Weta Workshop Engineer Brings Doom to Life in Mesmerizing Crystal Ball Display

Weta Workshop Engineer Creates Crystal Ball Running Voxel Doom

James Brown, a graphics engineer at Weta Workshop, has once again pushed the boundaries of innovative display technology with his latest creation: a crystal ball that plays Voxel Doom using volumetric light. This cutting-edge project showcases Brown’s expertise in merging classic gaming with futuristic display techniques.

Voxel Doom, a 3D rendition of the iconic first-person shooter game, comes to life in Brown’s crystal ball through an ingenious use of volumetric display technology. The physical illusion, reminiscent of a hologram fan, is achieved by rapidly spinning a 2D panel to create a three-dimensional image. Brown has provided visual aids on his Mastodon account to help viewers better understand this complex technology.

The project, which Brown introduced in August 2023, faced several challenges during development. Initial calculations revealed that the display needed to spin faster than 300 rpm to produce a smooth image. Due to the high-speed rotation, Brown advises caution and recommends keeping fingers at a safe distance from the device.

This crystal ball is not Brown’s first foray into volumetric displays. He has previously created similar projects featuring lunar landers, skulls, and dinosaur heads. Brown regularly shares updates and progress on his Mastodon account, and recently published a video of the Voxel Doom crystal ball on YouTube.

Brown’s innovative spirit extends beyond volumetric displays. In a previous project, he garnered attention for creating real computers inside Lego computer bricks, which were also capable of running Doom. This consistent theme of merging nostalgia with cutting-edge technology has become a hallmark of Brown’s work.

As the graphics engineer continues to push the boundaries of display technology, tech enthusiasts and gaming fans alike eagerly anticipate what James Brown will create next at Weta Workshop.