DOOM On A Bootloader Is The Ultimate Cheat Code

Porting DOOM to run on hardware never meant to run it is a tradition as old as time. Getting it to run on embedded devices, ancient computers, virtual computers, and antique video game consoles are all classic hacks, but what DOOM ports have been waiting for is something with universal applicability that don’t need a bespoke solution for each piece of hardware. Something like DOOM running within a bootloader.

The bootloader that [Ahmad] works with is called Barebox and is focused on embedded systems, often those running Linux. This is the perfect environment for direct hardware access, since the bootloader doubles as a bare metal hardware bring-up toolkit. Now that DOOM runs on this bootloader, it effectively can run anywhere from embedded devices to laptops with minimal work, and although running it in a bootloader takes away a lot of the hard work that would normally need to be done during a port, it may still need some tweaking for specific hardware not otherwise supported.

For those already running Barebox, the bareDOOM code can be found on [Ahmad]’s GitHub page. For those not running Barebox, it does have a number of benefits compared to other bootloaders, even apart from its new ability to play classic FPS games. For those who prefer a more custom DOOM setup, though, we are always fans of DOOM running within an NES cartridge.

Photo: AntonioMDA, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

14 thoughts on “DOOM On A Bootloader Is The Ultimate Cheat Code

    1. Because the screenshot appears to be from Brutal Doom, which is not only a mod, but is a mod that brings even competent systems to a grinding chug. Baby steps, people, baby steps ;)

  1. You did click and make it bigger.

    Hey, does everyone remember when the whiners used to complain that video games weren’t graphic enough?
    The idea was that “bad guys” that just disappeared from the screen without leaving any blood and guts was supposed to somehow make people think that killing someone was just an easy, no big deal way to get rid of a problem or something like that.

    You can try to give some people everything they want but they just won’t ever be happy. So don’t try.

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