Publisher Bethesda reveals how the id Software-developed DOOM reboot handles the gameplay aspects for its king of the hill mode in multiplayer matches.

Bethesda's and id Software's forthcoming first-person shooter, DOOM, is not only set to have an intense and fast-paced single-player campaign, but according to the studios, it's also going to include plenty of furiously frenzied multiplayer action, with the game's take on "king of the hill" being one of the title's most hectic offerings. As it happens, in order to convey the mode's brutally frenetic pace, developers have dubbed it Warpath.

Instead of simply having a static point that needs to be captured and defended on a map like most FPS titles, DOOM's "hill" for lack of a better term, is set on a consistently moving, but clearly marked circular path, as it rotates around the entire area of play. While that is going on, the game's power-up known as a demon rune — that is, a floating red pentagram with the ability to turn players into a jet-pack wearing and rocket launcher wielding revenant monster — will be working its way around the room on an opposite path. Regarding these details, Bethesda wrote:

“Players have to decide where they want to be: rushing toward the power-up to turn into a Marine-destroying Demon; clustered around the capture point to defend or steal control; or simply roaming around looking to pick off any errant foes.”

On top of the reveal for the actual set up of Warpath's environments, Bethesda also introduced what are known as Hack Modules, which are one-time consumables that players earn by leveling up through the game's progression system. Regarding the items, there are loads of different ones to choose from, such as Retribution (reveals the location and health of the last opponent who killed a player), Scout (shows enemy locations for a few seconds after re-spawning), Vital Signs (displays health bars over competitors' heads), Power Seeker (exposes nearby power-ups), and Supply Timer (puts a countdown clock on-screen for the return of pickups). Furthermore, it's important to note that these Hack Modules listed are merely scratching the surface of what developers plan to offer upon DOOM's launch.

Speaking of which, after a long wait since DOOM's reveal at E3 2015, Bethesda and id Software finally confirmed the game's release date with a trailer a few weeks ago, divulging it as being available in the early summer of this year. And if learning that wasn't exciting enough, soon after the title's Alpha test wrapped up, fans' datamining of the trial run revealed lots of the game's secrets.

With so much to look forward to and quite a ways to go before DOOM finally hits the market, it's nearly impossible to not ponder what other surprises Bethesda and id Software have in store for us when it comes to the game's solo campaign and multiplayer modes. Considering all of the materials that have been revealed thus far, DOOM has the potential to become one of the year's strongest titles, and perhaps the best entry in the franchise yet, so there's no surprise why many consider it to be one of the most anticipated video games of 2016.

What do you think about Hack Modules and the way DOOM will be revamping king of the hill with Warpath? Are the radical changes fun and innovative enough to keep players engaged, or do you believe they're a novelty that could wear out their welcome with time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

DOOM is set to release on May 13, 2016 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Source: Bethesda (via VG 24/7)