This Redditor installed a game engine on their smartwatch, and now it runs Doom, Quake, and Half-Life
Just weeks after we revealed how another Redditor successfully installed a PSP emulator on their smartwatch to play GTA and God of War, a post in the Valve Reddit from u/Ramsey_Doo is going viral in recognition of a similar technical achievement. The triumphant Redditor has managed to get Doom, Quake, and Half-Life running on a smartwatch, leaving gamers and tech enthusiasts in awe.
"Half Life on smart watch. Finally," they posted nonchalantly, accompanied by a trio of images and one GIF that reveal Half-Life running on the nondescript smartwatch, complete with working touch controls. When asked if Doom was also supported, Damsey_Doo confirmed that it had been successfully run alongside Quake, cementing their place in gaming history.
While Damsey_Doo hasn't revealed exactly how they accomplished this marvel of retro gaming engineering, speculation suggests that Xash3D, a game engine providing compatibility with Half-Life Engine while extending its lifespan, was likely used. This allows the original 1998 release to be made compatible with modern smartwatches.
The original Half-Life game was one of the first major titles to utilize the Source Engine, which has since become synonymous with Valve Corporation's gaming success. It's a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the gaming community that such an impressive hack is now possible.
A Brief History of Smartwatches
The original smartwatch in question dates back to 1998, when the Seiko Ruputer was released in Japan. Dubbed the world's first smartwatch, it boasted a 102 x 64 pixel monochrome LCD display, a 36MHz processor, and a joystick – all for an affordable price.
Over the years, smartwatches have evolved significantly, with modern devices offering sleek designs, advanced health features, and seamless connectivity to smartphones. However, their gaming capabilities remain limited due to hardware constraints and software limitations.
A New Era in Smartwatch Gaming
This feat by Damsey_Doo marks a significant milestone in the evolution of smartwatch gaming. The use of Xash3D and other game engines has opened up new possibilities for retro game enthusiasts, allowing them to relive classic moments on their wrist.
The success of this hack also highlights the power of community-driven innovation in the tech industry. By sharing knowledge and expertise, Redditors and gamers alike can push the boundaries of what is thought possible with modern technology.
A Watch That's Not an Apple Watch
Interestingly, Damsey_Doo has confirmed that their smartwatch is not an Apple Watch, which suggests that a more bespoke solution was required to achieve this impressive feat. This highlights the importance of choosing the right hardware for the task at hand – in this case, finding a device with the necessary processing power and compatibility.
A New Standard for Smartwatch Gaming
The success of Damsey_Doo's hack serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome with creativity, determination, and a willingness to experiment. As smartwatches continue to advance, we can expect to see more innovative solutions emerge, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gaming and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates on this remarkable achievement, as well as other exciting developments in the world of tech and gaming.