The soundtrack for the original 1993 Doom has been inducted into the National Recording Registry, the Library of Congress announced. The registry, part of the world's largest library, selects 25 recordings annually as "audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage." Bobby Prince's "adrenaline-fueled" score is the third video game soundtrack to receive this honor, following the Super Mario Bros. theme (2023) and Minecraft's soundtrack (2025).
"Key to Doom's popularity was the adrenaline-fueled soundtrack created by Prince," a Registry spokesperson said. "Prince, a lifelong musician and practicing lawyer, was fascinated by MIDI technology, which rose to prominence in the mid-1980s. Taking advantage of his MIDI knowledge, Prince ensured sound effects could cut through the music by assigning them to different frequencies. The Doom soundtrack has inspired countless remixes and laid the foundation for future game composers."
"The sweep and diversity of the National Recording Registry class of 2026 beautifully captures the scope of the American experience as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary," said Robbin Ahrold, chair of the National Recording Preservation Board. "From icons of R&B to a holiday favorite en Español, from a legendary sports broadcast to this generation’s superstars, it is a thrilling reflection of America at its best."
Other 2026 inductees include Taylor Swift's 1989, Beyoncé's Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It), The Go-Go's debut album Beauty and the Beat, Vince Gill's Go Rest High On That Mountain, Weezer's self-titled debut (The Blue Album), Chaka Khan's I Feel for You, and the original Broadway cast album of Chicago.
