The original Doom has solidified its place in the PC gaming hall of fame over the past three decades. Its timeless appeal not only serves as a source of nostalgia but also as a playground for experimentation in coding and electronics projects. Recently, a YouTuber going by the name Ancient showcased Doom being played on a volumetric display, giving us a peek into the potential future of PC gaming.
For those unfamiliar, a volumetric display is a unique device that utilizes a strip or array of LEDs that rotate rapidly to create images. The changing lights form a streamed pattern that fills a volume in front of the viewer, akin to holographic displays seen in science fiction movies like Star Wars. Ancient’s exploration of running Doom on a volumetric display opens up new possibilities for visual experiences in gaming.
While the concept of running Doom on a volumetric display is groundbreaking, there are notable limitations to consider. The draw distance in the game is directly linked to the size of the display, with Ancient’s homemade system showcasing a shorter draw distance reminiscent of early 3D games. Additionally, the resolution of the display poses a challenge, as increasing the number of LEDs to enhance pixel density adds complexity to programming and weight to the setup. Moreover, the noise generated by the rotating motor and airflow can be distracting during gameplay.
Despite these challenges, Ancient’s self-funded and homemade efforts in bringing Doom to a volumetric display are commendable. The ingenuity and dedication displayed in the project are impressive, considering the technological constraints at play. While commercial options like the Voxon VX2 display offer higher resolution at a significant cost, Ancient’s innovation holds its own in showcasing the potential of volumetric gaming experiences.
As we witness the convergence of gaming and technology, experiments like Doom on a volumetric display hint at the future possibilities of PC gaming. While mainstream adoption may still be a distant reality, the novelty and promise of immersive displays pave the way for exciting advancements in the gaming industry. It’s a glimpse into a future where volumetric displays could revolutionize how we experience games like Doom, offering new dimensions of visual storytelling and gameplay.
The intersection of classic games like Doom with cutting-edge display technologies is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of PC gaming. While challenges exist in scaling up volumetric displays for mainstream use, the creative efforts of individuals like Ancient spark curiosity and imagination in the gaming community. As we look ahead to what the future holds for PC gaming, the allure of volumetric displays presents a tantalizing vision of what’s to come. It’s a reminder that innovation knows no bounds, even in the realm of gaming.
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