Doom 1993 game soundtrack joins US National Recording Registry in 2026

The 1993 Doom soundtrack is now one of 700 recordings in the US National Recording Registry. This is the third video game score ever to receive this honor.
By Newsroom | Technology, Culture |

Historic Selection Acknowledges Video Game Music's Cultural Shift

The original soundtrack for the 1993 video game Doom has been selected for induction into the US National Recording Registry. This marks a significant moment, placing a digital audio landscape within the same pantheon as historical and cultural sound recordings preserved by the Library of Congress. The registry, an initiative to catalog and protect sound recordings deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," now includes exactly 700 titles following this year's selections.

Original Doom soundtrack to be inducted into US National Recording Registry - 1

The inclusion of Doom's soundtrack is a clear signal that the sonic experiences of video games are no longer viewed as mere background accompaniment but as integral components of modern recorded sound culture. This recognition validates the artistry and impact of game music, acknowledging its role in shaping player experience and influencing subsequent generations of composers.

Original Doom soundtrack to be inducted into US National Recording Registry - 2

Heavy Metal Heartbeat

The influential score, primarily crafted by Bobby Prince, was developed before the game's levels were finalized. Prince drew heavily from the sounds of bands like Alice in Chains, Pantera, and Metallica, weaving a soundscape of heavy metal, techno, and ambient elements. This aggressive audio foundation was instrumental in defining Doom's frenetic pace and visceral brutality, directly contributing to its memorable and immersive gameplay. Prince's work provided the game's aggressive pulse, amplifying its visual speed and intensity.

Read More: HubSpot API Cannot Get File Attachments from Conversations UI

Original Doom soundtrack to be inducted into US National Recording Registry - 3

A Growing Pantheon

Doom's soundtrack is the third video game score to be added to the National Recording Registry, following other significant entries. While specific details on the prior inclusions are not universally cited across the provided material, it is noted that Minecraft: Volume Alpha was among those preserved last year. This year's list of 25 selected recordings, chosen from over 3,000 public nominations, also includes diverse entries such as Taylor Swift's "1989," Paul Anka's "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," and Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." Historical audio, like the Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier boxing match radio program, also features.

Read More: Filmmaker Laszlo Nemes Says Hollywood Has "Orgy of Antisemitism"

The Library of Congress, established over two centuries ago, functions as the primary research institution for the U.S. Congress and houses the U.S. Copyright Office. Its vast collections encompass millions of books, films, audio recordings, and other historical materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the 1993 Doom soundtrack added to the US National Recording Registry on May 19, 2026?
The Library of Congress selected the score because it is culturally and historically important. It is now recognized as a key piece of modern sound art rather than just background noise for a game.
Q: Who composed the music for the original 1993 Doom game?
Bobby Prince composed the soundtrack. He used heavy metal and techno sounds to match the fast and violent style of the game.
Q: How many video game soundtracks are in the National Recording Registry?
The Doom soundtrack is the third video game score to be included. It joins other important works like Minecraft: Volume Alpha, which was added last year.
Q: How many total recordings are now in the National Recording Registry?
With the new additions this year, there are exactly 700 titles in the registry. These recordings are kept safe by the Library of Congress for future generations.