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Non-Euclidean Doom: what happens to a game when pi is not 3.14159 (2022) [video] (media.ccc.de)

607 points by robin_reala · 819 days ago · 170 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses a presentation where the speaker explores what happens to the game Doom when the value of pi is altered. The speaker modifies the source code of Doom to change the value of pi and observes the effects on the game's graphics and movement. The presentation also touches on optimization tricks used to enable the game to run well on older hardware. The speaker provides links to other games and source code repositories that use incorrect values of pi.

Main themes

  • Non-Euclidean geometry
  • Game development
  • Mathematical constants
  • Gaming graphics
  • Optimization techniques

What commenters say

  • The presentation's use of the term 'non-Euclidean' is incorrect, as it only demonstrates the consequences of altering mathematical constants, not true non-Euclidean geometry.
  • The game Doom is not truly 3D, but rather a 2D universe with hacks to make it appear 3D, which affects the presentation's results.
  • The concept of non-Euclidean geometry is often misunderstood, and true examples of it can be found in games such as HyperRogue and Antichamber.
  • The presentation's approach to altering pi's value is more akin to introducing portals into Euclidean geometry, rather than creating a truly non-Euclidean space.
  • The term 'non-Euclidean' can be broadly interpreted to include any geometry that deviates from traditional Euclidean geometry, including those with portals or other modifications.
  • Games such as Superliminal and Viewfinder also explore non-Euclidean concepts, but may not be entirely accurate representations of the mathematical concept.
  • The distinction between true non-Euclidean geometry and modified Euclidean geometry with portals or other hacks is important to maintain, to avoid confusion and misrepresentation.
  • The discussion around non-Euclidean geometry in games highlights the complexities and nuances of mathematical concepts in game development and their potential for creative expression.