Doom in Lego, Now in 3D: Can This Be Real?

The Pixelated Magic of Voxel Doom: A LEGO Computer Mastermind Builds a Spinning 3D Display

The world of gaming has seen its fair share of innovations, from the humble pixelated graphics of the early days to the hyper-realistic visuals of today. But have you ever imagined playing a game where every element, from the game’s environment to the characters themselves, are made up of individual 3D blocks? That’s the promise of Voxel Doom, a mod for the classic first-person shooter, Doom. And now, thanks to the ingenuity of Weta Workshop engineer James Brown, we have a revolutionary way to experience it – through a spinning, volumetric display built with LEGO bricks.

Brown, known for his captivating LEGO creations that blend engineering prowess with artistic flair, has taken his passion to a whole new level. His latest project, a crystal ball of light that seems to pulsate with vibrant 3D imagery, is a testament to his dedication to the intersection of technology and creativity.

"It’s like a hologram fan, but instead of spinning a 1D strip to make a 2D image, it spins a 2D panel to make a 3D image," Brown explains in a YouTube video. On his Mastodon profile, he further elucidates the concept with helpful visual aids. The essence of his creation lies in the physical illusion generated by a spinning panel of LEDs. Each LED represents a voxel, a digital unit of space in 3D graphics, and as the panel rotates at high speeds, the human eye perceives the individual voxels as a cohesive, mesmerizing 3D image.

The entire project is a testament to Brown’s relentless pursuit of technical excellence. He spent over a year meticulously crafting this unique display, driven by a vision as ambitious as it is awe-inspiring. He first teased the project in August 2023, channeling his inner Doc Brown with the quote, "If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 300rpm you’re going to see some serious shit." As Brown delved deeper into the project, he discovered that achieving a smooth, seamless image required even higher rotational speeds, prompting him to caution viewers to keep their fingers well away from the spinning display.

Brown has chronicled his journey on his Mastodon account, showcasing a captivating range of volumetric displays that extend beyond his Voxel Doom project. The futuristic lunar landers, ghostly skulls, and even a majestic dino head all come to life within the spherical boundaries of his creation. He recently shared his intricate process in a YouTube video, giving viewers a glimpse into the fascinating world of volumetric display technology.

The impact of Brown’s work goes beyond the captivating visuals. It throws light on the potential of 3D display technology to revolutionize how we experience and interact with the digital world. Imagine a world where video games leap off the screen, allowing us to physically touch and interact with their virtual environments. Imagine architectural models that come alive, showcasing intricate details with an unprecedented level of realism.

What started as a hobby project has now evolved into a fascinating exploration of the crossroads between physical and digital realms. With his LEGO brick computer and spinning volumetric display, Brown has not only reinvented the way we experience classic games like Doom but also opened up a world of possibilities for the future of 3D display technology.

Beyond the technical prowess and artistic ingenuity, Brown’s work embodies a spirit of playful exploration and endless curiosity. It reminds us that innovation often arises from passion, dedication, and the courage to push boundaries. The Voxel Doom experience, driven by the swirling symphony of light and rotating LEGO bricks, is a testament to the power of creative collaboration between technology and human imagination.

Article Reference