Legendary game developer John Romero has announced a brand-new level for DOOM 2 - the first in nearly 30 years - which is being sold to raise funds for relief in Ukraine. As Russia's invasion of the country continues, many in the gaming industry have spoken out against Russia, with the developers of games including Chernobylite and This War of Mine donating to relief efforts.
There are a number of video game studios not only located within Ukraine, but also in surrounding areas, many of which have shown their support for the country since the Russian attacks began in late February. The Polish developer behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red, was one of the first names in gaming to condemn Russia's actions, announcing it would be donating nearly $250,000 to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 developer GSC Game World has confirmed that production on the game has stopped, but confidently declared that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 would be back in development as soon as possible.
Taking to Twitter to share the news, John Romero has announced that a new DOOM 2 level is now available for purchase, in support of the people of Ukraine and the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. The developer has listed the new level, entitled "One Humanity," for purchase via the Romero website, with a donation price of 5 euros. According to the website, 100% of the proceeds will go to the relief efforts. Players must have an original copy of DOOM 2 and a modern source port to play One Humanity.
One Humanity is Romero’s first official new addition to DOOM 2 since the release of the original game back in 1994, making it a historical new inclusion to the beloved franchise while also serving to benefit those in Ukraine. Across social media, the new level and Romero's decision to create it have been widely praised, and it seems likely that sales for the release will be impressive, not just offering something for DOOM fans, but also a way for gamers to contribute to relief efforts.
The Russian and Ukrainian conflict is still ongoing, but creators like Romero are providing new ways for players to support those impacted by the invasion. Creating a new level for the iconic genre-defining DOOM 2 is yet another example of ways developers and those in gaming are working to contribute to relief efforts, and it's very possible that even more new content, either from Romero or from other designers, could be created to benefit those affected by the attacks.
Source: John Romero/Twitter, Romero