Doom: Eternal doubled the launch weekend revenue record set by the Doom reboot.
As the world continues to quarantine and isolate, the entertainment market is growing, as evidenced by Doom: Eternal's weekend earnings, which broke the previous record set by the game in 2016, according to Gematsu. Owned by Bethesda, Doom: Eternal saw double the launch revenue of Doom.
The Doom franchise is old. Dating back to the 1990s, the series follows the main character as he battles demonic invasions in various settings. In 2016, Doom released as a reboot of the mainline franchise and was highly praised by gamers and critics alike, earning it high ratings across the board and selling over 500 copies on PC in its first month.
Now, Doom: Eternal is poised to surpass its predecessor. A direct sequel to the first game, Doom: Eternal brings the battle to Earth, where players must bring order to a chaotic world of demons and bloodshed. Bethesda didn't provide exact numbers, but did report that the game had doubled Doom 2016's previous launch revenue. In the first week, Doom: Eternal on Steam sold over 100 copies, a fifth of PC sales in the first month.
The Doom franchise has a loyal fanbase, and the sequel was a highly anticipated release. Although loyal fans cannot be reduced, it is possible that the increase in sales will be helped in part by the COVID-19 measures taken by many. Social isolation and quarantine have forced many potential buyers to return home for hours, looking for an outlet.
In Italy, internet usage jumped 70% as isolated citizens downloaded and played Fortnite to pass the time. Doom: Eternal offers long and cathartic gameplay during a time of global crisis. Bringing order to a world overrun with demons might not be a direct parallel, but it can let players vent some of their quarantine-induced frustrations.
