Cancelled PlayStation Shooter 'Ignite' Leaks: DOOM Meets COD Zombies

A cancelled PlayStation first-party shooter codenamed Ignite reportedly blended DOOM-style dismemberment with Call of Duty Zombies-like horde modes, according to a new investigation.

A cancelled PlayStation shooter is back in the spotlight thanks to a new investigation video, and it sounds like it was aiming for a wild mix of DOOM and Call of Duty. According to Insider Gaming, Dark Outlaw Games' project—codenamed Ignite—leaned hard into DOOM-style dismemberment as a core mechanic, and even packed a Zombies-style horde mode.

The details come from a 22-minute investigation video published by content creator Glitching Queen on November 5. Per Insider Gaming's relaying of that video, Ignite's design docs treated gore as both a headline feature and a key mechanic: you'd deal as much damage as possible to enemies, then use an amulet worn by your character to 'drain' them—the more damage you dealt, the more health and power you'd get back. Enemies were also built with distinct layers—skin, muscle, bone—that would progressively break apart under gunfire or melee attacks.

It's worth being clear about where this is coming from. The above details stem from Glitching Queen's investigation video, and Insider Gaming says it also has several gigabytes of screenshots, footage, and files, plus internal emails. In other words, what's public right now is media and creator relay—PlayStation and Dark Outlaw Games haven't responded, and the materials haven't been released publicly.

From the gameplay framework that's been disclosed, Ignite sounds closer to DOOM Eternal than a zombies mode. The report says it used linear, story-driven level design, with level scale and design similar to Call of Duty, including scripted cinematic events and co-op support. The team also brought in Call of Duty: Zombies DNA, including horde-like modes, plenty of easter eggs, and minigames.

For shooter fans, that combo isn't unfamiliar: on one side, a fast-paced, melee-driven rhythm where you trade damage for resources; on the other, the repeatable fun of co-op horde clearing and easter egg hunting. The real question is whether layering dismemberment with 'drain' healing would push players to get up close and personal, turning a shooter into a resource management game.

As for why the project never made it to the finish line, the report's explanation isn't dramatic. Insider Gaming says internal emails it obtained indicate the cancellation was tied to PlayStation executives reprioritizing product portfolio budgets amid market challenges, rather than any specific incident.

So, what do you think—does a DOOM-meets-Zombies PlayStation exclusive sound like something you'd have played, or is it better left in the vault? Let us know in the comments.