Doom, the iconic 1993 first-person shooter, has become the unofficial benchmark for bizarre tech experiments. From fridges to pregnancy tests, people have found creative ways to run Doom on all sorts of unconventional platforms. But with the rise of cutting-edge technology, a new question has emerged: Can a quantum computer run Doom?
This article explores that quirky yet fascinating idea, examining what quantum computers are, how they work, and whether they can handle running a classic like Doom.
What Is a Quantum Computer?
Before we dive into Doom, let’s break down the tech.
Quantum computers are radically different from the classical computers we use daily. They rely on quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once—thanks to phenomena like superposition and entanglement.
While traditional computers use binary code (0s and 1s), quantum computers can process vast amounts of data simultaneously, making them ideal for complex simulations, cryptography, and optimization problems.
Key Differences Between Classical and Quantum Computers
- Data Processing: Classical = sequential; Quantum = parallel.
- Storage: Classical uses bits; Quantum uses qubits.
- Use Case: Classical = general-purpose; Quantum = specialized tasks.
Why Run Doom on Unusual Devices?
Running Doom on everything under the sun has become a geek rite of passage. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s a challenge, a puzzle that tests the limits of hardware and creativity.
Whether it’s a calculator, a smart fridge, or even a printer, running Doom is a way to:
- Prove a device’s computational capabilities
- Show off technical prowess
- Have a bit of fun with programming
So naturally, the question arises: can quantum computers join the party?
Can a Quantum Computer Actually Run Doom?
In theory? Maybe. In practice? Not yet.
Let’s explore why.
1. Quantum Computers Aren’t Built for Graphics
Doom may be an old game, but it still requires rendering 2D graphics, handling user input, and managing sound and physics—all things classical CPUs and GPUs are great at.
Quantum computers, on the other hand, are designed to:
- Perform high-level mathematical operations
- Simulate molecular interactions
- Solve optimization problems
They lack the architecture for standard input/output operations, which are essential for running a video game.
2. Quantum Hardware Isn’t Ready for Doom
Even the most advanced quantum computers today, like those developed by IBM, Google, or D-Wave, have:
- Limited qubits (often under 1000)
- Extremely high error rates
- Complex cooling and stability requirements
These machines aren’t general-purpose computers. They run quantum algorithms in highly controlled environments—not old-school shooter games.
3. No Quantum Version of Doom Exists (Yet)
Doom was written in C and designed for a traditional CPU and graphics card. Running it on a quantum computer would require:
- Rewriting the game into quantum-compatible code
- Developing a quantum emulator for classic hardware
- Creating quantum logic gates to replicate standard computing functions
In short, a massive amount of theoretical and practical work would be needed just to get a splash screen, let alone fire a pixelated shotgun.
Could a Hybrid Approach Work?
Interestingly, some researchers have suggested combining quantum and classical computing for complex tasks.
A hybrid quantum-classical system might:
- Use the quantum computer for heavy computation (like enemy AI calculations)
- Delegate rendering and input to a classical system
While still highly experimental, this setup might make it theoretically possible to run part of Doom using quantum processing.
But again, this would be more of a scientific stunt than a practical use case.
What Has Been Run on Quantum Computers?
While Doom is out of reach (for now), quantum computers have successfully executed some basic programs, such as:
- Shor’s Algorithm (for factoring large numbers)
- Grover’s Algorithm (for database search)
- Quantum teleportation simulations
- Simple logic gate emulations
These programs are academic in nature and serve to demonstrate quantum principles—not play games.
The Verdict: Not Yet, But Maybe Someday
So, can a quantum computer run Doom?
As of now, the answer is no. Quantum computers are not built for gaming or general computing. They’re designed for niche scientific applications that push the boundaries of computation in other ways.
But who knows? As quantum tech evolves, and creative programmers keep pushing limits, a stripped-down, quantum-inspired Doom variant might one day emerge—if only for the bragging rights.
Final Thoughts: The Fun of Futuristic “What Ifs”
While quantum computing might not be ready to tackle Doom, exploring this question shines a light on how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go. It’s a fun reminder that innovation and curiosity go hand-in-hand, even in the world of gaming.
Want to see what else tech can do? Stay curious, follow the latest breakthroughs, and maybe try running Doom on your next smart toaster. Because if it runs Doom, it rules.
Caleb Carlson is a contributing writer at Computer Site Engineering, specializing in computer technology, software trends, and hardware innovations. His articles simplify complex tech topics, making them accessible to readers of all levels.
