Doom: A game that just won’t quit

If there’s one game that refuses to die, it’s Doom. Released way back in 1993 by id Software, this legendary first-person shooter set the stage for every FPS that came after. It was fast, brutal, and ridiculously fun. But what really makes Doom special? It runs on just about anything. Seriously, if a device has a screen and some kind of processor, someone out there has probably tried to run Doom on it.

Over the years, people have managed to get Doom running on everything from calculators to fridges. And now, someone has taken it a step further – getting it to run on an Apple Lightning to HDMI adapter. That’s right, the little dongle you use to connect your iPhone to a TV? It’s now a Doom machine.

Before we dive into all the other weird places Doom has made an appearance, let’s break down how this latest hack even works.

Running Doom on an Apple Lightning to HDMI Adapter

Recently, security researcher stacksmashing managed to pull off something ridiculous: running Doom on an Apple Lightning to HDMI adapter. Now, this adapter isn’t designed to run software. Its whole job is just to convert video output from an iPhone or iPad into an HDMI signal. That’s it.

So how did they do it? Turns out, Apple’s adapter isn’t just a dumb video passthrough device. Inside, it’s got a tiny ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC) running its own firmware to handle video processing. By cracking into the firmware and tweaking the code, stacksmashing managed to hijack the device and make it run Doom.

It’s a clever hack, and it proves a bigger point – Doom is so adaptable that even something as simple as a video adapter can be transformed into a game console.

The weirdest places Doom has been run

While the Lightning to HDMI adapter is the latest in a long line of Doom experiments, it’s far from the weirdest. Here are some of the strangest places people have managed to get Doom running:

A digital pregnancy test

Yep, someone ran Doom on a pregnancy test. It wasn’t exactly playable – the screen was a tiny monochrome display with basically no resolution – but it still technically worked. The test couldn’t handle the game on its own, so a separate processor was used to stream the game data. Still, the fact that it even displayed Doom was hilarious enough to make it go viral.

An ATM machine

Ever wanted to withdraw cash and slay demons at the same time? Some hackers managed to install Doom on an ATM, using the keypad as controls. Of course, breaking into an ATM’s system isn’t exactly legal, so this is more of a proof-of-concept than an everyday gaming setup.

A McDonald’s cash register

One day, a McDonald’s employee must have thought, “Hey, this thing has a touchscreen – can it run Doom?” The answer? Yes. Some McDonald’s point-of-sale systems run Windows, which made it relatively easy to install and run the game. It’s the ultimate way to pass time during a slow shift.

A graphing calculator

For students, sneaking games onto a graphing calculator is a time-honored tradition. The Texas Instruments TI-83 and TI-84 have been Doom machines for years. The small screen and limited buttons make it a challenge to play, but hey – better than doing algebra, right?

A smart fridge

Samsung’s smart fridges come with touchscreen displays and internet connectivity, making them prime targets for modders. Someone figured out how to run Doom on one, proving once again that kitchen appliances can double as game consoles.

An old iPod

Remember those click-wheel iPods from the early 2000s? Well, someone got Doom running on one. Using the scroll wheel as a directional pad might not be the most intuitive control scheme, but it’s definitely impressive.

An oscilloscope

Oscilloscopes are supposed to measure electrical signals, but why not use them for gaming instead? By tweaking the display settings, some engineers managed to make Doom run as vector graphics on an oscilloscope screen.

A smartwatch

Wearables are getting more powerful, and Doom has made its way onto smartwatches too. The screen might be tiny, and battery life might be an issue, but the fact that you can play Doom on your wrist is pretty cool.

Why Doom can run on almost anything?

So, what makes Doom the most portable game ever? A few key factors:

Lightweight code

Doom was built to run on early ‘90s PCs, meaning its hardware requirements are laughably low by today’s standards. Even a basic microcontroller has enough power to run it.

Open-source release

In 1997, id Software made Doom’s source code public. This gave developers and hackers free rein to port it to every device imaginable.

Modular architecture

The game is structured in a way that makes it easy to separate the game logic from the graphics and input controls, making it easier to adapt to different hardware.

A dedicated community

There’s an entire subculture of programmers dedicated to seeing how far they can push Doom. If it has a screen and a CPU, someone will try to make Doom run on it.

Doom as a technical challenge

At this point, running Doom on unusual devices has become a badge of honor for hackers and modders. The game serves as a litmus test for how much a device can be pushed beyond its intended function.

A symbol of gaming culture

Beyond just the technical challenge, getting Doom to run on absurd hardware is now a meme within the gaming and hacking communities. It’s a statement about software flexibility, perseverance, and the sheer ingenuity of enthusiasts who love pushing boundaries.

Where will Doom run next?

The ongoing challenge of getting Doom to run on ridiculous hardware has become a mix of technical flex, meme culture, and genuine respect for one of gaming’s greatest classics. It’s no longer just about playing the game – it’s about proving that Doom is eternal.

What’s next? A Tesla infotainment system? A Roomba? A toaster? If history is any indication, it won’t be long before someone figures out how to make it happen. And at this point, it’s not just a question of whether Doom can run on something – it’s almost an obligation to make sure it does.