Hi! I’ve been using SSGL (https://github.com/FreaKzero/ssgl-doom-launcher), a stylish and easy-to-use Doom launcher. But it hasn’t been updated in 5+ years. No PRs merged, very outdated Electron/React version, and a few annoying bugs.
I’d love to give SSGL a second life and I’m looking for people who might want to build it together: developers, designers, Doom mod fans - anyone who likes the concept and wants to help shape a modern, polished launcher for the classic Doom community.
- Fix the current bugs
- Update the tech stack (SSGL still runs on React 16 + old Electron)
- Add mod/game package sharing (e.g. zip up a full setup (WADs, ports, configs) to run on another machine)
- Maybe add SteamOS support to make a launcher be a replacement for outdated GZDeck
- Refresh the UI (cleaner layout, better usability)
- Tune the “vibe” (less neon, more retro / classic Doom feeling)
The idea is to keep SSGL’s strengths (simple, game-like, user-friendly) but modernize and polish everything around them.
The majority of Doom launchers built with technologies like C++, Qt, .Net which has steeper learning curve than modern frontend stack. There is GZDeck launcher based on frontend tech, but it focused on steam deck experience. I believe that TS/JS based launcher let us build stylish UI, which will represent it's entertainment nature (like in-game UIs). Also JS/TS launcher might help newbies to contribute to Doom community without knowledge of traditional low-level languages. Electron allows to easily distribute for different platforms without relying on their native UIs. Also there is a shortage in macOs launchers and Electron will fit there to.
I'm aware that one of the drawbacks of Electron is it's excessive size, but I think for modern era 300mb is not a big deal and I believe that for low-end old hardware there is already many launcher options available.
I want to keep game-looking vibe of SSGL and built launcher which looks like entertainment app. I want it to be non-nerd friendly, thus I do not expect it to compete with established launchers or become the king of all launchers, but rather to simplify the WADs landscape for new players.
One of the inspiration - Pico-8. The nerdy platform, with accessible appeal. Another is SSGL itself, but I personally find it's "modern doom" feel doesn't fit well for classic doom.
If you’re excited about Doom or frontend, you’re welcome.
- Frontend developers (React/JS, or TypeScript if we migrate)
- Doom modding / source-port experts (load orders, wads, ports)
- Designers
- Illustrators
- Anyone with ideas for making a modern, friendly launcher
Even if you just want to brainstorm or point out pain points — that’s valuable too.
I’m familiar with frontend development and UX design, but I’m a noob in Doom ecosystem (ports, WADs...). I also don’t feel super confident with “Doom aesthetic” design choices, since I didn’t grow up playing Doom - I re-explored Doom only 4-5 years ago in the modern era of WADs. So I really appreciate collaborators who can help strike the right tone and direction.
-
If you know active Doom launchers similar to SSGL Please share! I want to understand what’s out there and what gaps we could fill.
-
If you don’t want to participate but like the idea Let me know that too — it’s encouraging to know whether people would use a revived SSGL if it existed.
I started to share my idea, but so far the most active conversation was on reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/boomershooters/comments/1pernky/i_want_to_make_new_ssgl_doom_launcher_looking_for/
You can subscribe to this gist to recieve any comment notifications. If this idea would get some traction, I will post updates in the comments.
I believe that Doom 2 ecosystem is community-driven and I want to build this launcher with a buddies, rather than solo, because it will help to find better balanced solutions.
At the moment SSGL looks like this:
GZDeck has similar visual concept and looks like this:
Found a gem among launchers: PortaDOOM
It has a great idea to make a list of WADs from cacowards for instant play. I found so many intersections with what I thought about for DoomDash. Will gladly use it as an inspiration