Doom Is Getting Ported to a Lawn Mower

Doom is getting ported to a range of lawn mowers from Husqvarna as part of a free update set to roll out in spring. This unusual release will add to the ever-expanding list of devices that can run Doom, one of the most ported games of all time.

Originally launched in 1993, id Software's seminal shooter was treated to a full source code release four years later. That move quickly gave rise to a variety of Doom ports that got progressively weirder over time, with their target platforms ranging from handheld consoles to cameras and refrigerators.

The next type of consumer electronics that will soon be able to run Doom is a lawn mower, with the game now being set to debut on the NERA series of robotic grass cutters from Husqvarna Automower. Owners of supported devices can register their interest in the port on the Swedish company's website, which is one of the requirements for being able to play it once it drops on April 9. The sign-up period will remain open until August 26.

This unique crossover is a limited-time promo, as the game will be automatically removed from all NERA devices via an over-the-air update planned to roll out on September 9. The ephemeral nature of the offer suggests Husqvarna has only reached a temporary licensing agreement to bring Doom to its appliances with ZeniMax Media. Its license also doesn't include ZeniMax's home market, as the U.S. is not on the list of the 37 countries encompassed by the promo.

A five-month window of opportunity should be plenty of time for anyone who wants to beat Doom on a lawn mower to be able to attain those bragging rights. While the NERA line wasn't exactly designed for gaming, the Swedish manufacturer seemingly put quite a bit of thought into translating Doom's evergreen gameplay to its devices; the port will use the topmost Start button for moving forward and the jog wheel for turning, as well as shooting and confirmation actions when pressed. That's about as intuitive as gaming on a robotic lawn mower can get.

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