Doom Now Runs in the Google Search Bar, Thanks to a Creative Programmer

A programmer has expanded the ever-growing list of unusual platforms running Doom—this time, getting the classic game to run inside the Google Search Bar. Sharing their latest experiment with the community, they demonstrated how Doom functions in this unconventional setting and teased future projects along the same lines.

Doom remains one of the most iconic games of all time, revolutionizing the industry when it debuted on PC in the early ’90s. Its fast-paced gameplay, memorable levels and enemies, and lasting impact on the FPS genre have cemented its legacy. However, in recent years, a new reason for Doom’s continued relevance has emerged: the challenge of porting it to increasingly bizarre platforms. From smart fridges to microwaves, programmers have made it a tradition to get Doom running just about anywhere—and now, the Google Search Bar joins the club.

In a YouTube video, programmer Pedro Webber showcased his latest experiment, playing Doom within the Google Search Bar using a PS4 controller. To achieve this, he imported a Python-based version of the game into the search interface, tweaking it to ensure it remained playable despite the limitations of the platform.

This isn’t Webber’s first unconventional port. Previously, he managed to run Baldur’s Gate 3 in Notepad, Elden Ring in Visual Studio Code, and even Doom in the same coding environment just a month prior. While his Google Search Bar version lacks color and runs at a low frame rate, the goal isn’t flawless gameplay—it’s about pushing the boundaries of where Doom can exist. Other developers have joined this trend as well, with recent examples including a high school student running Doom inside a PDF and another programmer who got the game working on the Nintendo Alarmo.

Even after more than 30 years, Doom continues to captivate players across generations. The game’s influence persists, with ongoing updates—such as a recent patch introducing multiplayer mod support for Doom and Doom 2 across official platforms. Meanwhile, the franchise lives on with new entries like Doom: The Dark Ages, set for release in 2025. Yet, for many fans, nothing quite matches the thrill of seeing the original game running in the most unexpected places.

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