Xbox and PlayStation have always butt heads, they're direct competitoon, after all, but it seems like if anything can bring the two together it's the power fantasy of slaying demons in a medieval setting. DOOM: The Dark Ages is due out next month, so of course, Xbox is pulling no punches in promoting the release, even partnering with PlayStation in a new video with Id Softwware's Hugo Martin addressing PlayStation fans.
The video shared showcased Cosmic Realm area, a realm that looks to be paying homage to the likes of horror icon H.P. Lovecraft, going as far as having their own hellish tentacle entity akin to Cthulhu. The weirdest part about this promo is the fact that it lacked any mention of Xbox or Microsoft.
The most logical solution cooked up by Pure Xbox is Microsoft probably directly partnered with Sony on the promo, though, it is kind of weird if that is the case, considering this is an Xbox first-party release. That said, it will be coming to PlayStation 5, so perhaps they just didn't wanna leave Sony out of the marketing scene, as DOOM games are pretty popular regardless of the platform.
At the end, Martin even touched on the game playing fantastic on the PS5 and even pushed the PS5 Pro.
"There's so much more to be honest, that we still have yet to share, but we just wanted to give the Sony fans something special as we head into launch. We cannot wait to share this experience with you [...] it plays fantastic on the PlayStation 5, and of course, the PlayStation 5 Pro."
While it is a win-win regardless, as Microsoft will get money if people buy the game on Xbox, PC, or PS5, it still feels odd for Microsoft to side-step things in order to eye up the PlayStation crowd. This is probably just a one-off direct marketing stunt to ensure people know this game is headed to the competing platform beyond the standard logo sizzle at the end of trailers, but still.
DOOM: The Dark Ages puts us in Doom Slayer's shoes once again, this time in a medieval setting with weapons slightly more befitting the time, such as a shield saw that can be used for defensive or offensive moves. There's also a mace, flail, and more. Oh, and yes, BFGs are still in the game, so rest assured, they didn't take that staple away.