The Backdooms

The Backdooms is an innovative and self-contained HTML game that seamlessly fits inside a QR code, drawing inspiration from the classic DOOM 1993 and the eerie ambiance of The Backrooms. This unique project showcases the potential of QR code storage and compression, effectively allowing users to launch and play a complete game directly in their web browser by simply scanning a code.

Project Highlights

• Fully Offline Gameplay: After scanning the QR code, enjoy instant access to The Backdooms without the need for an internet connection. The entire game code is embedded within the QR code itself.
• Advanced Compression Techniques: The project employs a sophisticated combination of Zlib compression and Gzip decompression, alongside base64 encoding, to minimize the game's size significantly.
• Self-Extracting Mechanism: Utilizing the DecompressionStream API, the game decompresses and executes dynamically within the browser, ensuring smooth gameplay.

How to Play

Users can convert their own games into a QR code using the provided Python script, facilitating an easy and quick gaming experience:

python3 QRGEN.py <your-game.html> <output-qrcode.png>

After generating the QR code, scan it with a smartphone or QR code scanner to open and play the game directly.

Technical Overview

The Backdooms employs a multi-step compression workflow that includes:

1. Reading the input HTML file.
2. Compressing it using Zlib, with Gzip for decompression.
3. Encoding the compressed data in Base64 format.
4. Embedding everything in a self-extracting HTML wrapper for browser execution.

Experience the Journey

For more insights into the development process, visit the blog MindDump and explore the challenges and breakthroughs encountered while creating this project.

The Backdooms is a remarkable fusion of technology and creativity, inviting players to engage with a nostalgic gaming experience in an entirely new format, all while pushing the boundaries of QR code capabilities.