From DOS Null Modem to QuakeWorld in the Browser
Pieter Levels started this in June 2026 by building a virtual null modem on the web: Quake 1 running in an emulated MS-DOS, with two players linked through a COM port tunneled over WebSockets. He then split it into q1.pieter.com with just the 16 MB Quake demo instead of a 400 MB DOS drive.
That first version lagged because every packet went through his server and original Quake had no client-side prediction. He switched it to QuakeWorld, id’s 1996 netcode update, running on WebAssembly via the FTE QuakeWorld engine, which is what the site uses today.
How to Play Quake Online in Your Browser
- 1Press Play to join the server.
- 2Click inside the game to capture the mouse.
- 3Frag up to seven other players; the page keeps a leaderboard for 24 hours, 7 days and all time.
- 4Prefer the classic? Use the “Play DOS Quake 1 (serial)” link on the page.
Quake Browser FAQ
Is Quake in the browser free?
Yes. It runs the Quake demo data and costs nothing. It is a non-commercial fan project, not affiliated with id Software.
What is QuakeWorld?
QuakeWorld is the 1996 update to Quake’s online code that added client-side prediction, which makes internet play far less laggy.
Who runs q1.pieter.com?
pieter.com is the personal site of Pieter Levels (@levelsio), who calls it an online computer history museum.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked on 2026-10-11.
