Doom Now Runs Inside a PDF Document

Summary

• A high school student has successfully ported Doom (1993) to a PDF file, creating a slow yet playable version of the game.
• The compact size of Doom enables it to be run on unconventional devices, such as the Nintendo Alarmo and within other games like Balandro.
• These innovative ports underscore the game's lasting legacy and the endless creativity of its fanbase.

Doom, developed by id Software in 1993, is celebrated as one of the most influential video games, particularly within the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. Its impact is so significant that the term "FPS" itself was inspired by Doom, with many subsequent games being referred to as "Doom clones." Over the years, enthusiasts and programmers have embraced a trend of running Doom on the most unexpected devices, from fridges and alarm clocks to car stereos, showcasing the game's versatility and the creativity of its community.

A high school student and GitHub user, ading2210, has taken this trend to a new level by porting Doom into a PDF file. This was made possible by the PDF format's support for JavaScript, which allows for functions such as 3D rendering, HTTP requests, and monitor detection. While most interactive PDFs use small text boxes as pixels, Doom's resolution of 320x200 necessitates thousands of text boxes per frame, which is impractical. Therefore, ading2210 opted to use one text box per screen row, resulting in a slower but still playable game. The video demonstration by the creator shows a version without color, sound, or text, with a response time of 80ms per frame.

High School Student Ports Doom (1993) to a PDF

The feasibility of this project stems from Doom's compact size of just 2.39 megabytes. Recently, in November, a programmer successfully ran Doom on the Nintendo Alarmo, utilizing the device's dials for character movement and side buttons for menu navigation. Additionally, a creative player integrated Doom into Balandro, allowing players to experience the classic FPS across spread cards, albeit with noticeable performance issues similar to the PDF version.

These endeavors are not primarily about achieving smooth gameplay on unconventional platforms but rather about showcasing the boundless possibilities for running Doom. More than 30 years after its release, Doom's continued relevance is a testament to its enduring legacy. As fans continue to experiment, it's likely that Doom will be ported to even more unusual devices in the future, further cementing its place in gaming history.