Doom: The Dark Ages is coming to Battle.net, signaling a new Microsoft trend

Highly anticipated: When Avowed allowed customers to seamlessly switch between Xbox consoles, the Xbox app, and Blizzard's Battle.net client at launch, many hoped that more Microsoft-published titles would follow. The company has been silent regarding its plans until now, but the upcoming release of Doom: The Dark Ages suggests that the feature wasn't a one-off.

When Doom: The Dark Ages launches on May 15, Game Pass subscribers or those who purchase digital copies on Xbox, the Microsoft Store, or Blizzard's Battle.net launcher can access the game on all three platforms. Repeating Avowed's cross-buy launch last month, the move indicates a trend that might extend to other Microsoft titles.

The new option will likely meet a positive reception because many users view Battle.net as a more mature and reliable launcher than Microsoft's Xbox app. When the company purchased Activision Blizzard for a historic $69 billion, Battle.net might have seemed redundant outside its role as a launcher for Blizzard titles like Diablo and World of Warcraft. However, Microsoft is allowing players to choose between two launchers it owns, raising questions regarding a possible expansion of Battle.net's library.

Also see: Most Anticipated PC Games of 2025 (Including Doom: The Dark Ages)

Thus far, there is no indication that the company intends to release South of Midnight -- which launches on April 8 -- on Battle.net. Other upcoming Microsoft-published titles in consideration include The Outer Worlds 2 from Avowed developer Obsidian, Fable, Clockwork Revolution, Gears of War: E-Day, and Perfect Dark.

Hopefully, Microsoft is also considering bringing its recent releases to Blizzard's client, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Age of Mythology: Retold, or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Game Pass subscribers dissatisfied with the Xbox app might also wish to see non-Microsoft titles appear, but nothing currently suggests this is likely.

To link a Battle.net and Microsoft account, log into the former, click on the username in the top right corner, and head to Account Settings > Connections > Xbox Network. Then, log in to a Microsoft account.

Id Software also revealed new gameplay details from Doom: The Dark Ages this week. New previews outline features like the parry system, piloting a giant robot, and flying a cybernetic dragon. The company also teased a massive open-ended map where players can complete objectives and discover secrets in any order.

Doom: The Dark Ages launches on Xbox Series consoles, Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, and PlayStation 5 on May 15. Those who pre-order the limited edition can access the game on May 13.