DOOM in PDF! Game of 1993 on a new platform!

What is DOOM?

Released in 1993 by ID Software, DOOM is a game that has forever changed the face of the PC gaming industry. As a recognized pioneer of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, he introduced innovative solutions. Here you should mention 3D graphics, multiplayer online gameplay, and support for community-generated changes. The player takes on the role of an unnamed space marine known as Doomguy, who battles hordes of demons on Mars and its moons. The game has sold millions of copies and inspired numerous sequels and film adaptations. In addition, the modder community remains popular to this day. On the contrary, in this article we will read how the versatility of the popular format will make you play DOOM in PDF.

Introduction to DOOM
DOOM on unusual devices
Launching DOOM in PDF
PDF Versatility
Security risks associated with PDF
Summary: secure local processing

DOOM in a PDF file is a peculiar, though not the only one of these ideas

While DOOM had many advantages, it also got the name of a game that ‘works on everything’. Having made the source code available in 1997, enthusiasts and developers began porting the game to the most unobvious devices. So among the many different ideas, we can find examples like:

ATMs: Australian youtuber Aussie50 showed DOOM running on an ATM. What’s more, with working music and keyboard controls.
Printers: The game was launched on printer screens, which shows how versatile the DOOM code is.
LEGO: X user James Brown launched DOOM on a single LEGO brick. In addition, these are some of the smallest gaming devices.
Calculators and cameras: DOOM also had what might seem like unusual hardware.

These unusual ports are a testament to the creativity of the community, as well as the simplicity and flexibility of the game code. Production has become a kind of ‘Hello World’ for developers testing the boundaries of technology.

Launching DOOM in PDF

A cute kitten is playing DOOM in a PDF file on the computer, watched by a surprised woman.

The latest and one of the most amazing achievements is the DoomPDF project, created by high school student Allen (ading2210). Using JavaScript support for PDF files, Allen eventually created a version of DOOM that works directly in PDF files opened in web browsers. The game is rendered using text fields that display ASCII characters, creating a monochrome image with a resolution of 320×200. Although performance is limited (frame updates take about 80 ms), the game is still playable.

You can test the DOOM project in PDF format click here

The DoomPDF project is based on forks of the DOOM source code, such as doomgeneric, and on the C build for asm.js using Emscripten. As a result, it allows you to run the game in a limited JavaScript environment in PDF. This project, although inspired by other experiments like pdftris, shows how far you can push the boundaries of PDF.

PDF Versatility

PDF (Portable Document Format), created in 1992 by Adobe, is designed for reliable storage and presentation of documents. Regardless of software or hardware. However, its capabilities go far beyond static documents. JavaScript support built into the PDF specification allows you to create interactive content. These can be forms, animations, or even games, as is the case with DoomPDF. This flexibility makes PDF not only an office tool, but also a platform for creative and innovative applications.

PDF usage	Examples
Static documents	Reports, forms, and e-books
Interactive content	Forms with verification, games (for example, DoomPDF, pdftris)
Presentations	Slides with animation and embedded media
Safety	Digital signatures, encryption

A woman is relaxing with a laptop, playing DOOM in a PDF file, next to a cute kitten.

What security risks does the concept of running DOOM in PDF expose?

However, the versatility of PDF comes at a price. Because of the ability to run JavaScript code in PDFs, this opens the door to potential attacks. In addition, malware can be embedded in a PDF file, exploiting vulnerabilities in browsers or PDF readers. Examples of such threats include exploits that can steal data or install malware when opening a file. To minimize risks, we recommend:

Open PDF files only from trusted sources.
Disable JavaScript in PDF readers if you don’t need it.
Process files locally on your computer, where you can better control security.

Local processing allows you to use additional layers of protection, such as antivirus scanning, and provides more control over your data.

Innovate with innovation, but what about security?

Launching the DOOM game in PDF format is a fascinating example of how far you can push the boundaries of this format, turning the document into an interactive gaming platform. This exceptional flexibility of the PDF format opens the door to innovative applications, but at the same time makes it a potential attack vector. Processing PDFs on random web pages carries the risk of data theft, such as sensitive information contained in documents, or the introduction of malicious scripts that, as with DoomPDF, can be embedded in the file and run when it is opened. To maximize the use of PDF features while maintaining security, it is recommended that you process files locally on your own computer using reliable tools such as a PDF manipulator. This approach not only ensures secure document management, but also minimizes the risks associated with unknown sources, protecting data from leakage and providing full control.