Roger Fingas
In an unusual proof of its versatility, one developer has managed to get id Software's original Doom running on the new MacBook Pro's Touch Bar.
The port — by Adam Bell — isn't available publicly, presumably in part because it's impractical to play. The Touch Bar uses a 2170-by-60 display, which squashes the game's vertical resolution so much that levels and enemies become indistinguishable.
It is technically playable however, complete with music and sound effects pumped through the Pro's speakers.
The Touch Bar is meant to be a function key replacement, displaying context-sensitive controls that go beyond regular buttons, thanks to a multitouch display. Because it has its own dedicated processor — the Apple T1 — it appears to be capable of running self-contained apps, though this falls outside of official guidelines.
Running id games like Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D is often one way developers will test the capabilities of new hardware, despite some of the titles being decades old. The first Doom dates back to 1993, and even Quake was released in 1996. The 2016 Doom reboot is sometimes considered a good way of testing high-end gaming PCs.
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
19 Comments
Interesting.
Chainsaw FTW.
Yeah, but can it run Crysis?
Proof the 2016 MacBook Pro is DOOMed.
While playing full doom is a dumb idea on the touchbar, it does show what's possible. It also would be a neat way to provide gaming "heads-up display" like that at the bottom of doom and a way to quickly switch weapons, etc.