In 2016, id Software’s Doom reboot revitalized both its own franchise and the FPS genre. The market, saturated with repetitive Call of Duty titles and struggling Battlefield installments, needed a change. Doom delivered, eschewing cover-based mechanics and regenerating health that had become genre staples.
Instead, Doom championed relentless, aggressive combat, rewarding players for close-quarters engagements and constant movement. This classic FPS approach served as a refreshing antidote to the increasingly homogenous shooter landscape. Doom reminded players of the core tenets of the genre: skill-based combat, map awareness, and a constant offensive. Its success paved the way for a resurgence of faster-paced, more visceral FPS experiences.
