New breakthrough: DOOM now playable from a PDF, a game-changer for digital entertainment

The PDF file format isn’t just for sharing documents anymore. Believe it or not, it can now be used for gaming. In a testament to the fact that Doom can seemingly be played anywhere, a group of users recently embarked on a rather interesting project: putting Doom inside a PDF file.

The concept is simple: create a functional Doom game that can be opened in any Chromium-based browser (for now, it only works in these browsers) and run directly within the PDF file, in text format. While PDF files are typically associated with text and images, they actually have some advanced features that not everyone is aware of. One of these features is the ability to execute simple JavaScript code, which served as the foundation for embedding the game within the file.

The programmer behind this project, ading2210, used the JavaScript capabilities of the PDF format to make Doom run within it, allowing players to use the file itself as a means to play the game. Of course, the graphics are presented in text format and are far from perfect, but it certainly proves that it’s possible.

DoomPDF incorporates the necessary JavaScript to run the shareware version of Doom. Users can control the game using the buttons within the document or even the keyboard, thanks to a dedicated area for input. The graphics are created using ASCII characters in monochromatic tones – essentially, it’s a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that come together to form the final image.

Admittedly, playing Doom in a PDF file is far from the fastest or most efficient way to experience the game, but it’s undeniably fascinating to witness. It’s yet another example of the seemingly boundless creativity and ingenuity of the gaming community. Who would have thought that a humble PDF file could become a vessel for one of the most iconic games of all time?

While this project may not revolutionize the way we play games, it serves as a reminder that technology continues to surprise us with its endless possibilities. So, the next time you open a PDF file, take a moment to appreciate the potential that lies within – you never know what hidden gems might be waiting to be discovered.