Doom Eternal composer Mick Gordon counters allegations from 2020; says he didn't approve launch of official soundtrack

Doom’s music composer, Mick Gordon has finally put out a statement in response to the controversial claims made against him by Id Software back in 2020. In an extensive message that was published on Medium, on November 9th, he challenged the claims made against him by Marty Stratton, the Executive Producer of DOOM Eternal. After two years, his statements counter the allegations that were laid against him, and people are now rallying online in his support. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Allegations against Doom composer- Story in brief

Doom Eternal launched back in 2020- developed by Id Software, and published by Microsoft-owned Bethesda Softworks. The official soundtrack was released about a month later, to some very stark criticism. Fans noticed that only a small part of the album was mixed by the acclaimed composer of the Doom franchise- Mick Gordon. The difference in quality was visible when compared to Gordon’s previous works. As a result, fans railed against the contributing composer, Chad Mossholder, the lead audio designer of Id Software. As damage control, Executive Producer, Marty Stratton put out a detailed public statement on Reddit and blamed Mick Gordon for constantly delaying his deliverables as per their contract. Stratton claimed that Mossholder had to step up in the middle of the project, only in order to deliver what was promised to the audience. These differences were cited as causes for the lack of quality of the Official Soundtrack of Doom Eternal. 

Latest developments- Gordon posts official statement

Mick Gordon has a different story to tell from the one from Stratton. Apparently, the very announcement of the Official Soundtrack release, was made without Gordon’s permission. For a soundtrack that credited Gordon as lead composer, he had to make negotiations to allow him an “OST agreement”. After much negotiation, the final contract allowed his contribution of 12 songs, which Gordon received a month before the official launch. 

In the meantime, Id Software was already producing a separate soundtrack with its internal lead audio designer Chad Mossholder. This detail was not known to Gordon. In addition to this, Gordon’s contract clearly stated that Id Software was the absolute owner of the creative rights, legally stripping Gordon of creative control. Gordon now claims that Stratton ‘cut him off’ the production in the days leading up to the launch of the soundtrack. Ultimately, Gordon’s creations were apparently reduced to fillers in the 59 tracks long album. 

“Marty took it upon himself to get involved in the album’s production during the final days of the project. He cut me out at the last stage and decided to release their own poorly edited version instead. I voiced my concerns about Chad’s editing and provided details regarding loudness standards, but they ignored those details. I didn’t approve the final album because Marty and Chad withheld it from me.”- Mick Gordon

Following the botched launch, Gordon too stepped in to answer disappointed customers. This is when Stratton reportedly approached Gordon, seeking his help and professional assistance. They agreed to draft a joint statement addressing the issue, announcing their wish of moving forward. At the same time, Gordon was asked to withhold all public comments from his end. The Reddit Open Letter was all that was publicly released from Stratton’s end next, and the rest is history. However, Gordon adds, that he was asked to shut up with “a six-figure sum” from Id Software, when he challenged Stratton’s statement in the company. 

Two years forward, these are some contentious claims. Regardless, Gordon has the support of the masses on the Internet, with “Justice for Mick” now trending on Reddit. From demands of returns of all awards, which Gordon claims to have seen only once in his life, to a statement from Bethesda, the rage of the audience is visible. As for Bethesda, and Id Software, they are yet to comment on this.