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What Famous Games Use C? DOOM, Quake, and Quake II

DOOM is a documented example of a famous game using C. Quake and Quake II have official source releases, but their repository pages alone do not prove every part was written in C.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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DOOM is a clearly documented example of a famous game that used C: id Software’s official source release includes a C file with game-state and input logic. Quake and Quake II also have official source-release repositories, though those repository pages alone do not establish which language every part of each game uses.

Famous games with evidence of C use

Game What the official source shows What you can safely conclude
DOOM The official Linux DOOM 1.10 source release includes g_game.c, whose C code handles game state, player actions, controls, and input commands. DOOM’s published code includes C for core game logic.
Quake id Software’s official Quake GPL Source Release repository. Quake has an official source release; the repository landing page alone does not establish the language composition of its code.
Quake II id Software’s official Quake 2 GPL Source Release repository. Quake II has an official source release; the repository landing page alone does not establish the language composition of its code.

Why DOOM is the clearest example

The strongest evidence is not merely that a file ends in .c. The official DOOM file contains C source, including declarations and logic for actions, player states, controls, and input commands. Its header includes an Emacs “C++ mode” comment, so the contents—not the editor-mode label or extension alone—are the useful evidence.

The Quake and Quake II repositories are useful official starting points for exploring released source code, but their landing pages do not prove that every subsystem was written in C. That distinction matters: a game can use C without being made exclusively in C.

How to explore the code

  1. Open the official DOOM repository and locate linuxdoom-1.10/g_game.c to inspect game-state and input handling.
  2. For other classic id Software games, start with the Quake and Quake II source-release repositories. Inspect individual files before making claims about their languages.
  3. Keep source code separate from game assets and the complete commercial release: a source repository does not by itself establish a build process or provide every asset needed to reproduce the retail game.

For a guided technical discussion of DOOM’s engine internals, The Game Engine Black Book: DOOM is an optional further read; it is not a prerequisite for learning C or inspecting the released source.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4
DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4
A new class of (destructible) demon
$27.49
SaleBestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
DOOM + DOOM II (Limited Run Games #144) - for Playstation 5
DOOM + DOOM II (Limited Run Games #144) - for Playstation 5
DOOM + DOOM II on a region-free physical disc.; A new Deathmatch map pack featuring 25 maps
$44.48
Best Value
DOOM + DOOM II (Limited Run Games #144) - for Playstation 5
  • DOOM + DOOM II on a region-free physical disc.
  • Includes: DOOM, DOOM II, TNT: Evilution, The Plutonia Experiment, Master Levels for DOOM II, No Rest for the Living, Sigil & Sigil II, Legacy of Rust (a new episode created in collaboration by id Software, Nightdive Studios and MachineGames).
  • A new Deathmatch map pack featuring 25 maps
  • Total of 187 mission maps and 43 deathmatch maps in DOOM + DOOM II
  • # of Players: Single System 1-4, Local wireless 1-8, Online 1-16
Rank #4
Doom - Xbox One
  • A Relentless Campaign: There is no taking cover or stopping to regenerate health as you beat back Hell's raging demon hordes
  • Return of id Multiplayer: Dominate your opponents in DOOM's signature, fast-paced arena-style combat
  • Near-Limitless Gameplay: Doom SnapMap – A Powerful, but Easy-to-Use Game and Level Editor That Allows for Limitless Gameplay Experiences on Every Platform
  • Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, strong language
Rank #3
DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5
  • Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
  • In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
  • A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
  • As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
  • Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
Rank #2
Sale
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X
  • Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
  • In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
  • A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
  • As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
  • Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
#1 Best Overall
DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4
  • Gain access to the latest demon-killing Tech with the DOOM Slayer's advanced praetor suit, including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and the retractable wrist-mounted DOOM Blade
  • Upgraded guns and mods, such as the Super shotgun's new distance-closing meat hook attachment, and abilities like the double Dash make you faster, stronger, and more versatile than ever
  • You can't Kill demons when you're Dead, and you can't stay alive without resources. These tools are the key to your survival and becoming the ultimate demon-slayer
  • A new class of (destructible) demon
  • Battle mode is the new 2 versus 1 multiplayer experience built from the ground up at id software

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