## Celebrating 32 Years of Doom: Introducing DoomScroll

Last week marked a significant milestone in gaming history as the original Doom celebrated its 32nd anniversary, a game renowned for its pioneering role in the first-person shooter genre. To commemorate this occasion, a new platform called DoomScroll was launched, allowing fans and newcomers alike to explore a vast repository of fan-made Doom levels directly through their web browsers.

### What is DoomScroll?

DoomScroll was created by software engineer James Baicoianu and internet archivist Jason Scott. The platform provides users with easy access to a myriad of user-generated Doom level WADs, showcasing the creativity and innovation of the Doom community over the years. Players can browse various custom levels, select a map, and dive right into the action—all through a browser interface.

### A Selection of Levels

Upon accessing DoomScroll, players are greeted with an extensive list of levels created by users over the decades. One notable example is “Where? The Warehouse!” which was crafted by Jeff Gerstmann, co-founder of Giant Bomb, over 30 years ago. Players can find fun and thematic levels including titles such as “Christmas Doom,” “Yet Another Doom Level,” and “Missouri Rat Light,” highlighting the quirky creativity inherent in the fan community.

### Accessibility and Community Focus

Baicoianu emphasizes the goal of DoomScroll is to make decades of community-created content more accessible. The platform aims to showcase a diverse range of maps that cater to various skill levels, from simplistic designs made by novices to ambitious total conversions with new music, textures, and sprites developed by teams that evolved into professional game studios.

### Considerations and Challenges

While DoomScroll opens doors to a treasure trove of content, there are challenges regarding the accessibility and permission of certain WADs. Some levels may not load correctly, as noted by users, and issues related to the appropriate credit and redistribution of modders’ work have emerged. Baicoianu has acknowledged the necessity for a system that allows users to report problematic content and intends to introduce a “flag this wad” option to enhance user experience.

### Conclusion

DoomScroll stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Doom and its community. As the platform evolves, it has the potential to not only celebrate the landmark status of Doom but also provide a space where player creativity can flourish and be readily shared. The anniversary and the launch of DoomScroll remind us of the rich history of gaming and the influential role of community engagement in shaping the gaming landscape.