DOOM runs inside Paint on Windows, built by a Microsoft executive: “The spreadsheet-tier framerate is part of the charm.”
windowscentral.com Aug 4, 2026

DOOM runs inside Paint on Windows, built by a Microsoft executive: “The spreadsheet-tier framerate is part of the charm.”

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft Azure CTO Mark Russinovich released DoomPaint, a Python script that captures each frame of the 1993 classic DOOM, copies it to the clipboard, and pastes it into Microsoft Paint. The result is a playable, albeit low‑framerate, rendition of the game rendered entirely within Paint’s canvas. Russinovich notes the “spreadsheet‑tier framerate” is part of the charm, and the project includes sound and music. Contributors include Claude and GitHub Copilot, highlighting a playful collaboration between AI and classic gaming.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The demo showcases how legacy software can be repurposed in unexpected environments, underscoring the flexibility of modern operating systems and the enduring appeal of retro titles.
  • · It also illustrates a creative use of clipboard operations to bypass traditional rendering pipelines.