New Doom Play: Mowing Down Demons

Gamers can now add the Husqvarna Automower Nera to the extensive list of unconventional devices capable of running the iconic game Doom. The classic shooter has been ported to various gadgets over the years, including refrigerators and calculators, but Husqvarna has taken things to a new level by providing Doom as a playable experience on their robotic lawn mowers. In a limited-time update available from April 9 to September 9, owners of the Automower Nera range can rip and tear through demons using the mower's control knob. This quirky capability comes as a tribute to Doom's 30 years of demon-slaying and was first showcased at DreamHack Winter 2023 to an enthusiastic response. To play, users will navigate with the control knob and press the start button or the control knob to run forward and fire respectively, enjoying this unique implementation of the game via a standard screen. This move is sure to turn heads in the gaming community, keeping Doom as relevant and innovative as ever.

Yes, you can play Doom on a Husqvarna Automower Nera robotic lawn mower through a special, temporary update that transforms the device's control knob into a game controller, allowing you to navigate and shoot in-game just like on a traditional gaming setup. However, the mower will not shape your lawn into a Doom level—it's all digital.

Doom has been a staple in the gaming industry since its initial release in 1993 by id Software. Its fast-paced action and groundbreaking 3D graphics popularized the first-person shooter (FPS) genre, leading to numerous sequels, expansions, and even film adaptations. Its source code was released in 1997, which has led to an enduring culture of porting the game to a multitude of platforms, as demonstrated by its newest venture onto a lawn mower. Maintaining its legacy through continuous community engagement and innovative ports keeps Doom in the spotlight, influencing modern shooters and the broader gaming culture.