Doom's Unlikely PDF Port: A Testament to its Enduring Legacy
A high school student has achieved the seemingly impossible: porting the iconic 1993 first-person shooter, Doom, to a PDF file. While the resulting experience is slow, it remains surprisingly playable, adding another bizarre entry to Doom's long list of unconventional platforms.
Doom's compact size (a mere 2.39 MB) has always fueled its adaptability. Previously, programmers have successfully run Doom on devices as unexpected as Nintendo Alarmos (using the dials for movement) and even within other video games like Balandro. This latest feat, however, takes the cake.
GitHub user ading2210 leveraged PDF's JavaScript capabilities – including 3D rendering and HTTP requests – to bring Doom to life within the document format. However, the limitations of the medium are apparent. The game's low resolution (320x200) necessitates a workaround: one text box per screen row, resulting in a significantly slowed-down, monochrome, and soundless experience with an 80ms frame rate. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains functional.
This isn't just about achieving technical proficiency; it's a testament to Doom's enduring influence. The ongoing trend of porting Doom to unusual devices, from refrigerators to alarm clocks, showcases the game's lasting legacy and the boundless creativity of its fans. With each new port, the possibilities seem endless, suggesting that Doom's unconventional adventures will continue for years to come. The fact that a game from over three decades ago continues to inspire such innovative projects speaks volumes about its impact on the gaming world.
