DOOM: Paid $99 for a useless disc? The digital version is dirt cheap now!
Tomorrow, the latest game in the DOOM series will be released: DOOM: The Dark Ages. Many players have of course pre-ordered the game, either as a digital or physical version. But is the physical version on disc really worth it? Or is it just wasted money? Find out everything here.
Win DOOM: The Dark Ages for free!
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the latest entry in the legendary DOOM universe. The game will be released on May 15 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, telling the origin story of the DOOM Slayer in a medieval setting. You can expect new weapons, mechanics, and enemies in a brand-new epic campaign. But despite all the anticipation, there is controversy surrounding the physical versions because the discs contain only minimal data.
The Empty Disc: What’s (Not) On It?
Let’s start with the actual data. The physical disc for the PlayStation 5 contains only 85 megabytes of data—barely anything to even start the game. The Xbox version contains 328 megabytes, which is also just a small installer or authorization stub.
With such tiny file sizes, it’s clear that this is not the full game. The full game is about 85 GB in size—more than 250 times the Xbox disc content. The rest must be downloaded directly from the Xbox or PlayStation network.
So an internet connection is absolutely required, even when using the physical disc. That means the disc is completely useless without the internet. This practice has been heavily criticized by collectors and players. It’s called a “fake disc release“, and the disc serves only as a key to download the game.
Digital Versions: Cheaper and More Complete?
Now that we know the disc is just a key, is it even worth buying? Probably not. Of course, everyone has to decide for themselves, but discs offer no more value than digital versions, as both are unusable without internet and server downloads.
However, digital versions, which offer the same capabilities, have several advantages. For one, they usually come at a lower price. You can buy game keys online for almost any title at a better price than the physical editions. This applies to DOOM: The Dark Ages as well. Learn more here. If you love saving money, AllKeyShop will always help you find the best deal on video games.
Plus, with a digital version, you don’t have to wait. Once you’ve purchased the game on Steam or from your chosen key store, you can download it immediately without waiting for shipping. Also, discounts are more frequent for digital games than for physical copies. It might be worth waiting a little before buying. And lastly, a digital product can’t break like a disc, meaning you can use it for longer.
Criticism of the Practice: Community Reactions
Many fans are, of course, very disappointed with this fake disc release. Some have even canceled their orders after hearing the disc contains nothing. Many are questioning why physical versions still exist if they’re worthless and require internet anyway.
This has also reignited discussions about ownership of games, a hot topic in recent years. Do we actually own the game, or just a license? Because if the game disappears from servers, we can’t download it anymore. In the past, this was a reason to buy games on disc—so they’d still be playable if removed online. But that’s no longer possible with these fake disc releases.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for the Future of Physical Games?
The controversy surrounding the physical version of DOOM: The Dark Ages isn’t an isolated case—it’s part of a trend. More and more physical editions are becoming mere keys and losing their practical value. What used to be full products are now just install codes or collector’s items with no real use. You’re always dependent on the internet, and you no longer truly own the game. So is it even worth buying these versions anymore? The trend is clearly moving further away from physical media toward digital distribution.
Source: XBOXYGEN
Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.
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