The gaming world never ceases to deliver surprising innovations. After Doom was successfully ported to devices such as toasters, refrigerators, to Nintendo Alarm ClockNow this legendary FPS game can be played inside a PDF file! This unique porting is one creative way to prove the versatility of classic games like Doom.
A high school student with a GitHub account ading2210 is the brains behind this amazing project. Inspired by TetrisPDFIn a project porting Tetris to PDF format, ading2210 decided to create a version of Doom that could be run through a Chromium-based browser. The result? A PDF file that allows users to play Doom directly.
How Can Doom Be Played on PDF?
This porting process takes advantage of the Javascript capabilities in browser-based PDF readers. While the official PDF specification supports more complex scripts, security restrictions on the browser partially limit its capabilities. However, ading2210 managed to utilize this feature to run Doom inside a PDF file.
Using an ASCII grid with six colors to represent sprites and graphics, this port produces a fairly clear display despite having a response time of around 80ms per frame. While the gaming experience may not be as smooth on consoles like the PS5, this port still shows that simple technology can produce something amazing.
Innovations that Entertain and Inspire
Like other Doom ports, this PDF version lacks elements such as text or sound. However, this does not detract from the entertainment value of the project. You can enjoy this unique experience while appreciating creativity in technology development.
Even Thomas Rinsma, the creator of TetrisPDF, through a post on Hacker NewsHe praised ading2210's work as a more polished version of a similar experiment he had made. This praise shows that innovations like this are not only entertaining, but also encourage creativity in the developer community.
What's Next for Doom?
The phenomenon of Doom being ported to unexpected devices is a testament to the game's enduring appeal. From toasters to PDFs, Doom proves that a classic remains relevant through innovation. While this PDF port of Doom isn't meant to replace the PC or console experience, it does provide a new perspective on how a game can work outside of traditional mediums.
Doom in a PDF file is living proof that creativity has no limits. If you're curious and want to try this innovation, make sure your device supports Chromium-based browsers. By trying it out, you're not only playing a game, but also witnessing how technology can be creatively utilized.
Share your experience playing this PDF version of Doom with your favorite gaming community. Maybe the next innovation will be even more surprising!
Source: IGN
