Doom FPS Controversy: Bethesda's Removal of Political Mod Sparks Outrage

Doom FPS Controversy: The Removal of Thatcher's Techbase

Doom mods, no pun intended, are eternal. Ever since the first WADs were shared across dial-up internet back in 1993, id Software’s FPS game and its accompanying level creation tools have enabled aspiring game-makers to share their visions. Recently, Bethesda, the studio behind Doom, allegedly removed a politically charged mod titled Thatcher’s Techbase.

The Fallout from Bethesda’s Decision

Created by Jim Purvis, Thatcher’s Techbase allows players to infiltrate a hellish lair led by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Following its recent addition to the official mod collection for the Doom 1 and Doom 2 compilation, reports surfaced that the mod was censored by Bethesda due to its political undertones.

In a purported email from Bethesda, Purvis revealed that the mod was removed after being flagged for its real-world political content. Despite not being a direct violation of the company’s Terms of Service or Code of Conduct, the message urged Purvis to educate himself on modding guidelines.

The Wider Implications for Modding Culture

Community Response and Repercussions

As of September 2, an alternate version of Thatcher’s Techbase was reportedly added back to the official Doom mod catalogue, highlighting the contentious nature of modding in video games. This incident raises critical questions about censorship, artistic freedom, and the responsibilities of developers in navigating political content within gaming communities.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the debate surrounding modding and its regulation will likely intensify. Fans of Doom and modding culture are left wondering about the future of politically charged content in gaming.