Doom 4 screens leak along with news of cancellation....

As dozens of alleged screens, in-game models and artwork purportedly from id Software's Doom 4 leak onto the internet, Bethesda Softworks has shot down a rumor claiming the game has been cancelled.

While I approve of companies actually commenting on rumors and speculation, the rumor this time around seemed to consist of a single sentence posted alongside some alleged leaked screens from the embattled Doom 4, a game announced in May of 2008 that seems to be idling.

The screens and rumor originated on 4Chan, and were later picked up by another site. A second batch of alleged screens later emerged. They appear to show Doom-esque Hell on Earth scenarios, with what may be a burning, ash-covered New York and an industrial area affected by some sort of apocalypse. Others show detailed character models.



From there, Bethesda entered the fray and offered the following statement to Joystiq: "DOOM 4 isn't cancelled," Bethesda's VP of PR and Marketing Pete Hines said. "When we're ready to talk about it and show it off, we'll let everyone know."

Doom 4 was rumored to be "indefinitely postponed" this past October following less than stellar reviews for Rage. It was speculated that Zenimax and Bethesda had questions about the leadership at subsidiary id Software, which develops the Rage and Doom franchises.

id Software saw lay-offs earlier this year following the release of Rage.