Wolfenstein's NZ launch date confirmed

Bethesda's Wolfenstein reboot will launch on May 22 in New Zealand, it has been confirmed.

Wolfenstein: The New Order is the debut title for MachineGames - an Uppsala, Sweden-based studio comprised of former members of Starbreeze (Riddick, The Darkness, Syndicate), including that studio's founder Magnus Hogdah.

The New Order's story will take place in alternate reality 1960s Europe, and will once again feature BJ Blazkowicz fighting supercharged Nazi forces, including massive robots.

Anyone who preorders the game will be granted access to the beta for id Software's next Doom title.

Doom 4 was announced in 2008, and infrequently heard of thereafter, usually at Bethesda's annual QuakeCon.

"An insert will be included inside your boxed copy of Wolfenstein: The New Order," reads the pre-order FAQ. "This insert will include a key code along with code redemption instructions. Once the key code is redeemed, you'll be registered to participate in the Doom beta once it begins. Check back with the website for updated information."

"Although you'll receive the Doom beta key code with your copy of Wolfenstein: The New Order, the Doom beta won't begin until a later, yet-to-be announced date. We will contact you with news and updates surrounding the start of the Doom beta via the email address provided during the key code redemption process."

id Software creative director Tim Willits told Polygon that the studio announced the game in 2008 to attract talented developers to the project.

"We have found that long PR cycles don't help," said Willits. "They're a distraction to the development team. Your message can easily get diluted if you're not careful. Bethesda has had great success with - heck, look at the Skyrim launch, that was like nine months!

"It's difficult for developers to always have to make demos, go to events and shows, and at the end of the day, a great launch is important for a game, but a great game is important for success."

- Gameplanet