Doom Soundtrack Inducted Into the National Recording Registry
The soundtrack to the original 1993 Doom has been officially inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, marking a significant recognition of video game music’s cultural importance.
The Library of Congress announced 25 new inductees to the registry, which comprises what the institution describes as “audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.” Composed by Bobby Prince, Doom’s adrenaline-fueled score becomes only the third video game composition to receive this honor.
The National Recording Registry, maintained by the Library of Congress—the largest library in the world and home of the U.S. Copyright Office—exists to preserve recordings of significant cultural and historical value. The recognition reflects growing institutional acknowledgment that video game music represents a vital part of America’s creative heritage.
Bobby Prince’s groundbreaking work on the original Doom has proven influential in shaping how video game composers approach dynamic, immersive soundscapes. The score’s intense, driving compositions helped establish the audio identity of one of gaming’s most foundational titles and demonstrated the medium’s potential for artistic expression beyond traditional interactive elements.
This induction represents a milestone in game preservation efforts and signals broader institutional validation of video game culture. As the gaming industry matures and becomes increasingly recognized as a legitimate artistic medium, preservation of its foundational works—both creatively and technically—continues to gain importance.