Sony shuts down development of unusual shooter blending DOOM and Call of Duty: Zombies

Details have surfaced about Ignite, a canceled shooter from Dark Outlaw Games that combined ideas from DOOM and Call of Duty.

YouTube creator Glitching Queen published a 22-minute investigation on November 5 about the project from PlayStation-owned Dark Outlaw Games, which ended development early this year. The team was making a dark fantasy action game with elements of Call of Duty: Zombies.

Many details remain undisclosed because of the strict nondisclosure agreements PlayStation is known for. An author at Insider Gaming also said they have been collecting material about the project since its cancellation for a book about games that never made it to release. They have gigabytes of screenshots, video recordings, and documents.

Ignite drew heavily on DOOM Eternal. It was a linear, story-driven game with separate levels, cinematic scenes, and scripted events. Its locations were similar in scale and structure to those in Call of Duty. The game was also planned to include co-op.

One of the game’s main features was a dismemberment system. Players had to deal as much damage as possible to enemies to charge an amulet that restored health and strengthened the character. Enemy models had layers of skin, muscle, and bone that were destroyed depending on the weapon or melee attack used.

The developers also added enemy hordes, Easter eggs, and minigames inspired by Call of Duty: Zombies. The project was canceled amid PlayStation budget revisions and a reallocation of funds as the gaming market faced difficulties.