The 'A Bethesda Account Is Required' meme originated in 2019 following the re-release of classic DOOM titles on modern consoles, which unexpectedly required players to sign into a Bethesda.net account to play. This mandatory login for 25-year-old single-player games sparked immediate backlash and mockery across social media. The meme serves as a satirical critique of modern gaming's obsession with forced online connectivity, intrusive DRM, and the 'account-ification' of software. It is commonly used by placing the login prompt over various absurd or everyday situations where an account should definitely not be necessary, highlighting the disconnect between corporate requirements and player convenience.