Here’s an interesting tidbit for you: the Slayer in “Doom: The Dark Ages” draws inspiration from Batman’s iconic adventures in Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight.” Just yesterday, id Software announced that the game will officially be in our hands on May 15, 2025, when it leaves the roster of upcoming releases on Game Pass.
During a recent hands-off preview of “Doom: The Dark Ages,” we participated in an engaging Q&A session with the team at id Software, eager to learn more about their latest creation. It was during this discussion that creative director Hugo Martin shared just how deeply Frank Miller’s interpretation of Batman influenced the new medieval-inspired version of the Doom Slayer. Remarkably, plans for a prequel started brewing as early as 2016 with the development of Doom.
Miller’s influence is evident in the way “Doom: The Dark Ages” presents a bulkier, more formidable Slayer than ever before. As the battle for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard unfolded, a peek behind the curtain through leaked court documents unveiled Bethesda’s development of a game under the codename “Doom: Year One.”
Hugo Martin confirmed that this codename was a nod to Miller’s “Batman: Year One,” a favorite among him and Marty Stratton back in 2016. “My all-time favorite comic is Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight,” Martin shared. “His portrayal of Batman was larger than life, almost tank-like. Everything about him, from his presence to his arsenal, screamed power. I thought, ‘Imagine a Slayer like that.’ A heavier, more powerful Doom Slayer.”
Martin elaborated on the shift in gameplay style: “We had pushed the speed and acrobatics to their limits with Doom Eternal and its DLCs. We’re immensely proud of that game. But this new direction, this variation of the Doom Slayer power fantasy, seemed worth exploring. The heavier feel, the earth-shattering footsteps, it all feels incredibly satisfying to play.”
The team had long hoped to delve into the Slayer’s origins, a subject hinted at with the Slayer’s Testaments in Doom (2016). Martin noted, “Visionaries like George Lucas paved the way for crafting rich backstories in the ’80s. Your protagonists deserve a history. If done right, with enough fan interest, you can explore those tales further in sequels.”
So, are you itching to dive into the role of a Doom Slayer inspired by the Dark Knight, ready to take on demons in this new Xbox first-person shooter? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop us a comment below!
