ZeniMax Media Shuts Down Fan-Made Doom 1993 Remake

When it comes to their intellectual property, ZeniMax Media doesn't play nicely, especially when they have a new game coming out soon. The Bethesda parent company recently issued a complete shut down of a fan-made remake of the original Doom game.



Produced by ModDB user Vayyan777, Doom Remake 4 was a combination of the original Doom's style and design and modern game qualities like shaders and higher resolutions. After about a week in a minor spotlight, the project was issued a complete shutdown by ZeniMax Media.

"We have discovered your "Doom Remake 4" game and reviewed the related website, social media pages, and public statements regarding your intent to develop a reboot of the Doom (1993) videogame. Notwithstanding your affection and enthusiasm for the Doom franchise and the original Doom game, we must object to any unlicensed use of ZeniMax Media Inc property. Your current use of Doom IP on its website and social media pages is without our authorization and is infringing. You must take immediate steps to remove all uses of ZeniMax Media Inc intellectual property, including DOOM copyrights, trademarks, characters, artwork, images, and logos and desist from any further use."

The developer was given until June 20 to remove any and all ZeniMax properties from their game, pages, and social media, and to "cease all development of the Doom reboot and destroy all code and materials related to that project."

Vasyan had considered this possibility when development toward the game began. They stated that a lawyer consultation told them that they could successfully defend themselves, classifying the game as a mod. But the process would be timely and expensive.

Our sympathies go out to Vasyan, but we understand why ZeniMax would take this action. Doom Eternal is going to be releasing very soon and they have to be protective of their property. Even if it used a bit more motion blur than we cared for.