Show HN: Quake 1 ported to the Apple Watch (github.com)

Article summary

A developer has ported Quake 1 to the Apple Watch, using the game's software renderer and implementing touch, gyro, and digital crown controls. The port is available on GitHub and can be built using Xcode, but does not include the game's assets due to copyright issues. The developer notes that the game runs at around 60 fps on the Apple Watch. The port is based on the id software open source release and open source ports to Mac and iOS.

Main themes

• game porting
• software rendering
• NeXT computers
• game development
• hardware capabilities
• portability
• retro gaming

What commenters say

• Quake's portability is due to its software renderer and well-structured source code.
• The game's development on NeXT computers contributed to its portability.
• Older games are often difficult to port due to their reliance on specific hardware and operating systems.
• The Build engine, used in games like Duke Nukem 3D and Blood, is not as portable as Quake's engine.
• The use of abstraction and software rendering made Quake more portable than other games of its time.
• The power and capabilities of modern devices like the Apple Watch are vastly superior to those of older computers.
• The development of Quake and other games was influenced by the availability of powerful hardware and software tools.
• The porting of old games to new platforms can be a complex and challenging process.