Students at the Imperial College of London have completely rewritten the DOOM game specifically for the Raspberry Pi mini PC, creating a bare-metal replica of DOOM. This impressive feat showcases the versatility and power of the Raspberry Pi, even in its earlier models.
The Project and Its Significance
The newly created DOOM game was written for the 1st generation, model B Raspberry Pi mini PC, which has now been superseded by the more powerful Raspberry Pi 2 earlier this year. Despite the advancements in hardware, the students chose the original model B to demonstrate that even older technology can be pushed to its limits with the right programming skills.
The DOOM Pi game consists of 9800 lines of bare-metal ARM assembly, with no operating system. This means that the game runs directly on the hardware, bypassing the need for an intermediary OS. This approach is not only challenging but also highly educational, as it requires a deep understanding of both the hardware and the ARM assembly language.
Technical Details and Challenges
Creating a bare-metal application is no small feat. The students had to manage all aspects of the hardware, including memory management, input/output operations, and graphics rendering. This level of control is typically handled by an operating system, but in this project, the students took on these responsibilities themselves.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the project is the homemade controller connected to the GPIO pins, which can also be seen in the video below. The GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins on the Raspberry Pi allow for a wide range of hardware interactions, making it possible to create custom peripherals like the controller used in this project.
DOOM was originally created by id Software and was first released back in 1993. It has since become a classic, known for its fast-paced action and pioneering use of 3D graphics. Rewriting such a game for a different platform, especially in bare-metal form, is a testament to the students’ programming prowess and dedication.
The video above showcases the game in action, running smoothly on the Raspberry Pi. The homemade controller adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience, making it feel like a true retro gaming setup.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
This project has broader implications beyond just being a cool tech demo. It highlights the educational potential of the Raspberry Pi, which was originally designed to promote computer science education. By tackling such a complex project, the students have gained invaluable hands-on experience that will serve them well in their future careers.
Moreover, this project serves as an inspiration for other hobbyists and students. It demonstrates that with enough determination and skill, even seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished. The Raspberry Pi community is known for its creativity and innovation, and projects like this one continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with this tiny but powerful computer.
The bare-metal DOOM project by the students at Imperial College of London is a remarkable achievement. It not only pays homage to a classic game but also showcases the incredible potential of the Raspberry Pi. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or a curious beginner, this project is sure to inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of the Raspberry Pi.
Source: Hack A Day
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