Doom soundtrack composer Bobby Prince dies aged 81

Robert Prince III, better known as Bobby Prince, the creator of the iconic soundtrack for the original Doom, has died at 81.

In an obituary, his family described him as a “cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, veteran, lawyer, musician, composer, and friend,” noting that he passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16th.

Raised in Athens, Georgia, as the son of an Army officer who ultimately led a platoon during the Vietnam War, he was told that “the groundwork for a remarkable musical journey was first laid.” Music stayed a “constant thread through his life,” something he shared with his family, lifelong friends, and fellow performers.

“His pioneering work helped define a period of gaming and motivated countless players around the world,” the obituary stated. “Through his compositions and sound design for celebrated games like Doom, Doom II, Wolfenstein 3D, Rise of the Triad, and Duke Nukem 3D, Bobby was instrumental in elevating video game music into a respected art form. In 2006, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Video Game Industry.

“In 2026, the soundtrack from the original Doom was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress, so his trailblazing efforts will continue to be a meaningful part of America’s cultural heritage for generations to come.”

“Everyone at Romero Games is profoundly saddened by the news of Bobby Prince’s passing. He made an extraordinary impact on both games and on my life,” John Romero wrote on X/Twitter.

id Software added: “Rest in peace to the video game music pioneer Bobby Prince. Your music will endure forever.”