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Why fastDOOM is fast (fabiensanglard.net)

672 points by wicket · 517 days ago · 219 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the performance improvements made to the classic game DOOM through the fastDOOM project, which aimed to optimize the game for older hardware. The author analyzes the performance gains achieved by fastDOOM and explores the technical details behind the optimizations. The article also touches on the history of DOOM's development and the various versions of the game. The author's experiments with fastDOOM on an IBM PS/1 486-DX2 66Mhz machine demonstrate significant performance improvements.

Main themes

  • DOOM optimization
  • fastDOOM project
  • Retro computing
  • Game development history
  • Low-level programming
  • Network storage

What commenters say

  • The fastDOOM project's performance improvements are a testament to the potential for optimization in classic games.
  • The use of network storage and remote mounts was more prevalent in the past than many people realize, with examples including Novell Netware and AppleTalk.
  • Some commenters disagree on the origins of the CON scripting language used in Duke Nukem 3D, with some attributing it to Ken Silverman and others to the game's development team.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the technical details of game development and optimization, including the use of specific registers and instructions.
  • There are different opinions on the best way to play DOOM in a browser, with some recommending archive.org and others suggesting alternative options like js-dos.com.
  • The conversation also touches on the nostalgia for older games and technology, with some commenters sharing their own experiences with classic hardware and software.
  • Some commenters appreciate the clever optimizations used in fastDOOM, such as using a register as a fast 'memory' location, while others are impressed by the project's attention to detail and commitment to performance improvement.
  • The use of WebDAV and other network protocols is discussed, with some commenters noting that these technologies were not widely adopted until later, while others recall using them in the early days of the web.