id Software, the game’s developer, said the delay comes as the studio seeks to “deliver a gaming experience that is worth the wait.” The statement also mentions a desire to add further polish to the game ahead of release, though specifics were not shared.
Outside of announcing Doom Eternal’s new release date, id also revealed further information about the game’s multiplayer, a new pre-order bonus, and its release on the Nintendo Switch.
First unveiled at QuakeCon 2018, Invasion Mode is a multiplayer component that allows players to invade other players’ games as a demon. Some have loosely compared it to Dark Souls’ invasion mechanics (because why not?), precisely because demons can invade the game’s campaign missions.
The functionality will release after the game launches as a “free update,” though a specific timeframe for its release outside of “shortly after” was not provided.
Additionally, it was announced that the recently-revealed Doom 64 is now a Doom Eternal pre-order bonus — and that it will release on the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game will be free for all of those who pre-order Doom Eternal.
id also confirmed that Doom 64 will launch the same day as Doom Eternal. However, the developer did not confirm if Doom 64 would be available to those who did not pre-order the latest game in the franchise. It also did not confirm on what storefronts it would be available if so, or at what price.
Unfortunately, that’s not all we don’t know. Initially set to release on the Nintendo Switch after other consoles (post November 22), Doom Eternal’s status on the Nintendo console is now even murkier. While the game is still set to release on the Switch “after other consoles,” it looks like what was perhaps a several months’ wait just got even longer.
While it’s kind of a bummer we have to wait until March 2020 to get our hands on Doom Eternal, the fall is littered with fantastic new releases such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, MediEvil, The Outer Worlds, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Death Stranding, Shenmue 3, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Until then, be sure to check out our hands-on preview impressions of Doom Eternal from E3 2019.
