The original Doom holds a special place in the hearts of many PC gamers, and its popularity remains steadfast even after three decades since its release. Recently, a YouTuber named Ancient caught the attention of many by showcasing Doom on a volumetric display. This device, made up of a strip or array of LEDs that rotate rapidly, creates an image that appears to fill the space in front of the viewer, similar to a holographic display.
Ancient’s dedication to running Doom on various gadgets and displays led to this interesting experiment with a volumetric display. While the progress made in bringing Doom to life on such a unique platform is commendable, there are some notable limitations to consider. The size of the display directly impacts the draw distance in the game, resulting in a shorter range than what is typically seen in modern 3D games.
Another challenge faced with the use of a volumetric display is the resolution. Increasing the number of LEDs to improve resolution would add complexity to the programming and potentially increase the weight of the display due to additional circuitry. Moreover, the noise generated by the rotation motor and the movement of the display can be distracting, detracting from the overall experience.
While Ancient’s homemade setup is impressive considering the self-funded and DIY nature of the project, it pales in comparison to commercial volumetric displays such as the Voxon VX2, which comes with a hefty price tag. However, this experiment serves as a glimpse into the potential future of PC gaming, showcasing the innovative ways in which technology can be leveraged to enhance the gaming experience.
Although volumetric displays may not be replacing high-resolution monitors in the gaming industry anytime soon, they offer a promising peek into what the future may hold for immersive gaming experiences. As technology continues to advance, we may one day see volumetric displays capable of showcasing the full draw distance in games like Doom, providing players with a truly immersive and interactive gaming environment. In the meantime, it’s exciting to witness the creativity and ingenuity of individuals like Ancient who push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of gaming.
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