Doom soundtrack composer Bobby Prince dies aged 81
Bobby Prince, the legendary composer who created the iconic soundtrack for the original Doom, has passed away at age 81. His family confirmed he died peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Prince’s contributions to video game music fundamentally shaped the industry’s artistic landscape. Beyond Doom and its sequel, his compositional work extended to seminal titles including Wolfenstein 3D, Rise of the Triad, and Duke Nukem 3D. Through his innovative sound design, Prince helped establish video game music as a respected art form rather than mere background accompaniment.
His achievements were recognized throughout his career. In 2005, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Video Game Industry. Most recently, the original Doom soundtrack was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress in 2026, cementing its place in cultural history.
Born the son of an Army officer, Prince himself served as a Vietnam War veteran, leading a platoon. Raised in Athens, Georgia, music became a constant presence throughout his life—from childhood through his careers as a musician, composer, and attorney. His family remembered him as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, attorney, musician, composer, and friend,” emphasizing how his passion for music was shared with family, lifelong friends, and fellow musicians throughout his lifetime.
Prince’s legacy extends far beyond the games he scored; he helped pioneer an entire genre of artistic expression, proving that interactive entertainment could achieve the same cultural resonance as traditional media.