A Brutal Legacy and the Question on Every Gamer’s Mind
The 2016 reboot of the iconic DOOM franchise sent shockwaves throughout the gaming community, redefining the first-person shooter genre with its relentless pace, gruesome combat, and heavy metal soundtrack. Since its release, fans have been clamoring for more, and the natural next step would be to make this modern classic available on Xbox Game Pass. The question on everyone’s mind: will DOOM 2016 finally join the ranks of Microsoft’s increasingly impressive subscription service?
The Case for DOOM 2016 on Game Pass
Before diving into the likelihood of DOOM 2016’s arrival on Game Pass, it’s essential to understand the benefits of such a move. Bethesda Softworks, the game’s publisher, has been steadily expanding its presence on the Xbox platform, with several titles already available on Game Pass. The addition of DOOM 2016 would not only please existing fans but also attract new subscribers eager to experience this critically acclaimed title.
A Perfect Fit for the Xbox Ecosystem
DOOM 2016’s fast-paced action and visceral combat would thrive on Xbox, where gamers can immerse themselves in the game’s intense atmosphere using the console’s capabilities. The enhanced performance, 4K resolution, and potential for optimized controller support would elevate the overall gaming experience, making it an attractive proposition for Xbox enthusiasts.
Building on the Success of Bethesda’s Xbox Presence
Bethesda has been gradually increasing its support for Xbox Game Pass, with titles like Fallout 4, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Dishonored 2 already available on the service. The inclusion of DOOM 2016 would further cement the publisher’s commitment to Xbox, solidifying their partnership and providing more value to subscribers.
The History of DOOM on Xbox and Game Pass
To better understand the likelihood of DOOM 2016 joining Game Pass, let’s examine the history of DOOM titles on Xbox and the service.
DOOM and Xbox: A Long-Standing Relationship
The DOOM franchise has a rich history on Xbox, dating back to the release of DOOM 3 on the original Xbox in 2005. The series has continued to appear on subsequent Xbox consoles, with DOOM 3: BFG Edition arriving on Xbox 360 in 2012 and DOOM (2016) launching on Xbox One in 2016.
DOOM Eternal’s Game Pass Debut
In a promising move, DOOM Eternal, the 2020 sequel to DOOM 2016, launched on Xbox Game Pass in October 2020. This decision marked a significant milestone in the franchise’s relationship with Xbox, hinting at the possibility of more DOOM titles joining the service.
The Current State of DOOM 2016 on Xbox
Despite its availability on Xbox One, DOOM 2016 remains a digital-only title, with no physical release in sight. While this shouldn’t impact its potential inclusion on Game Pass, it’s essential to acknowledge the game’s existing presence on the Xbox platform.
Technical Feasibility and Performance Concerns
Optimization and Performance
To ensure a seamless Game Pass experience, DOOM 2016 would require optimization for the Xbox ecosystem. Given the game’s demanding system requirements and intense action, Microsoft and Bethesda would need to work together to guarantee a smooth, high-performance experience for subscribers.
Enhanced Features and Updates
A potential Game Pass release would provide an opportunity for Bethesda to revisit and enhance DOOM 2016, incorporating features like improved visuals, increased performance, and possibly even new content. This would not only benefit subscribers but also attract returning players eager to experience the improved game.
The Uncertain Future of DOOM 2016 on Game Pass
While there are compelling arguments for DOOM 2016’s inclusion on Game Pass, the uncertainty surrounding its release persists. The absence of an official announcement from Bethesda or Microsoft has left fans wondering if this beloved title will ever join the service.
Licensing and Partnerships
The Complexity of Licensing Agreements
One potential hurdle to DOOM 2016’s Game Pass release is the intricacy of licensing agreements between Bethesda and Microsoft. These agreements can be complex and influenced by various factors, including revenue sharing, exclusivity deals, and platform restrictions.
The Impact of Bethesda’s Acquisition by Microsoft
In March 2021, Microsoft announced its acquisition of Bethesda Softworks, a move that could have significant implications for the publisher’s titles on Xbox and Game Pass. This acquisition may pave the way for more Bethesda games, including DOOM 2016, to join the service, but the exact details of the deal remain unclear.
Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of DOOM 2016 on Game Pass
The possibility of DOOM 2016 joining Xbox Game Pass remains an enticing prospect, driven by the game’s critical acclaim, its existing presence on Xbox, and the success of DOOM Eternal on the service. While there are valid arguments for and against its inclusion, the uncertainty surrounding licensing agreements, technical feasibility, and the impact of Bethesda’s acquisition by Microsoft leaves us with more questions than answers.
As we wait for an official announcement, one thing is certain: the gaming community’s desire for DOOM 2016 on Game Pass will only continue to grow. Whether or not this modern classic will break free from its current constraints and join the ranks of Xbox Game Pass remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the world needs more DOOM in their lives.
Will DOOM 2016 be added to Game Pass?
The short answer is that we don’t know for certain, but there are some promising signs. Microsoft has been expanding the Game Pass library aggressively, and id Software, the developers of DOOM 2016, are now owned by Microsoft. This acquisition has already led to the addition of some id Software titles to Game Pass, so there is a possibility that DOOM 2016 could follow suit.
While there has been no official announcement from Microsoft or id Software, the community is eagerly waiting for an update. Until then, fans of the iconic FPS series can only speculate about the possibility of DOOM 2016 joining the Game Pass roster. With the game’s popularity and the growing demand for more Bethesda titles on Game Pass, it’s certainly not out of the question.
What are the chances of DOOM 2016 coming to Game Pass?
The chances of DOOM 2016 coming to Game Pass are difficult to quantify, but there are several factors that suggest it could happen. Firstly, Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda Softworks, the parent company of id Software, has opened up new possibilities for collaboration and integration. Secondly, the success of DOOM Eternal on Game Pass has shown that there is a demand for FPS titles on the platform.
Furthermore, Microsoft has been actively expanding the Game Pass library to include more titles from various genres, including first-person shooters. With DOOM 2016 being a critically acclaimed game and a beloved title in the series, it’s possible that Microsoft could consider adding it to Game Pass to attract more subscribers and satisfy the gaming community’s demands.
When can we expect an announcement about DOOM 2016 on Game Pass?
There is no specific timeframe for an announcement about DOOM 2016 joining Game Pass. Microsoft and id Software have not provided any hints or teasers about the game’s potential arrival on the platform. However, considering the frequency of Game Pass updates and new title additions, it’s possible that an announcement could come at any time.
Fans of DOOM 2016 should keep an eye on official social media channels, website updates, and gaming news outlets for any rumblings or official announcements about the game’s potential arrival on Game Pass. With the gaming community’s growing interest in DOOM 2016 on Game Pass, it’s likely that any news or updates will spread quickly online.
Will DOOM 2016 be available on both Xbox and PC Game Pass?
If DOOM 2016 does come to Game Pass, it’s likely that it will be available on both Xbox and PC Game Pass. Microsoft has been working to synchronize the libraries of both platforms, making it easier for users to access their favorite games across multiple devices.
As DOOM 2016 is already available on PC, it would make sense for Microsoft to include it in the PC Game Pass library as well. This would allow PC gamers to access the game as part of their subscription, potentially driving more adoption of the service.
What about other Bethesda titles on Game Pass?
The possibility of DOOM 2016 joining Game Pass raises questions about the potential addition of other Bethesda titles to the platform. With Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda Softworks, there is a strong likelihood that more Bethesda games will be added to Game Pass in the future.
In fact, some Bethesda titles, such as Dishonored and The Evil Within, are already part of the Game Pass library. As Microsoft continues to integrate Bethesda’s titles into its ecosystem, we can expect to see more of these iconic games becoming available on Game Pass.
Will the addition of DOOM 2016 affect the game’s online multiplayer?
If DOOM 2016 does come to Game Pass, it’s unlikely that the game’s online multiplayer component will be affected. The game’s online features, including multiplayer modes and leaderboards, are already well-established and will likely remain intact.
In fact, the addition of DOOM 2016 to Game Pass could potentially boost the game’s online player base, making it easier for gamers to find multiplayer matches and enjoy the game’s competitive modes.
What does this mean for the future of Game Pass?
The potential addition of DOOM 2016 to Game Pass is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for the platform’s future. With Microsoft’s continued investment in Game Pass and its growing library of titles, the service is becoming an increasingly attractive option for gamers.
As more AAA titles and beloved franchises like DOOM join Game Pass, the platform is likely to continue growing in popularity, potentially disrupting the traditional gaming industry model. This could lead to a shift in the way gamers consume and play games, with subscription services like Game Pass becoming the new norm.