Here’s an intriguing tidbit for you: the Doom Slayer in the upcoming “Doom: The Dark Ages” takes some cues from none other than Batman, specifically the version from Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight” comic series. Yesterday, id Software shared that players will be able to earn achievements for “Doom: The Dark Ages” starting May 15, 2025, as the game will officially depart the list of upcoming titles on Game Pass.
During a recent hands-off preview of “Doom: The Dark Ages,” I had the chance to sit in on a Q&A session with the developers at id Software. This gave us a fascinating insight into the creative process behind the game. Creative director Hugo Martin shared that the intense, medieval-like Doom Slayer was heavily inspired by the Dark Knight saga, an idea they had been toying with since the release of “Doom” back in 2016.
It’s clear that Miller’s interpretation of Batman had a significant influence on the design of this new version of the Slayer, which resembles a more formidable, robust character than we’ve seen before. Interestingly, this wasn’t the only revelation. Leaked court documents during Microsoft’s clash with the FTC over the Activision Blizzard acquisition hinted at a Bethesda project named Doom: Year One.
Martin shed some light on this, noting that the codename was a tribute to Frank Miller’s “Year One” comic, which he and executive producer Marty Stratton delved into in 2016. The entire “Dark Knight” series, he noted, had a substantial impact on them.
“For me, Frank Miller’s ‘The Dark Knight’ is an all-time favorite, which I’m sure many would agree with,” Martin said. “His portrayal of Batman was massive—literally. He became this incredible, powerful force, like a tank. His arsenal was formidable, and everything about him was captivating. Igniting such energy into our Slayer seemed compelling, envisioning him as a heavier, more powerful figure.”
Martin continued, reflecting on past projects: “We’ve extracted all the speed and agility possible from ‘Doom Eternal.’ We’re proud of that game; it stands firmly alongside ‘Doom’ (2016). However, exploring a different variation of the Doom Slayer power fantasy sounded like a great opportunity and one that players would enjoy. Creating this character with a certain heft, where every step he takes echoes power, is exciting.”
He also mentioned the team’s aspirations to delve into the Slayer’s prequel, rooted in the lore and the Slayer’s Testaments we saw in “Doom” (2016). “Following the likes of George Lucas, who set the blueprint for this in the ’80s, you learn that giving heroes a history can pay off if fans show interest. And they did. The Slayer’s backstory was one of our primary tasks from the get-go, embedded within the Slayer’s Testaments and legends. We were always hopeful for the chance to explore this narrative.”
Are you excited about taking on demons as a Doom Slayer who channels the spirit of the Dark Knight in this new Xbox thriller? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!
