As fans eagerly await the next installment in the "DOOM" franchise, id Software has made moves to keep the community engaged by introducing a multiplayer mode for its classic "DOOM I" and "DOOM II" games. These two iconic titles, recently re-released across multiple platforms, now offer a connected experience that brings a fresh multiplayer element to the franchise's roots.
However, it's important to note that this new multiplayer feature was not developed by id Software itself but instead supports mods created by third-party developers.
'Doom I + Doom II' Adds Multiplayer Mode Support From id Software
Last year's remaster of the original "DOOM" games received a significant update, with the developers announcing "Update 2," now live for players to enjoy. A key feature of this update is the addition of multiplayer mod support, which allows users to engage in multiplayer sessions, though the multiplayer functionality is based on fan-created mods, not an official mode by id Software.
Bethesda, the publisher behind the "DOOM" series, has been instrumental in bringing the remastered versions of the classic games to a wide range of platforms. The update, while adding fan-supported mods, is part of Bethesda's continued efforts to support the DOOM community while also building anticipation for future releases.
The update does not include native multiplayer modes for "DOOM I" and "DOOM II" but opens the door for fan-made mods that integrate the multiplayer experience into these classic titles. Mods created using Vanilla DOOM, DeHackEd, MBF21, or BOOM are now supported, and players must ensure they have the same mods enabled before entering a multiplayer lobby for the feature to work properly.
'DOOM: The Dark Ages' Is Coming Soon, Multiplayer For Now
To bridge the gap before the upcoming release of "DOOM: The Dark Ages," id Software has rolled out this multiplayer update to give fans something to look forward to. According to Engadget, the highly anticipated new "DOOM" installment is expected to arrive by May 15, roughly four months from now, and will bring substantial gameplay enhancements.
The 'DOOM' Franchise and Its Global Popularity
"DOOM" remains one of America's most beloved sci-fi first-person shooter franchises, with a loyal fan base around the globe. Over the years, the franchise has continued to evolve, offering new titles and remasters of the classic games across various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. Fans of the original "DOOM" experience have long requested a return to form, prompting id Software to release "DOOM I" and "DOOM II" in various collections.
The franchise also underwent significant changes with the 2016 reboot, widely regarded as one of the most successful entries, aided by the iconic soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon. However, the 2020 release of "DOOM Eternal" saw a split between the development team and Gordon, who did not return for the game's soundtrack.
Despite this, id Software continues to expand the DOOM universe, focusing on both remastered classics and new titles. With the latest update, players can now enjoy "DOOM I + DOOM II" with friends via supported multiplayer mods, making the wait for "The Dark Ages" a bit easier.
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