Doom on Nintendo Switch will not include the SnapMap level editor

The announcement of Doom’s 2016 sequel arriving on Nintendo Switch was one of the most bizarre, surprising and exciting announcements during Wednesday’s Direct Showcase. Of course, pushing such a modern and intensive game onto Nintendo’s tiny tablet will require a few cutbacks not seen in other versions of the game, which have been announced.

id Software are cutting the most obvious corners to make sure that users will be able to play what Doom is known for most–its stellar campaign.

First of all, the highly advertised SnapMap level editor will be removed from the game in its entirety. The system, which is an incredibly piece of work by id Software, allows users to make proper campaign-esque levels and multiplayer modes/arenas for other players to play through. Creators can edit AI behaviors, create scripted sequences and more, crafting the levels they really want to play using the game’s campaign assets.

While it is disappointing to see this missing on Nintendo Switch, SnapMap itself was an underused piece of software, and as much as I’d like to see the game in its entirety being put on the Switch (somehow) this is the most obvious corner to cut.

Secondly. the physical version of Doom will not have its multiplayer component on the cartridge at all. Instead, physical owners will have to download an additional free update that includes the multiplayer if they want to experience Doom PvP on Switch.  For digital owners, Doom will automatically include the multiplayer in one big download.

Doom is an absolutely massive game on the more powerful consoles with over 70GB making up the entire game on Sony’s PS4. With 32GB cartridge limits on Switch as the biggest available size, id Software are cutting the most obvious corners to make sure that users will be able to play what Doom is known for most–its stellar campaign.