No game is has made as deep of an impression on the gaming world as Doom. Originally released in 1993, the game that famously popularized first-person shooters and PC gaming with its gore and over-the-top violence, which practically made id Software a household name. Now Doom is ready to make a big comeback, this time published by Bethesda Softworks, known for wildly successful games like Fallout 4 and the Elder Scrolls series.

Doom, which will launch on May 13, returns to the original roots of the game with extreme violence, a variety of weapons that range from chainsaws to giant energy guns (the BFG), fearsome demons, and intense multiplayer action. But it would take more than the name alone to get fans ready for the carnage. These are some of the main ways Bethesda got players ready for an all-new blood-soaked battle.

Wolfenstein Leads The Way

Bethesda and id Software played early promotion of Doom very close to the chest during its early promotion. Doom‘s first details were revealed when the publisher announced that entry into the closed beta would be included with every pre-order of Wolfenstein: The New Order, which was fitting, considering how Wolfenstein 3D helped establish id’s reputation in the ’90s before the original Doom released. Confirmation that a new Doom was just on the horizon was enough to stir early excitement, and it likely helped boost sales for The New Order, but there was no information on when the closed beta would take place. Players might have been left with more questions than answers, but this would work to the game’s benefit.

Lurking In The Shadows

Fans were given a small taste of what to expect with a short-but-sweet E3 trailer in 2014, which actually showed very little, but was enough to generate a great deal of excitement. As it turned out, the trailer was an appetizer, with the main course to be served at QuakeCon a month later. However, Bethesda announced that the QuakeCon reveal of Doom would be exclusive to those attending the convention, and it was true to its word.

Attendees were treated to a first-look at the gory game, while those viewing via livestream were blacked out. They were expressly forbidden to record the Doom reveal, so everything that people outside the convention would learn anything about the video, including how it featured a demon ripping a character’s arms off, until attendees took to social media to talk about how they were comletely blown away. Keeping Doom exclusive to attendees, comprised mainly of fervent fans, did wonders to generate hype for the game through word-of-mouth.

Doom Steals The Show

Doom shed its mystery in 2015, when Bethesda hosted its first pre-E3 briefing to showcase its upcoming games. Although there were many surprise announcements and reveals, none matched the same kind of energy Doom had when it took the stage. Bethesda had teased the gameplay reveal with a 12-second trailer released weeks before, but it did little to prepare fans for the all-out action that would be seen.

To be sure, Doom would feature plenty of violence, signature weapons like the chainsaw and double-barreled shotgun, along plenty of demons to shoot or tear apart with your bare hands. Fans were clearly ready to get in on the action, which is why pre-orders had already begun on Steam and at other retailers, even though it would be almost a year before the game’s released.

Day Of Doom

In March, in the days leading up to the Doom closed beta, Rooster Teeth worked with Bethesda to host Day of Doom, an event where the popular YouTube stars teamed up with real athletes to go head-to-head in an all-out live 6v6 competition.

The four teams were led by:

  • Antonio Brown and Justine Ezarik (iJustine)
  • Thierry Henry and Alia Shelesh (SSSniperWolf)
  • Rob Gronkowski and Michael Jones (Achievement Hunter)
  • Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson and Adam Kovic (Funhaus)

Some of the world’s greatest athletes had a chance to show-off their gaming prowess while showcasing Doom‘s multiplayer features. It was the perfect event to get fans psyched for the game.

Fight Like Hell

Nothing makes a bigger impression than letting players try a game for free. The Doom open beta took place on April 15-17 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, giving players everywhere a chance to jump in and get a taste of the multiplayer action. Although the open beta weekend was limited to multiplayer matches, it included all the modes and many of the maps. Players interested in the single player content could learn about it through livestreaming events and trailers. This would be one of the final big pushes to win fans over before the game was set to release less than a month later. To sweeten the deal even more, Bethesda recently announced that a free copy of

To sweeten the deal even more, Bethesda recently announced that a free copy of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (a prequel to The New Order) would be included with the pre-orders of Doom on Steam, further stengthening the connection between the two franchises.

Speed Demon

It’s a well-known fact that you need excellent speed and reflexes to win a competitive Doom match, but Bethesda (in partnership with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports) will be taking that concept to a new level. A Doom care will premiere at the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 14, which is the day after the game’s release. The No. 7 car is being driven by SMP Racing driver, Mikhail Aleshin, and will also compete in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29.

“We couldn’t imagine a more perfect sponsorship fit,” said Pete Hines, vice president of PR and Marketing for Bethesda Softworks, said in a press release. “Doom is all about pushing forward with incredible speed. We’ll all be cheering on Mikhail and the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team as we celebrate the game’s launch.”

The Doom IndyCar certainly gives the term, “hell on wheels” a whole new meaning.