id Software
Is the development studio id Software, which is especially known for the Doom series, currently working on a secret game? At least a corresponding notice has recently emerged from an Australian audit authority. More precisely, the indication can be found on the website of the Australian Classification Board (ACB), which is responsible for the age classification of computer and video games in Australia. There has recently been a mysterious title called "Project 2021B".This entry, which incidentally dates back to June 25, 2021 and is therefore relatively fresh, includes ZeniMax as the publisher and id Software as the responsible development studio listed. However, further details cannot be found, so that logically there is a lot of room for speculation. What could this game be? What does the mysterious name "Project 2021B" stand for? A look back at the past could give a little hint: In January of this year the entry "Project 2021A" appeared on the website of the Australian Classification Board, in which id Software was also named as developer. Ultimately, it turned out to be the VR version of the first-person shooter Doom 3 for PlayStation VR in March 2021. So do we expect another Doom release this year?
Possibly the latest entry on the ACB is also related to the latest rumors about a reboot of the classic shooter Quake. According to XboxEra insider Nick Baker, id Software is allegedly currently working on such a new edition - together with the MachineGames team, which has made games like Wolfenstein: The New Order. The name "Project 2021B" at least suggests that the mysterious game could appear later this year.
Source: Australian Classification Board
New Mystery Id Software Game Rated in Australia
The Australian Classification Board has issued a rating for a new, mystery id Software game known only as Project 2021B.
While it is unclear what the game is, from the classification details on the rating website we can see that id Software's game is a multi-platform title with 'online interactivity' (see: multiplayer of some description). It has been rated M for mature, with moderate impact when it comes to violence and mild impact for themes and language.
As reported by VGC, this is the second time a mystery id Software game has been rated by the ACB. Earlier this year the board rated Project 2021A, which eventually turned out to be Doom 3: VR Edition for PSVR.
Due to the short duration it has been since last year's Doom Eternal, it is unlikely that id Software has a brand new game to release. As such, it's sensible to set expectations for Project 2021B around the likes of another re-release like Doom 3: VR. It was the 25th anniversary of Quake earlier this month, so read into that what you will.
This isn't the only recent example of a ratings board revealing a game ahead of time; the ESRB has leaked the existence of Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut.
Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.