Soon after its release, DOOM Eternal fans warned of quality differences between the game’s soundtrack and in-game music. A drama then ensued with composer Mick Gordon, who stated that he’d probably never work with id Software or Bethesda again. Mick has now tweeted that he’s offered to redo the soundtrack, but to no avail.
Executive Producer Marty Stratton had shared a lengthy letter defending id’s Lead Audio Designer Chad Mossholder, who was placed on final editing duties. Stratton said Mick was given multiple extensions, including on-time payment bonuses, but failed to meet deadlines. Mick had been contracted to produce a minimum of 12 tracks (around 60 minutes) but asked for more time after roughly a month. He was given a nearly six-week extension and promised up to 30 tracks, but only nine were given.
Marty’s backup plan was to let Mossholder work on edits using the material Mick had given. He said the tracks were already mixed and compressed by Mick, which has been a point of contention among fans, Mick, and id. Mick and Chad worked together to combine all of the material used for the soundtrack before its final release; there are over 50 tracks.
I’ve made many, many offers to redo the @DOOM Eternal OST over the past year…
— Mick Gordon (@Mick_Gordon) August 19, 2021
But, I can’t get them to say yes.
What to do?
When asked on social media about his future with DOOM, Mick has replied, “doubt we’ll work together again.” This was surprising to see, as we have never discussed ending our collaboration with him until now – but his statement does highlight a complicated relationship. Our challenges have never been a matter of creative differences…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. 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.
Sources: Mick Gordon (via KitGuru), Marty Stratton