Bethesda has released the official TV spot for DOOM Eternal. However, it is not well-received, at least according to the loudest voices and ratings. And that’s only because something rather trivial is off. Complaining at a high level?
This is the trailer: The new TV spot for DOOM Eternal is only 30 seconds long. It features some already familiar images, such as the Doomslayer (“Doom Guy”) and some of the crazy weapons from the new installment, like the Hellblade.
Terms like Power, Defiance, and Courage are interspersed, mixed with classic scenes where demons get a serious beating – only without blood, as it’s for television. We’ve embedded the trailer here for you:
Fans are outraged: “It’s not DOOM without Metal!”
This is what bothers the fans about the trailer: Although the images speak for themselves, fans are hugely bothered by one thing in the new video: the music. It is backed by a rather shallow rap.
However, DOOM is known as a game series for its intensity and for Heavy Metal. Each installment is usually accompanied by shredding guitars and massive riffs that resonate in the ears as much as the harsh screams of shredded demons.
The community’s reactions are rather harsh. The video on Bethesda’s main channel has already received 11,779 downvotes versus 4,233 upvotes (as of February 25 at 6:35 PM). Some comments:
- Pariah Apocalypse on YouTube writes: “Stop using rap for everything. Especially for games whose entire soundtrack is Heavy Metal with EXTREMELY BRUTAL gameplay.”
- Gabi Brown on YouTube writes: “It’s not DOOM without Heavy Metal. Epic Fail of a TV spot, sorry.”
It’s all about the music
Are the fans too spoiled? For many fans of the series, Metal is simply part of the game. Especially composer Mick Gordon from Australia, who has already made the music for Doom (2016) and many Wolfenstein parts, is in their minds. Here’s one of his compositions from DOOM Eternal:
Accordingly, it’s hardly surprising that the target audience for DOOM Eternal, who likes this music, is now disappointed. Additionally, it’s also being debated over a content that is not particularly relevant.
This is a TV spot for television. I myself do not watch TV, so I will never see the trailer live outside of YouTube, and it will consequently not reach me – and from my circle of acquaintances, I can say that many feel the same.
Moreover, previous gameplay and information about DOOM Eternal have significantly raised the expectations. In one of the new trailers, there was surprisingly much story at the forefront (for DOOM) and it has pampered the players extraordinarily, also with images.
In addition, DOOM Eternal is getting a whole new mechanic: the Battlemode, in which you can even fight as a demon with special skills. Features that have not been in DOOM before.
The fact that fans are now upset about the music and to such a high degree shows: Everything else seems to be so good that they can now complain about something rather unimportant.
Why is Bethesda doing this?
These are possible reasons: We asked Bethesda for the reasons behind the decision and are currently waiting for a response. We will add them here as soon as we receive them.
However, it is possible that the spot is meant to attract a new audience – one that does not only enjoy Metal (and might even be put off by it) but just loves great shooters.
The TV spot reaches more people than those who will play DOOM anyway and do not need the information. Ultimately, a larger player base brings advantages for everyone, as DOOM Eternal is set to get content like an MMO. This is only possible with financial resources.
More players mean more money that can flow into further development. And the rap in the TV spot doesn’t change the Metal in the game. But what do you say about this? How much have you noticed about DOOM Eternal?
