Doom Eternal Dev Discusses Competing With Animal Crossing

During our time playing the first three hours of Doom Eternal at a preview event we were able to catch up with creative director Hugo Martin from id Software. We talked about how the team changed its approach to difficulty settings, why they went in certain directions with its mechanics, and how long the overall experience is going to be. But we also talked about Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the equally exciting Nintendo Switch exclusive that shares Doom Eternal’s March 20 release date.

So, we asked him how he feels about launching alongside Doom’s polar opposite–an easygoing life sim that’s about finding fun in low-key daily chores–to which Martin said, “I think it’s awesome and it speaks to the amazing diversity that we see in games today. I honestly root for other games and other studios.” He continued, “I’m so proud to work in the game industry and the fact that two games that are so completely different, getting a ton of press, come out on the same day. It’s an incredible time to be in development and I’m excited to play Animal Crossing.”

Martin shared his enthusiasm for independent games and big-name blockbusters alike, alluding to his own recent experiences. “One of my favorite games is Inside and I just thought that it was just as engaging as any other. And God of War. I mean, [between] the two of those games, which one do I like more? I like them both and they’re both completely different,” Martin told us.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing time this coming March, be sure to check out everything we know about Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Or if you’re hyped to play a bloody, relentless FPS, check out our impressions of Doom Eternal. Or why not both?