores the origins of the Doom Slayer in a medieval-inspired, demon-infested setting. The game introduces new weapons like the Shield Saw and Reaver Chainshot, and features exotic locales like the Cosmic Realm, a dimension dripping in Lovecraftian horror.
Early access is currently available for Premium Edition buyers, while Standard Edition owners will gain access starting Wednesday, May 14, at 8:00 PM Eastern.
While Doom: The Dark Ages promises epic combat and thrilling new worlds, the backlash over its disc-based delivery is creating a rift in the fanbase. For many, this isn’t just about data — it’s about trust, access, and ownership in an increasingly digital gaming landscape. As players continue to weigh their options, Bethesda may need to address these concerns head-on before more fans decide to cancel their pre-orders.