The “Can it run Doom?” meme is a testament to the game’s enduring legacy and its unlikely journey from PC classic to a ubiquitous presence on the most unexpected devices. More than a joke, it’s a challenge, a rite of passage for developers, and a symbol of the game’s remarkable portability. This article explores the origins of this phenomenon, delving into the technical reasons behind Doom‘s adaptability and the cultural significance that fuels its continued relevance.
Doom‘s journey began not with its 1993 release, but four years later, on December 23, 1997. This was the day id Software, led by the visionary John Carmack, released the game’s source code, a pivotal moment that sparked a wave of community-driven ports. Carmack’s letter accompanying the release, still available on the Doom GitHub page, encouraged collaboration and innovation, predicting a future of “rough hacks done in isolation.” His words proved prophetic.
Almost immediately, the community embraced the challenge. The first source port, DOSDoom, appeared the very same day. From there, a complex lineage of Doom source ports emerged, a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the dedication of its fans. While exploring the full history of these ports is beyond the scope of this article, their existence is crucial to understanding the “Can it run Doom?” phenomenon.
The earliest unusual Doom port I uncovered was for the Texas Instruments TI-82 graphing calculator, uploaded to ticalc.org in April 1998. While more of a clone than a true port, it demonstrated the early desire to bring Doom to unconventional platforms. Evidence of similar experiments is scattered throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, although much of it is lost to the pre-YouTube era. One notable example is the ability to run Doom on cameras with the DigitaOS operating system, a detail that will become relevant later.
The modern obsession with running Doom on bizarre hardware seems to have gained significant traction with LGR’s 2017 video showcasing Doom on a TI-83 calculator. This video, with over 7 million views, highlighted the game’s surprising portability and reignited the “Can it run Doom?” challenge.
John Carmack working on Quake in the id Software offices.
Why Doom is So Portable
Doom‘s widespread popularity is undoubtedly a factor in its enduring appeal. Stories of its prevalence in the 1990s are legendary, with some claiming it was installed on more computers than Windows. This widespread adoption, fueled by the shareware model and the game’s addictive gameplay, laid the foundation for the “Can it run Doom?” phenomenon.
However, popularity alone doesn’t explain Doom‘s remarkable portability. Three key elements contributed to this: the availability of the source code, the existence of source ports for numerous platforms, and the game’s remarkably low system requirements.
The release of the source code was a game-changer, allowing developers to adapt Doom to virtually any platform. This, combined with the development of countless source ports, made it possible to run the game on everything from calculators to ATMs.
Furthermore, Doom‘s minimal hardware and software requirements make it an ideal candidate for porting. Originally designed to run on even the most basic PCs of the early 1990s, Doom can function on systems with limited resources. This flexibility is exemplified by the existence of a version that can run without a monitor, simply saving screenshots.
Consider the example of the Kodak DC220 and DC260 cameras, released in 1998 with the C-based DigitaOS. These cameras, powered by PowerPC processors, possessed sufficient processing power and memory to meet Doom‘s modest requirements. The ability to compile C code on these devices completed the puzzle, demonstrating that running Doom on these cameras was technically feasible even in 1998.
A striking example of Doom‘s adaptability is its ability to run within an SVG file, a format typically used for static vector graphics. This is achieved through js-dos, a JavaScript-based DOS emulator, which allows Doom to run within a web browser.
Doom as a Tool for Change
Doom running on a John Deere tractor display.
In 2022, Sick.Codes demonstrated Doom running on a John Deere tractor display at Def Con. This seemingly playful hack had a deeper significance, highlighting the right-to-repair movement. John Deere’s restrictive software practices have long been a point of contention for farmers. By running Doom on the tractor’s display, Sick.Codes demonstrated the ability to bypass these restrictions and run arbitrary software, opening the door for independent repairs and modifications.
This example demonstrates how Doom, thanks to its portability and widespread recognition, can be used as a tool for change, bringing attention to important issues beyond the realm of gaming.
A Legacy of Hacking and Innovation
Floppy discs for Doom 2.
Doom‘s legacy extends far beyond its initial release. The game’s optimized code, combined with the open availability of its source code, has fostered a thriving modding community and cemented its status as a symbol of hacking and innovation. From playful experiments to impactful demonstrations, Doom‘s ability to run on virtually anything continues to inspire and entertain.
