Doom Series | Critique of Capitalism Sparks Debate

A growing conversation around the Doom franchise, particularly the latest installment, has emerged as some fans argue the game critiques runaway capitalism. With the release of Doom Eternal, players express concerns about the themes of greed and exploitation present in the game's narrative.

The Corporate Takeover in Doom

Gamers point to the United Aerospace Corporation (UAC) as a representation of corporate greed, willing to use hellish resources for profit and power. One player even noted,

> "Even using hell and its resources to gain more power"

This viewpoint suggests that the franchise reflects real-world capitalist pressures, where success equates to moral compromise.

Heaven and Hell: A Class Struggle

The sequel intensifies these corporate critiques, portraying Heaven and Hell as entangled in the same capitalist system. The Makyrs and their oppressive tactics are seen as mirroring the wealthy elite, suggesting a hierarchy leading to human oppression. As another player put it,

"Demons aren’t only humans It’s a critique of greed itself"

This depicts the demons not just as mere villains, but rather as symbolic representations of humanity's lost empathy in a harsh economic climate.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

The commentary on the post reveals a divided community. Some players celebrate the seemingly political undertones, while others believe this perspective oversimplifies the narrative.

Key Insights:

• Critique of Human Nature: Several comments suggest the game critiques not just capitalism, but human greed as a universal issue.

• Disagreement on Demon Representation: There's debate on the nature of demons, with some insisting they are not just corrupted humans.

• Metaphorical Gameplay: Many players describe their in-game actions as reflective of broader societal struggles.

Notable Quotes:

• "I feel the sorrow of capitalism weighing me down."

• "Demons are at odds due to their past."

As discussions continue, the series' impact on players' perspectives of society remains a focal point. It raises a thought: Are games like Doom merely entertainment, or do they serve a greater commentary on the world around us?