Doom Has Been Ported to a PDF File

Doom's Enduring Legacy: A PDF Port and Beyond

A high school student's remarkable feat of porting the iconic 1993 game, Doom, to a PDF file underscores the game's enduring appeal and the boundless creativity of its fanbase. While offering a playable, albeit slow, experience, this achievement adds another bizarre platform to Doom's already extensive list of unconventional hosts.

Doom's compact size (a mere 2.39 megabytes) has consistently fueled these unusual ports. Its influence on the first-person shooter (FPS) genre is undeniable; it essentially defined the genre, leading to many early FPS games being labeled "Doom clones." This legacy continues to inspire programmers and gamers alike to push the boundaries of where Doom can run. Previous examples include ports to refrigerators, alarm clocks, and car stereos – practically any device with a modicum of processing power.

GitHub user ading2210's PDF port leverages JavaScript's capabilities within the PDF format, enabling 3D rendering and other functionalities. However, the limitations of the PDF format necessitate compromises. The game's low resolution (320x200) requires a massive number of text boxes for each frame, resulting in a monochrome, soundless, text-free experience with a noticeable 80ms frame rate.

Beyond the PDF: Doom's Unconventional Habitats

This isn't just about optimal performance; it's about exploring the limits of possibility. Recent examples include a November port to the Nintendo Alarmo, controlled via its dials and buttons, and a port within the game Balandro, showcasing Doom across its card layout. Both, like the PDF version, suffer from performance limitations but demonstrate the ingenuity of the gaming community.

The continued relevance of Doom, over three decades after its release, is a testament to its lasting impact. As players continue their inventive explorations, the future holds even more unexpected platforms for this enduring classic.