iD Software Executive Producer Marty Stratton has address the DOOM Eternal soundtrack controversy following several weeks of speculation from the gaming world at large.
Previously, fans were disappointed to learn that the DOOM Eternal soundtrack wouldn't be shipping with the Collector's Edition for unspecified reasons. The later release of the game revealed a soundtrack that some fans were none too pleased with, especially audiophiles.
Now, Marty Stratton has come out to explain the reason behind the delay in a submission to the /r/doom subreddit: the delay was allegedly the fault of composer Mick Gordon. Stratton had the following to say on the matter.
Some have suggested that we’ve been careless with or disrespectful of the game music, others have speculated that Mick wasn’t given the time or creative freedom to deliver something different or better. The fact is – none of that is true.
Citing a "complicated relationship" with composer Mick Gordon, Marty Stratton went on to detail the behind-the-scenes problems of the DOOM Eternal soundtrack controversy. First, he says that Gordon informed iD that the deadline could not be met and that he was granted a four-week extension. Then, a subsequent six-week extension was granted.
As April approached, Stratton personally asked Lead Audio Designer Chad Mossholder to make his own version of the soundtrack as a backup plan should Gordon fail to deliver yet again. Ultimately, all parties involved collaborated on a "combined effort" to get a soundtrack out as fast as possible.
Following these issues and the release of the soundtrack, Mick Gordon said that he wasn't likely to work with Bethesda again. Marty Stratton says this statement surprised him, but it's turned out to be prophetic — Mick Gordon and iD Software will not be working together any longer.
With the DOOM Eternal Soundtrack Controversy Addressed, Who Handles the DLC?
There's still some DLC coming for DOOM Eternal. With Mick Gordon out, who is going to be handling this new music?
"As for the immediate future, we are at the point of moving on and won’t be working with Mick on the DLC we currently have in production." Stratton summarized. "As I’ve mentioned, his music is incredible, he is a rare talent, and I hope he wins many awards for his contribution to DOOM Eternal at the end of the year."
Neither Bethesda nor iD Software have announced who will be replacing Stratton for future musical work. In the meantime, we've reached out to Mick Gordon and will update this article when we receive a reply.
What do you think of the DOOM Eternal soundtrack controversy? Are you satisfied with the final product as it stands right now? Let us know in the comments below!