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Doom (franchise)

Doom is an American video game franchise built around first-person shooter games set in a science-fiction and horror universe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Doom is an American video game franchise built around first-person shooter games set in a science-fiction and horror universe. The series follows an unnamed marine, later known as the Doom Slayer, as he fights demons and undead forces, and it is widely credited with helping define the modern first-person shooter genre.

Overview

Doom is a long-running first-person shooter franchise created by a team at id Software. It is known for fast combat, demon-filled settings, and its major impact on video game history.

History

The series began with Doom, released in 1993, which is considered a pioneering first-person shooter. Later entries included a 2016 reboot-style release and Doom Eternal as its sequel.

Gameplay and themes

Doom games usually place the player in the role of a heavily armed marine or Slayer battling demons, undead enemies, and other hostile forces. The franchise blends horror imagery with science-fiction settings such as Mars and UAC facilities.

Cultural impact

The original game is widely cited for advancing first-person shooter design, network multiplayer, and modding culture. It also drew controversy because of its graphic violence and satanic imagery.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with Doom, released in 1993, which is considered a pioneering first-person shooter.
  • The games center on a silent protagonist fighting demons and undead enemies from Hell.
  • The original game mixed science fiction and horror elements and became famous for its violence and technical influence.
  • Doom helped popularize 3D graphics, networked multiplayer, and user-created modifications through WAD files.
  • The 2016 game rebooted the series for modern platforms, while Doom Eternal continued that storyline.
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Canadian context

Doom has been widely played and studied by Canadian gamers and game developers as a landmark first-person shooter franchise, and its modding and multiplayer influence helped shape PC gaming culture in Canada as well as globally.

Frequently asked questions

What is Doom game?
Doom is a first-person shooter video game series about fighting demons and undead enemies in science-fiction and horror settings.
Who created Doom?
The franchise is credited to John Carmack, John Romero, Adrian Carmack, Kevin Cloud, and Tom Hall.
When was Doom released?
The original Doom was released in December 1993; one source gives the date as December 10, 1993.
Doom Eternal release date
Doom Eternal was released on March 20, 2020.
Is Doom a horror game?
Yes. Doom is commonly described as combining science fiction with horror, especially through its demon-infested settings and violent imagery.
Doom 2016 vs Doom Eternal
Doom (2016) reintroduced the series with fast, aggressive combat on Mars, while Doom Eternal continued the story and expanded movement, level design, and combat systems.

References

  1. Doom Wiki — https://doom.fandom.com/wiki/Doom
    Supports: Original game's style, setting, influence, and horror/science-fiction framing.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_(1993_video_game)
    Supports: Original release year, developer, genre, and game description.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Doom
    Supports: December 1993 release and historical impact; authorship group led by Romero and Carmack.
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise creators, series overview, protagonist, and sequel context.
  5. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/379720/DOOM/
    Supports: Doom (2016) release date and developer/publisher information.