Technology

Doom’s comeback already drawing fire for ‘extreme violence’

Game has inspired a genre of video games but some question level of violence

Pete Hines, vice president of marketing and public relations of Bethesda Softworks, speaks at the the company’s press conference ahead of E3. Photograph: Kevork Djansezian/Reuters

Mon Jun 15 2015 - 14:54

Controversial video game Doom is making a comeback next year and is already drawing criticism for depicting extreme violence.

The first game play footage was shown at a press conference ahead of the E3 gaming trade show in Los Angeles, complete with large amounts of gore including decapitation and enemies being cut in half by a chainsaw.

When it was first released in 1993, many criticised Doom for being too violent, as players fight off demons using a host of weapons. The new game, announced at developer Bethesda’s press conference ahead of the E3, will follow in the same footsteps.

Doom has since inspired a huge genre of shooting and violent video games that some critics say have glamorised violence. Big-selling titles Grand Theft Auto and Call Of Duty have been the subject of similar criticism in recent years.

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Social media users were quick to react as the new footage emerged, and while many fans of the series were celebrating its return, some questioned if the amount of violence in the footage was necessary as it quickly began trending online.

Twitter user Feminist Frequency wrote: “This level of extreme violence shouldn’t be considered normal. It’s not an excuse to say it’s expected because DOOM. That’s the problem.”

Many at the press conference cheered at the various kill moves seen on-screen. Others defend the game, saying it was a signature for the franchise and that it was a game rather than real life.

Sam Connell wrote on Twitter: "If someone criticizes Doom for excessive violence ... I honestly don't know what to say. That's criticizing dogs for barking." Fellow Twitter user super ellen galaxy added: "But violence in Doom is ... these creatures are fake. Their blood is fake. It is okay to want to kill fake things sometimes. Anger exists."

The new game is due to be released in spring next year.

Later today, other big video game makers including Microsoft and Sony will host their pre-E3 press conferences to announce their line-up of titles for the next 12 months.

PA

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