Bethesda is pushing sales of Wolfenstein: The New Order boxed editions by placing a special insert inside for those who pre-purchase the game. This insert will include a key code along with code redemption instructions. Once the key code is redeemed, gamers will be registered to participate in the DOOM beta once it begins. You read that right: a DOOM beta!
Unfortunately, the company doesn’t provide any details about the beta, although it will take place sometime after Wolfenstein: The New Order ships in North America on May 20, 2014 and throughout Europe on May 23, 2014.
“We will be providing more information on the specific content and duration of the beta test at a later time,” the company states. “Timing and availability of future beta programs for DOOM is to be determined. The only current way to ensure access is through pre-ordering Wolfenstein: The New Order. We will be providing more information on additional beta tests, if any, at a later time.”
Mercy what a tease.
DOOM 4 was announced by id Software during QuakeCon 2007. Since then, the game has surfaced for air from time to time to reveal that it’s still alive. The name Bethesda uses in the Wolfenstein press release is interesting in that it has no number, meaning Bethesda may be starting from scratch now that the IP is under a new roof.
The last we heard, Bethesda and id Software dumped three years of progress to redouble their efforts on a new “rebooted” version beginning in 2011. The previous version was a reimagining for the original, classic Doom 2 shooter, hence all the “hell on earth” leaked screenshots back in 2012.
"An earlier version of Doom 4 did not exhibit the quality and excitement that id and Bethesda intend to deliver and that Doom fans worldwide expect," admitted Bethesda’s Pete Hines. "As a result, id refocused its efforts on a new version of Doom 4 that promises to meet the very high expectations everyone has for this game and this franchise. When we’re ready to talk about the Doom 4 id is making, we will let folks know."
Getting back to Wolfenstein: The New Order, the game is currently under development at MachineGames and slated for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Taking place in the 1960s, the game is set in a world where the Nazi’s used advanced technology to win World War II. They now rule the world.
