Over 2 Million Players Started DOOM: The Dark Ages on Xbox, While Only 500K Are Active on PS5

DOOM: The Dark Ages Achieves Remarkable Launch Milestone

Launched with significant fanfare, DOOM: The Dark Ages has surpassed expectations in terms of player engagement. Within just five days, the game successfully amassed an impressive three million players, achieving this milestone seven times faster than its predecessor, DOOM Eternal.

Player Distribution and Engagement Insights

While three million players is a commendable achievement, a closer look reveals that a substantial portion of these players were Xbox users. This influx primarily stems from purchases and subscriptions through the Xbox Game Pass on Series X/S consoles and Game Pass for PC. According to data from analytics firm Ampere Analysis, shared by The Game Business, over two million of these initial players engaged on Xbox platforms, with merely 500, 000 on PS5. Furthermore, player activity on PC was noted as “a bit on the low side, ” indicating a potential area for growth in future releases.

The Implications of Subscription Services

Despite the strong player count, the implications of subscription models cannot be overlooked. With Xbox Game Pass being a major draw for players, Microsoft is likely pleased that DOOM: The Dark Ages has generated such a robust player base. However, this raises pertinent questions regarding the conversion of player counts to actual sales—a topic underscored by Raccoon Logic’s creative director, who expressed concerns about how high initial player counts may not guarantee corresponding sales when part of a larger subscription service.

Comparative Success and Future Prospects

The broader trend within the gaming industry is illustrated through another recent Xbox Game Pass title, Atomfall, which exceeded 1.5 million players during its opening weekend. This number rose to two million within the first month, primarily from Xbox players as reported by The Game Business. This context provides a benchmark for assessing the performance of DOOM: The Dark Ages.

Looking Ahead: Sales and Subscriptions

While three million players in five days represents a remarkable accomplishment, the real test for DOOM: The Dark Ages will be its impact on Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and its sales figures across non-Xbox platforms. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how effectively this title leverages its launch success to drive longer-term player engagement and sales.

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