Hellish: Doom's Open Beta And Post-Launch Plans

You needn't wait until May 13th to tear your chums to chum in id Software's new Doom [official site], as the multiplayer beta test will be opened up to all briefly this month. A multiplayer beta is already on but limited to pre-order shenanigans, so from Friday, April 15th through to Monday, April 18th it'll be open to anyone who fancies a go. It'll offer two maps and two modes.

Publishers Bethesda have also announced their plans for after Doom's launch, which include free updates to the map editor as well as paid DLC for multiplayer.

First, the open beta. It'll showcase the maps Heatwave and Infernal in Team Deathmatch and Warpath (a King of the Hill variant, basically) modes.

Once Doom's done and out and rampaging, id plan to release free things across 2016. Along with new multiplayer maps, they'll expand the flashy level editor SnapMap. Planned additions include "include modules; props and objects; additional features and functionality; AI enhancements; editing tool enhancements and more."

Less free is the multiplayer DLC. Bethesda have announced three packs, which will cost $14.99/£11.99 each or $39.99/£29.99 for the lot in a Season Pass. They'll add new things including maps, weapons, playable demons, and cosmetic customisation bits. The first pack is due some time in the summer.

I realise multiplayer DLC is ubiquitous in games nowadays but dang, it sounds awful as someone who grew up on id shooters. Clearly Doom's not the same sort of honed, lean, murderously egalitarian FPS they used to make, but DLC weapons is... agh. I'm fine, kiddywinkles, it's fine. Auntie Alice just needs her medicine. Be a dear and rummage down the side of a sofa for a bottle that's not empty, won't you?