How WAD Works
Where’s All the Data? WAD (Where’s All the Data?) is the file format created by id Software and is utilized by the DOOM engine for storing game data. The primary concept behind the WAD is to allow users to easily modify game data. After the release of Wolfenstein 3D, id Software took note that many were modifying their game, but noticed the process was incredibly obtuse and actually involved modifying the engine directly. This idea of simplicity goes into the design of the format, being easily understandable and modifiable by DOOM users. A direct result of WAD’s beautiful simplicity is the ever growing and incredibly healthy modding community DOOM has, even 30 years later. It cannot be understated that the WAD is one of the reasons that DOOM has enjoyed such a long life, and why DOOM is revered as such an influential classic. So, the WAD’s simplicity is not a bad thing, and I feel it is a perfect example of what good engineering should be: simple, to the point, and tidy. ...