Id Software’s iconic first-person shooter, Doom, has long been celebrated for its remarkable accessibility, finding its way onto an astonishing array of devices—from pianos to printers, and even gut bacteria. Last year, Nightdive Studios introduced a comprehensive overhaul of both Doom and Doom 2, further enhancing the gaming experience. Players can even enjoy the original Doom directly in their web browsers. However, a new development has emerged that may redefine our understanding of accessibility in the Doom universe.
DoomScroll: A New Era of Modding
Enter DoomScroll, a groundbreaking website that allows users to seamlessly browse and play thousands of user-created Doom WADs directly in their browsers. This initiative was highlighted in a recent Bluesky thread, where a user noted the immense contributions of the Doom community over the years, emphasizing the game’s lasting impact on the gaming industry.
Upon testing several maps on DoomScroll, I found the experience to be smooth, with the now-standard keyboard and mouse controls functioning flawlessly. However, I quickly realized that this newfound access could lead to significant distractions, as I could easily lose entire workdays immersed in the game. The excitement of early holiday gaming has its organizational challenges.
While DoomScroll is an innovative platform, it is not without its flaws. Major Arlene, a prominent Doom modder and YouTuber, pointed out that some maps may not function correctly due to the emulator’s limitations. For instance, when I attempted to load the WAD titled Army of Darkness, I was met with a frustrating black screen.
Moreover, Major Arlene raised concerns regarding the redistribution of projects, noting that not all creators grant permission for their work to be shared outside its original platform. The Doom mapping community has faced numerous challenges related to incomplete or improperly sourced WADs, and currently, DoomScroll lacks a mechanism for users to verify the origins of these creations.
Despite these initial hurdles, Major Arlene expressed enthusiasm for DoomScroll, calling it a “fantastic idea.” This sentiment reflects the platform’s potential to serve as a gateway into the rich history of community-driven content surrounding Doom.
This development comes at the end of a remarkable year for the Doom franchise, which also saw the release of Doom: The Dark Ages—a unique interpretation by id Software that recently underwent a rework of its wave-based Ripatorium. Additionally, the Doom modding community faced a significant shift with the departure of many contributors from the popular source port GZDoom, following tensions with its creator.
Meanwhile, John Romero, co-creator of Doom, continues to forge ahead with a new first-person shooter project, despite the cancellation of his studio’s main endeavor by Microsoft earlier this year. Fortunately, Romero Games has managed to salvage much of their work, repurposing it into a smaller indie FPS that Romero promises will offer players a fresh experience akin to the excitement of exploring Elden Ring.
