This happened to a reputable song creator. Imagine what happens to a no name.

remember, Mick Gordon’s talent is so high that he became a household name. This is almost unheard of for a contracted game musician. This is how the best of the best of game musicians are treated by AAA studios.

Moral of the story, NEVER let anyone else write a contract for you if you’re a contractor. ALWAYS go to YOUR attorney and have him draw up the contract then make the company sign it. No work without a contract, PERIOD! Live and learn from this kids

The fact that Mick was able to churn out the soundtrack in such a short squeeze goes to show how badass he is

there is no difference between corporate video game executives and the demons that the Doomslayer slaughters

To clarify, Chad didn't make new music. He took the music files, Mick's work, from the game and messily cut them together for the soundtrack. That was Marty's "solution" because he didn't think Mick could make it on time, even though he was the one sabotaging Mick and going out of his way to ruin the planning and the very reason it had to be so rushed in the first place. It's spectacular how Marty was allowed to be so destructive to the project yet still backed by corpo.

how come some employees will get dropped like it's nothing but this guy permanently ruins a relationship with one of the best video game composers, causes legal consumer rights protection problems for the company, ruins the product and causes a PR disaster, and the company STILL stands up for him? I wish my employer had my back like that.

It's UNFATHOMABLE that they would betray a golden goose like Mick Gordon. Actually boggles my mind. Such a world-class, unique musician that basically invented his own genre for the sake of Doom. Doom isn't doom without its music, I challenge anybody to play doom with the music muted, or with another random sountrack playing. 90% of the feeling is gone. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot. At least now, perhaps Mick will be hired by a company that makes good games.

He got less than a month and produced 10 songs? Thats an outstanding job...

Businesses that offer high visibility products or services like games, media or the like are often riddled with narcissists, sociopaths, psychopaths and all sorts of con artists. These often prey on artists, and any other professionals to feel better about themselves.

I’m in commercial photography…I learned the hard way never to work without a contract. I had nowhere near the trouble that Mick had…the stakes weren’t even close to that high. This is a cautionary tale for any artist to apply themselves to understand the law, contracts, and negotiation, and to make sure they always have any legal contract they sign fully vetted by their own attorney beforehand. Also, I recommend living well below your means so you have some money to pay a lawyer to take someone to court if need be. Also, always make transfer of copyright or grant of license contingent upon full payment in every contract, as well as limiting any consequential damages to the amount of the contract-at no point should any artist accept liability for their client’s losses beyond that. If a client thinks they can shift that kind of risk onto you, it doesn’t matter how big the opportunity is-DO NOT take it-it will open you up to this kind of abuse and make things harder for EVERY artist, not just yourself. EVERY artist who wants to make a living off their craft MUST learn the law and act based on it, or things WILL go bad.

Sadly this is how much of the music industry works. The creators that put in the work get screwed while the shady companies make vague generalizations, stall contracts, say the work isn't up to par, etc. I'd love to see CEO make their own music. They won't, because they have zero talent except for lies, threats, and twisting words.

You have the absolute energy of a man who hates hypocrisy. Fast, Concise, Methodical breakdown of B.S. Love it.

This saddens me. As a fighting game player, I'm familiar with Mick's work from Killer Instinct 2013. This dude is way too talented to have to deal with all this BS.

I work for a big company and managers are just good for blaming others for their failures.

Marty must have some dirt on somebody for this kind of blatant immunity to consequence. Don't tell me he's the bosses son.

I've never played the DOOM games, but I love Mick's music. I had zero idea this was going on, thanks for laying it out so concisely. What an absolute cluster...

They should have offered more. 6 figures is not enough to lose his good reputation.

I have a 2 year old and a 6 year old and this behavior is so familiar to me. Man child is right.

This was already covered a bunch, but still nice coverage. Mick is great, Bethesda and ID were and will forever be trash (Thanks Marty!) :D

I wouldn’t take that silence if they gave me 9 FIGURES. Mick Gordon should sue for defamation. His music is too good for these corporate dunderheads.

Mick Gordons massive response with such clear and factual receipts is just a thing of beauty lol

Let this be a lesson to us all, you don't just meet sociopaths on the street but also in the corporate boardroom.

I've definitely learned from this story. • Always have a contract drawn up before starting work. Even if the work is needed ASAP. • Lawyer up before, during and after jobs. Run the contract by them, ask for their feedback and figure out how to deal with issues before they arise. Thanks for putting this out there Josh

Hope you're proud of this one; easily one of your best videos and a great breakdown of the Doom OST fiasco. First came across your stuff when I was looking for cult-survivor stories and was hooked. The evolution of your channel is nothing short of amazing and leaves no shortage of solid, hard-hitting content. Your an inspiration and I'm looking forward to what next year brings, especially as you take things in a new direction. Keep up the good work!

The meta analysis of this whole screwed up story leads me to conclude that the powers that be at id (perhaps just marty) felt that too much credit for doom 2016 was landing in mick's lap (for example, the meme that doom 2016 was a great metal album that happened to come with a game), and thus they were acting out some poorly conceived plot to sabotage mick's work going into doom eternal so that wouldn't happen again. really it's the only thing, at least to me, that makes any of this make any kind of sense whatsoever. I mean, it still seems batshit insane, but jealous people do self destructive dumb shit all the time.

this is what i hate about contracting. you want a deal to work out so bad because its so good for your resume, but then they just fucking peg you.

why are creative industries inundated with terrible people? it really doesn't have to be that way, LITERALLY all they had to do was not go out of their way to destroy an amazing musician. Mick deserves soooo much better. the silver lining, I suppose, is that now I know to never bother trying to work for zenimax or microsoft games studios unless I'm cool with........this shit. awesome video as always, Josh. props for laying out all that evidence, I really hope this situation can turn around for Mick.

As a game dev and a long term sub I like seing your take on the slime ridden execs we deal with every day, thank you for the hard work showing how greedy those people are. Also love the more positive vibe even when discussing such topics. Keep it up man!

This is why it's hilarious to me anymore when media still acts like a human soul is currency in Hell. People give up their souls for so little. Any self-respecting demon wouldn't waste his or her time.

This is an absolutely disgusting situation and I'm tired of game companies getting away with this BS. Once again this proves why people should not pre-order games now. Either they're unfinished or you get a shitty product.

Love the long form content mate, great work

My blood is boiling watching this video. I'm a freelancer. This is a perfect example of how we can produce amazing work and clients will still try to not pay us. They press for us to rush the order and after we deliver amazing work, they pull this crap. This is also a good example of how not having a clear vision and rushing to throw something together only causes unnecessary re-work and delays. This is complete garbage. I feel so sorry for Mick and his team. Creativity takes time, meditation, and deep thought. It can't be rushed. They would have had something great if they paid Mick on time, had a proper contract deal, and gave Mick more time to do what he does best.🤬😡😤

I would love to hear your opinion on "AI Art". Since there is a storm brewing within the gaming an entertainment industry as a whole that would interest you. It feels like people like Marty are exactly those who would through artists under the bus, like he's proven with Mick.

Wow, never thought big brand company would treat top-contractor as uber treats taxi driver

I have fallen for it too. NEVER start client work without a contract, even if the client has a good pay history or is your best friend. If the job they are contracting you for is important, they will just have the rush the contracting phase on the client side to get it signed; they shouldn't be putting the rush on the creator to produce. I am shocked the guy went so long without payment, but hey look at me, 2 years later after a finished website and I am still waiting for a final client approval and payment to close out the project. At least I got the 50% down payment, this guy did not even receive a deposit. I also see deposits as the clients having a genuine intent to do a project VS someone just trying to see how much they can get for free from a freelancer. Lost sales is not an artist's problem. That's a PM, sales, or legal problem.

I can tell you're passionate about this subject and I feel the same way because I love Mick's music. People would roll their eyes when they see another video bashing corporate, but it needs to be done and done as much as possible until the manipulation and abuse like this is stopped.

I wasn't sure about wanting to watch the long video beforehand, but once I started watching... Damn is this Marty a slimy character. You covered it perfectly, thanks for this!

This was solid!! Must've taken forever to make but thanks for doing it. What a crazy story

Glad you've covered this!

Really liking this format Josh. Super engaging!

We definitely need a list of people that caused that situation so that I'll never buy a game they are involved into.

I'm so glad you are covering this story, this is insanity for not paying him for his work smh 🙄

Let this be a lesson for everybody to NOT work with bethesda and let them drown in their own shit

This entire saga has been a shitshow. And I remember when that "album" came out, within a couple hours the wav comparisons began popping up with people conjecturing that those were something that Mick would never release in that state, even before the crap hitting the fan, the actual fans were already aware it wasn't his work. These managers and their massive brittle egos need to go. But as long as they continue to make money, I don't think they will sadly. Not enough people vote with their wallets. Pre-orders are scams.

Great idea for content. LOVED Mick Gordon's OST for Doom Eternal. I remember seeing the trailer for the game and being blown away by the music.

Appreciate the deep dive into this story. This is great content. There are so many people who've been robbed and silenced by corporate with these subtle manipulation tactics. You're right to expose these schemes. I wish there were more channels like this.

wow you really had to do the work to cover this in detail, it was fascinating to see how these managers types are the same kind of pieces of shit they are in every industry, specially when they already seem to start on their first project in an position of authority without ever actually having to develop a game themselves like marty boy here did. Great work josh!

Fantastic work, Josh. Very well researched and summarised. Would be nice to see similar long-form research and analysis focused content on your channel in addition to the roast type videos. You seem to have a real knack for it.

Long time fan. I usually don't watch long form stuff, but you nailed this like you do everything else. As a one time avid gamer and now casual gamer I was unaware of this. Though it's not the first time a game developer has shit on their contractors. Thanks

I don't understand why they keep this incompetent manager as if he is Midas.

When I see indie musicians trying to go professional, I react not with excitement but with concern. This is one of the reasons why, apart from the 'production by committee' sludge they keep spraying. BTW, have you noticed that there's a bot problem? They masquerade as the video creator asking to talk. I bet they're crypto crap. I'm guessing I'll get such reply when I post this.

Don’t let people tell you your videos are “ negative “ because you’re telling the truth. That’s is not being negative. That is just telling the truth as it is. Being negative is being & seeing things from a negative angle regardless of it being the truth or not. I feel like you’ve let your yourself believe that videos like this are “ negative “. No. It’s educational and you’re just sharing what came out of your research. PeriodT.

just gonna download a backup of this video..... before someone gets...... mad at the video xD

Seagull managers. Sounds like the late Steve Jobs

This was a great video. I only heard bits and pieces up to now but to have the whole thing explained like this was nice.

"Used reddit as a vehicle" Reddit is a slobbering mob torch for all sorts of interests.

Your deep dives are your best videos. This is even better than the Dave Ramsey expose.

Informative. Comprehensive. Makes it clear if things do not add up your own hunch may be correct as you simply don't know about the behind-the-scenes parts. Hope Mick Gordon finds a better creative and contractual work environment. Video Gold Award. 🏆💫

Great work man, can't even imagine how much work this took.

BFG division is goated. Love it when it comes on our Dungeons and Dragons playlist

This is a positive video. It's keeping my money away from people I don't agree with, and now I can choose to find other avenues to support Mick and those like him in the field of media. Putting these companies on blast is the only way to get them to even think about treating their employees and customers properly. They only care about money and reputation. Which is why games are half finished on launch, loaded with issues, and then they want more money for micro transactions or dlc that could have been part of the game. Poorly treated devs and composers, etc. So put them on blast, and let's try and hit them in the wallet. It's the only thing they seem to care about. Not really sure how that Marty guy still had a job. It was pretty obvious he was ok stealing Micks work, then crediting other people. And he was ok shipping a substandard product. Because he thought he was going to get away with not paying Mick and thinking the customer base would just be fine with the "finished" product. Utilizing Mick's name as the draw to get the pre-orders, etc. Either firing this clown would have been so damaging to ID Software, or management agreed with these practices. Probably both.

This is an INFURIATING story

It’s a damn shame that there was this going on in the background, the game was an absolute banger

Thanks! Keep doing what you’re doing.,

Mick Gordon also helped produce Bring the Horizon’s album “Post Human:Survival Horror” as Oli Sykes was inspired after playing Doom Eternal. If you haven’t listened to it, I recommend it! Parasite Eve he specifically worked on but he also sent them a library of samples, sound bites and helped with the overall sound design. One of my fave albums released in the pandemic, it goes crazy. Upsetting that Gordon was screwed over so hard, which no one deserves but especially someone who’s such a talent.

Listening Doom soundtrack in the back adds additional suspense to this video 😄 great investigation btw

This is exactly why I don't work in gaming.

Always keep the receipts. You may need them to set the record straight.

This was a great video, Josh. Please do more deep dives into bad management like this. I was hanging on through every minute of it.

Nick seems like a classy guy with a strong work ethic. Unfortunately the corporate vultures take advantage of that. Then when things go south, they hide behind their sharks of attorneys.

Fantastic work Josh. Keep varying up your content like this. Also, hope your Christmas went well, and Happy New Year to you sir!

josh please make a post on bethesda and doom and demand a boycott of starfield until this ceo is fired

High pressure management styles make for burnt toast productions. Aside here not related to video. The style reminds me of the high control and detail estimation I dealt with working in that neighborhood of Rockville. There were CMMI gants and sheets unlike the more relaxed kanban style I deal with now. PMs compete or sabotage themselves all the time this way. I don't know what it is about that whole area but it feels cursed. The focus shifts from the product to the schedule.

Excellent video! I wasn't aware of the details to this story so I appreciate the long commentary.

Damn Josh, Always keeping it lit. Thanks for always keeping it 100.

I was wondering if you would have a take on this. It's right in your wheelhouse. Glad to hear you cover it.

Who would want to work with Bathesda & iD after this? Certainly no one of quality, thus leaving both companies with only access to second rate talent. Where were the lawyers throughout this, is the question. There's no way a sensible lawyer would look at this & be, like, "Yeah, this is the way to go. This is the strat. It's air tight. There's no way whatsoever this can end badly..."

If one payment was missed from a company I was doing work for I would stop working until they paid up. How the hell do people go 8 months unpaid.

I have been looking into this ever since Doom Eternal Released. Thank you for covering this issue in detail

This was epic thank you for covering this. I was wondering what all went down over this. Huge DOOM fan and huge Mic G. fan. Much love Mic great job sticking it to these bastards. I hope you get what you deserve!

JOSH EXCELLENT VIDEO MAN.! I think you truly found your niche and videos like this are helpful for poeople to watch so they can learn and protect themselves.

Ouch this should come with a trigger warning to any contractor that’s been screwed over by a larger company. The patterns of similarities

Never buying a DOOM/Bethesda Titles ever again, i refuse to support crooks who back their bully leaders

This is very reminiscent of what happened with Marty O'Donnell and Bungie with Halo/Destiny.

Digital Clipping is grounds for a time-out.

They knew they could bully Mick Gordon and he would be a push over. There is no way I submit work without a contract regarding the use of my work in any fashion or submit work without at least having some form of pre-payment. Mick Gordon should have stood his ground and stood up for himself in the beginning. Everything that happened to him was his fault, being nice in any industry gets you nowhere but f*%!*%. I wouldn't care if my name was on something, no contract no work. He should have lawyered up and said he didn't know anything about this soundtrack with his name on it and without his permission. I'm sure everything after that would have been very different.

This video is fantastic Josh. I don't know if you feel the same way but this is investigative reporting to me. You've got a great talent in taking an abundance of facts occurring along a long time line but you put it together cogently and it moves along at a great pace and is very easy to follow as you narrate. Another one you knocked out of the park bud! Also, wow. Just wow considering the behavior of the company, specifically Marty. This is almost movie like how Marty and the company do all these slimy things and try to pay Mick off to keep it hidden.

Unfortunate situation. Good reporting on a big problem in the corporate world and how certain managers try very hard to manipulate others and they often think that hardly anyone will challenge them. More contractors and employees should challenge the manipulators and smear campaigns.

Great analysis

So much Doom between Mick and Marty

This is good stuff. Probably your best work. Keep it up!

Great sum up, BFG is absolute banger for real Mick music and Doom shouldn’t be unseparated

Thanks for telling the story, man!

i didnt know this story came up again. ill be honest when i first saw the issue when eternal first came out and the whole soundtrack scandal happened with martys statement i thought mick was being a bit of an arse especially since i loved his work it was disapointing. but now im glad you made this video. huge new found respect for mick gordon again and bfg division is gonna sound even sweeter now!!

This is why there probably won't be a Doom 3 in this reboot series. They managed to kill their cashcow with a pre-order soundtrack.

Great video! You cannot trust corporations to be honest and forthright!

Damn, why do people suck when they are given just a bit of power.. every time.. great video, very concise

47 mins video ? Christmas is indeed here ! Merry Christmas bro & happy New Year.

It amazes how much a company will stand behind someone in upper management that's doing such an awful job. But then again... they want people willing to exploit people for the company's profit like that.