Here's how Doom avoids splitting up players with its new premium map DLC - CNET

Another big free update arrives for Doom tomorrow, July 29, and will be followed soon after by the game's first premium downloadable content. That consists in part of new maps, something that could be problematic for the game's player base, but developer id Software has a plan to avoid that.

Typically when a multiplayer game receives premium DLC maps, it breaks up the user base--those without the DLC can't play with those who do have it except on servers only running the original maps. That will still be the case in Doom, but it avoids splitting up groups of friends. Through a feature id calls PartyPlay, Doom allows people who don't own the DLC to play on the DLC maps as long as they're in a party with someone who does own it.

This first DLC pack, Unto the Evil, consists of three new multiplayer maps, a demon (the Harvester), a weapon (the EMG Mark V pistol), a piece of equipment (the Kinetic Mine), armor, hack modules, and more. All of this is usable in existing maps and modes. You can get a quick glimpse at it toward the end of the trailer above. It arrives on August 5 for $15 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

The primary focus of the video is on the free update coming on July 29. This adds a pair of new modes, both of which are playable on existing and future maps. Exodus is a one-flag capture-the-flag game where the flag and each team's base is constantly moving, while Sector is a territory mode where you try to capture zones and hold onto them.