PWDb

PWADs (Patch WADs - commonly referred to as WADs - meaning "Where's All the Data?") are package files for the video game DOOM, released in 1993 by id Software. These files contain all the game data such as maps, graphics, sound effects, and music.

This enabled DOOM to become one of the first games to support user-created content, and the DOOM community remains incredibly active, continuing to produce new content even 30 years after the game's original release.

Problem

The WAD archive, which was once a comprehensive source for classic and contemporary DOOM WADs, has unfortunately shut down. This has created a significant problem, as there is no longer a single place where players can find and share new DOOM WADs.

The idgames database hasn't changed since the 90s, so it offers a very archaic and difficult user experience. WAD releases are announced on a number of community sites such as Doomworld, ZDoom, DBP, Fandom and Doomwiki etc.

While the WAD archive has already solved this, it was managed by one individual who no longer had the time to maintain and update the repository, leading to its shutdown. A community-led alternative is needed.

Solution

PWDb (PWAD Database - a play on IMDb) is a community-curated tool for finding new DOOM WADs. PWDb provides a familiar, Netflix-like user experience, allowing players to easily browse and explore curated collections of WADs, based on different genres or map types. This makes the process of finding new WADs much less challenging than on other platforms.

Additionally, PWDb is not reliant on a single individual for updates and maintenance, as WADs can be submitted and curated by community members.

PWDb is built using Next.js for the front-end with Strapi as a headless CMS. A key goals for this project was to use it as an opportunity to learn more about Next and the concept of a headless CMS. The lessons learned from building PWDb would be used to re-platform Zapnito's website.

Outcome

PWDb is currently in development and is expected to launch in the summer.