Celebrating Doom's Next Chapter: Insights into 'Doom Year Zero' Unveiled in Xbox Leak

A recent Xbox leak, believed to be the result of a filing error, has unveiled some intriguing details about the next installment in the Doom franchise. Following the success of the 2016 series reboot and its sequel, Doom Eternal, fans and critics alike are eager to learn more about what lies ahead in this iconic series.

The Title: Doom Year Zero

The upcoming Doom game is tentatively titled "Doom Year Zero", as indicated in the leaked internal Xbox documents from 2022. While the name itself doesn't divulge much about the game's content, it strongly suggests a direct continuation of the Doom Eternal storyline.

Speculation about the title's meaning is rife. It could imply a plot point where the Slayer awakens in a distant future marked as "Year Zero", possibly signifying the moment when demonic forces are unleashed due to some divine or catastrophic event. In previous Doom games, human actions triggered demonic invasions, so "Year Zero" might denote an event initiated by humans. Of course, this is purely speculative, and the actual meaning remains a mystery.

Doom Year Zero Release Window

Although Doom Year Zero lacks an official release date, we can make an educated guess about its launch window based on the leaked documents. It is slated for release approximately two years after "Starfield". However, whether any delays in "Starfield" development will impact Doom Year Zero's release date is uncertain. As a result, fans may need to exercise patience, with a potential release in 2024 or even as late as 2025.

The gaming lineup leading up to Doom Year Zero's release includes the rumored Oblivion Remastered and the yet-to-be-dated Indiana Jones game. If these predictions hold, 2025 could be a plausible release year for Doom Year Zero.

Two Years of DLC for Doom Year Zero

As per the leaked documents, Doom Year Zero is expected to receive two years of DLC support. The first DLC is slated for the same financial year as the game's release, followed by another in the subsequent year. If these DLCs follow a similar pattern to Doom Eternal's "The Ancient Gods", players can anticipate additional campaigns that extend the Slayer's relentless journey.

It's important to note that the 2016 Doom reboot did not feature any DLC, so establishing a pattern from previous titles is challenging. The Year Zero DLC could encompass two separate campaigns or offer entirely different content. While speculation abounds, it's reassuring to know that Doom Year Zero will receive ongoing support with new content.

DOOM Year Zero Platforms

The specific platforms for Doom Year Zero's release remain undisclosed at this stage. However, it's reasonable to assume that the game will at least be available on PC and Xbox. While a PlayStation 5 version is a possibility, it seems less likely given Xbox's current focus on exclusive first-party titles. It could potentially be a timed exclusive or partially exclusive to Xbox platforms.

The availability of Doom Year Zero on Game Pass from day one is uncertain, despite Xbox's efforts to attract more subscribers to the service. A Nintendo Switch port appears unlikely, especially considering reports of an upcoming new Nintendo console.

In conclusion, Doom fans have much to look forward to with the upcoming Doom Year Zero, although many details remain shrouded in mystery.