Bethesda details DOOM level creator SnapMap

The upcoming DOOM reboot will introduce many multiplayer elements to the storied IP, chief among them the LittleBigPlanet-esque content creator SnapMap. Thanks to a recent post from Bethesda, we finally know a bit more about it.

SnapMap can be used to create single-player, co-op or multiplayer levels, every one of them available for all DOOM owners to download. The creator can churn out standard run-gun-fun in addition to more complex modes like tower defense and puzzles. But above all, Bethesda is targeting a simple and approachable experience.

“With SnapMap we give you the ability to create something from mothing,” said Tom Mustain, Escalation Studios CEO. “You don’t have to be a hardcore level designer. You don’t have to read tutorials or go nuts for weeks on end. You don’t need any experience. You can literally build something within 10 minutes.”

Bethesda Global Content Lead Gary Steinman said he was able to whip up a functioning level in just a few minutes, and add in proximity-triggered enemies and enemy waves in 20 more. This was largely thanks to the A.I. Conductor tool, he said, which allows players to quickly auto-populate enemies.

“The strength of SnapMap’s logic blows me away,” said Creative Director Hugo Martin. “People are already building some obscure, weird, gamey stuff that’s really fascinating. SnapMap has the potential to deliver infinite content for people to play for years to come.”

And what exactly will players be playing? Already, Steinman has seen iterations of whack-a-mole, giant controllable pianos and drums, escort missions and 1v3 demon-on-marine cage matches. The future seems DOOMed, indeed.