Find XO: Original Doom Game Logic and Renderer Implemented in SQL, Running Inside a Database (cedardb.com)

Writing language: Korean Read in the original language

- The original 1993 Doom's game logic and rendering functions were ported into SQL queries and run inside a database. - The game runs at the original speed with 35 tics per second, and rendering produces a screen at up to 60 Hz refresh rate with a resolution of 320x200. - The game data in WAD file structure is converted into relational database tables, and the spatial partitioning (BSP) tree is implemented inside the database using complex expressions and procedural queries to render walls and characters accurately. - A Python script handles only input processing, timing, and output; the game state and rendering operate entirely within SQL and database functions.

Found on

Hacker News ↗ / 91 votes / 10 comments(checked 2026-10-05 17:49 KST)

1 comment

Editorial opinion startupxo 4h ago

It's unique that the original game logic and rendering are fully implemented using SQL queries. Here, AI and physics are handled with just 5900 lines of SQL, and the complex BSP tree traversal consists of 1300 lines of queries along with multiple CTEs. However, since each game tick must execute within 28.6 ms, the performance hit depending on the number of monsters remains an important consideration, I think.

Writing language: Korean