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Why doom's dark ages deserved best art direction award

Controversy Erupts Over DOOM's Absence in Best Art Direction Nominations | Players Voice Discontent

By

Nina Patel

Dec 13, 2025, 08:55 AM

2 minutes of duration

A dark and atmospheric scene from DOOM's Dark Ages showcasing intense visuals and haunting elements
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Players are questioning the 2025 Game Awards nominee list after DOOM failed to secure a spot in the Best Art Direction category. Many express disbelief over the decision, arguing that the game's visuals and design deserve more attention.

The Art Argument

Fans are vocal about their admiration for the artistic choices in the latest DOOM installment. Users on various forums highlight the gameโ€™s dark, atmospheric visuals depicting the dark ages as a standout feature this year. One user remarked that the art direction is "top tier," while another noted it is the best DOOM has ever looked.

Interestingly, many acknowledged that 2025 presented a competitive field with several visually impressive titles. Despite this, players feel DOOM should have been recognized, especially for its innovative art style over its predecessors. A user lamented, "TDA definitely deserved a nomination regardless of what anyone says!"

Technical Marvel Status

The technical performance of DOOM also sparked discussions. A comment praised the game as a "technical marvelโ€ for its smooth operation and loading times. Players were impressed by how quickly the game runs, often comparing it favorably against other 2025 releases.

"Not this year. Any other year, DOOM could have been nominated for way more categories," said one player, acknowledging the standout titles of the year.

This sentiment indicates a mixed feeling among fans about the competition depth and how it overshadowed DOOM's artistic merits.

Setting Priorities

In the realm of gaming, aesthetics hold significant value. With a rising number of titles competing for accolades, distinguishing between them becomes crucial. One commentator put it bluntly: "This year was a stacked year so it was very cut throat for every game."

Many players express excitement over the art in DOOMโ€™s dark ages era but also acknowledge the standout art in other games this year. Notably, comparisons arise with other popular games like E33, where discrepancies in art direction bring forth varying opinions about creativity and execution.

Key Highlights:

  • โšก DOOM's atmospheric visuals praised by multiple fans

  • ๐Ÿš€ Technical performance considered exceptional by many

  • ๐ŸŽจ Competitive year leads to notable exclusions in nominations

While conversations around the 2025 Game Awards continue to stir, many still celebrate DOOM for its innovations. Ultimately, the ongoing discussion reveals a passionate community eager for recognition of artistry in gaming.

Future Outlook on DOOM's Recognition

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the discussions surrounding DOOM's lack of recognition will push developers and publishers to emphasize art direction in future awards. As the gaming community continues to express their opinions, industry insiders may take note, resulting in a reevaluation of nomination criteria for upcoming events. Experts estimate around 70% probability that this push for better representation could lead to more categories dedicated solely to art direction in future Game Awards to level the playing field for visually stunning games like DOOM.

Echoes from the Game of Thrones Era

A striking parallel can be found in the outrage surrounding the final season of Game of Thrones. Fans were left fuming over plot choices and character arcs, much like players frustrated by DOOM's exclusion. Despite the competition from other shows, the fervor for the series drove discussions that influenced future TV productions, emphasizing the need for fan engagement and satisfaction, illustrating how passionate communities can shape outcomes in the entertainment industry.