In an unexpected fusion of gaming and document technology, a developer has created a unique way to play the classic 1993 game Doom directly within a PDF file using web browsers.
The innovative project, dubbed "doom.pdf," allows players to experience the groundbreaking first-person shooter through an unconventional medium. Players can control the game using standard WASD keyboard controls for movement, space bar for shooting, and number keys 1-7 for weapon selection.
Behind this creative endeavor is developer ading.dev, who leveraged PDF's JavaScript support capabilities to make this possible. The technical implementation involved using Emscripten to compile Doom's original code into a JavaScript subset, enabling the game to run within the constraints of a PDF document.
Playing the game is surprisingly straightforward - users simply need to open the doom.pdf file in a Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome and follow the on-screen instructions. The game can be controlled either through keyboard inputs or by clicking the control layout displayed on screen.
This unusual port joins a long history of unexpected Doom implementations, showcasing the gaming community's creativity in finding new platforms to run the iconic shooter. While it may not offer the optimal gaming experience, it represents another fascinating chapter in Doom's technical legacy.
The timing of this PDF port is particularly interesting, as it brings together two technologies that both debuted in 1993 - the PDF format and Doom itself. This creative mashup demonstrates how classic software can still surprise us with new implementations, even three decades after its original release.