Video game publisher Activision Inc., ending weeks of speculation, Wednesday said "Doom 3" -- one of the most anticipated video games of all time -- would ship in the first week of August.
"Doom 3," which puts players in a research facility on Mars where experiments have opened the gates to the underworld, has been in development for years. Despite the pleas of fans, developer id Software has steadfastly offered only one answer when asked when the game would be out: "When it's done."
Online retailers are already offering the game for pre-order at $54.99 with an Aug. 3 ship date. Some are also offering discounts on other games when purchased alongside the new "Doom."
The original "Doom," released in 1993, revolutionized PC gaming and made a cult idol of id co-founder John Carmack.