Doom levels made & played by Eric and Dylan
Both Eric and Dylan loved to play the computer game Doom and often battled their friends online. They also made their own levels. Both Eric and Dylan made Doom levels, but Eric was more passionate about building levels. You can watch someone play some of their mods on YouTube.
Eric wrote about his love for making Doom levels in a class paper on August 31, 1998:
"For the past three years, I have been involved in a computer game called Doom. Even though one might think it is just a game, I believe it is one of the best ways to show my creativity and intelligence."
"To most people it may be just another silly computer game, but to me it is an outlet for my thoughts and dreams."
"Now, I know that other people are just as creative or more creative than I am, but I believe that I will always be the best at Doom creativity. In this day and age it can be hard to find a skill that can be completely dominated and mastered or a skill that almost no one else has. This is why I choose a simple computer game to express my talents." (11k, p.26593)
Eric's letter to ID Software
Eric wrote a letter to ID Software regarding his love for the game. (936 pages, p.26626)
They modeled a level after Columbine High School
It's said to be only a rumor that Eric and Dylan made a Doom level modeled after Columbine, but it's not a rumor. There are three points that show this to be true.
1. I was told personally by Joe Stair that he played a level they made modeled after Columbine High School. He said Dylan took credit for making most of this level. Obviously it wasn't an exact replica, but they used the school as inspiration for the layout.
2. Someone Eric played Doom with online was interviewed by police and he said he played a level Eric made that he said was modeled after his high school.
3. When you open Eric's "Deathmatch in Bricks" .wad map file in Doom Builder, the outline of the deathmatch arena is a near perfect match to the outline of the lower level cafeteria area of the school as printed by Columbine High School on maps provided for parent-teacher conferences and art events. I had a side-by-side comparison of these maps on my website in the early days, but lost the file a long time ago when my external hard drive failed from a surge caused by a storm. The file name was bricks2so.jpg and it showed the map of Columbine on the left and the Bricks map in Doom Builder on the right.
A letter sent to the LA FBI
Three days after the shooting, someone emailed the following letter to the Los Angeles FBI.
email sent to the Los Angeles FBI on April 23, 1999 - just three days after the massacre. Please read below:
From: XXX@pop.rcn.com
X-Sender: XXX@pop.rcn.com
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.6 (32)
Date: Fri, 23 Apr 1999 19:36:14 -0400
To: los.angeles@fbi.gov
Subject: possible Littleton lead
I was reading in the New York Times yesterday that Eric Harris was an avid gamer. Particularly with a game called Doom. This is a first-person shootem-up game. Very gory. According to the NYT he was already astute enough in 1996 to create his own variations of the game. These variations are called "wads". There is a large group of enthusiasts who create and share their own wads. A wad is loaded when the game is loaded and then it puts the user in a virtual world that he has created himself. For example, he can create the bridge of Star Trek's Enterprise. He can create a virtual replication of his house, with various rooms.
He can create a high school in Littleton.
He can practice his shootem-up in his virtual world before taking it to his real world. There are no consequences in the virtual world. This is why therapists use virtual worlds to desensitize patients suffering from Acrophobia and Arachnophobia.
The question I have is, have the police checked his computer for wads? They need to find the wads and have someone astute in these matters run each wad and see if Eric has been practicing his rampage in a virtual world. It is possible that the investigators are older and not savvy enough to explore this possibility. (I hate the silly games myself.)
The point is if a Littleton wad exists then it may also exist on the computers of the other suspects currently being investigated.
Moreover, these wads are easily uploaded to the net wherever these gamers share these files. (I don't know where; but you can probably find out in two minutes.) If such a wad exists, it could have been uploaded to the web anonymously both in terms of from where it came and also exactly what it was representing -- that is a user might not recognize it as the Littleton school. It could have been presented as something else via its filename and accompanying documentation as some other building.) Either way, if you had the wad on the Harris computer you could trace it both to other suspect's computers directly and if need be from wherever it was uploaded to web by tracing it backwards.
I went to the FBI main page and there seems to be little incentive for them to receive email, however, I did find this email address buried on their site so that is why I am sending this note here. I hope that you might pass this notion about the wads on to whomever is appropriate if you feel that it warrants any merit.
I suspect whomever is inspecting this situation is ten steps ahead of the ideas presented above, however, in the odd chance that nobody has thought of it I felt that there is no harm in you reading a few paragraphs and dismissing it all if you felt that was most apt.
As I suspect you are understaffed to respond to every email you receive, I do not expect you to respond to this missive. I'm just happy to know that perhaps I have helped.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
XXXXX
Fake Doom levels
First, let's look at the fake files someone tried to pass off as real many years ago:
realdoom.zip
hellfire.zip
outdoors.zip
Someone from Doom World gave files with these names to some of us researchers in August 2005 claiming they were Eric's "lost levels" and I took the time to analyze these files and they turned out to be fake. I won't post the files because they aren't real. You might be able to find them on A Columbine Site since the webmaster of that site made them available for download.
REALDOOM.ZIP:
File size: 37.6k
Eric's actual file size: unknown
Creation Date: August 20, 2005
Text File: missing
Status: fake
The real "REALDOOM.ZIP" file was a patch for Doom. The fake file is too small to be a genuine file. At 37.6k unzipped, there's no way that is the file Eric spent more time on than any other. Many of us researchers attempted to use the file and it crashed all of our computers. This file was given to the ACS webmaster on August 25, 2005, which is just 5 days after it was created. This was more than seven years after Eric died.
OUTDOORS.ZIP:
File size: 19.6k
Eric's actual file size: 118k
Creation Date: July 17, 2005
Text File: missing
Status: fake
HELLFIRE.ZIP:
File size: 39.8k
Eric's actual file size: it is unknown if there even IS a hellfire.zip file of Eric's creation.
Creation Date: August 20, 2005
Text File: missing
Status: fake
Genuine Doom levels
Eric wrote about having created the following Doom levels:
achtung
bricks
champy
dchronix
doom333
idmap01
realdoom
station
thrasher
truchamp
uaclabs
whiskey (mentioned on p.26496 from 936 pages)
killer
gravity
orbit4
assault
techout
Eric also had a level called 'TIER' which he discussed on the Basement Tapes.
"Harris then begins discussing 'Tier' and describes it as 'My life's work' and wanting to get it 'published.' I recognized this term from some of the direction type booklets for the video game 'Doom,' which were taken by myself from Harris' room during the search warrant. (11k, p.10381)
Eric also wrote about TIER in his 'journal':
"Put everyone in doom I and see who can get past at least level 1. Actually, put them into MY worlds. Like Thrasher, Whiskey, UAC Labs, and TIER. I would love to see all you fuckheads die." (11k, p.26343)The following Doom levels still exist:
bricks
fightme
hockey
killer
station
uaclabs
Text files for Eric's .wads
1. BRICKS
Size: 321 KB
Created: Friday, March 1, 1996 at 2:38:48 PM
================================================================
Title : DEATHMATCHING IN BRICKS!
Filename : bricks.WAD
Author : Eric Harris
Email Address : Rebldomakr@aol.com
Misc. Author Info : It took me about 3 days to completely
finish this ass-kicking WAD. This is
by far the best deathmatch level I
have made, YET. yet yet yet!
Description : You are placed in a large, open arena
to fight in. There are multiple stair
cases and lots of ammo laying around.
Plenty of health too. There are 4
other sections to this level to fight
in, they are; A computer lab, a
darkened and lightened tunnel with
crevices to hide in (hint hint), and
a cave-like room with a river 'o'
sludge flowing through. And don't
worry about getting cornered, there
are plenty of places to run and hide
if you are in trouble!
Additional Credits to : Well, the creators of Edmap, you rule,
dudes. The creators of BSP and ADE2,
you guys saved this WAD countless
times from evil, bad-ass bugs!
The creators of WINTEX, for letting me
put in all those rockin' graphics.
The Paintbrush creators to make them.
Uuuuuuhh, My good friend Dylan Klebold
for helping me play-test this WAD.
And, of course, the creators of DOOM2!
================================================================
* Play Information *
Episode and Level # : map01
Single Player : Yes
Cooperative 2-4 Player : I guess, to go sight-seeing
Deathmatch 2-4 Player : HELL YES DUDE!!!!
Difficulty Settings : Not implemented
New Sounds : Yup. new gun sounds, 1-6.
New Graphics : Bloody YES!
New Music : Nope
Demos Replaced : None
* Construction *
Base : New level from scratch
Editor(s) used : Edmap, BSP, ADE2, and WINTEX
Known Bugs : Well, I can't find any yet. e-mail me if
you come across one!
Authors may NOT use this level as a base to build additional
levels.
You MAY distribute this WAD, provided you include this file, with
no modifications. You may distribute this file in any electronic
format (BBS, Diskette, CD, etc) as long as you include this file
intact. And tell me you are going to do it! But don't put it on
the Internet. Also, send comments after you play this level, they
will be greatly appreciated!
FTP sites:?
BBS numbers:?
Other: Well, probably where you got it from. duh. Or email me and
ask for it.
-note Ask for my awesome WAD called, REALDOOM.zip!!!!
2. HOCKEY
Size: 111 KB
Created: Wednesday, June 13, 2096 [1996] at 10:42:46 PM
Title : Hockey.wad
Filename : hockey.WAD
Author : Eric Harris
Email Address : Rebldomakr@aol.com & REBDOOMER@aol.com
Misc. Author Info : It took me about an hour and a half to
make this wad, so it isnt really all
that great. It does kick some serious
ass though!
Description : A deathmatch level based on a hockey
rink. With an outer area along the
rink.
Additional Credits to : The creators of Edmap, BSP and NWT.
And, of course, the creators of DOOM2!
Episode and Level # : map01
Single Player : Yes
Cooperative 2-4 Player : I guess, to go sight-seeing
Deathmatch 2-4 Player : YES
Difficulty Settings : Not implemented
New Sounds : yes
New Graphics : naaaaa
New Music : Nope
Demos Replaced : None
Base : New level from scratch
Editor(s) used : Edmap, BSP, and NWT
Known Bugs : Well, I can't find any yet. e-mail me if
you come across one!
Authors may NOT use this level as a base to build additional
levels.
Don't do anything but play it and give it to your friends.
Where to get this: Well, probably where you got it from. duh. Or
email me and ask for it.
-note Ask for my awesome WAD called, REALDOOM.zip!!!!
3. FIGHTME
Size: 177 KB
Created: Tuesday, July 16, 1996 at 8:31:00 PM
================================================================
Title : Mortal Kombat Doom!
Filename : fightme.WAD
Author : Eric Harris
Email Address : REBDOOMER@aol.com
Misc. Author Info : It took me about 2 hours to make this
level, so enjoy it!
Description : One big room, with 4 platforms in it.
Hop down and duke it out with the
other players! Then fight again!
Additional Credits to : Mortal Kombat for the idea of hand to
hand fighting. Except in doom this
time. And of course, the creators of
Doom2, thanks dudes!
================================================================
* Play Information *
Episode and Level # : good 'ole map 1
Single Player : Yes
Cooperative 2-4 Player : Yes, boring as hell though
Deathmatch 2-4 Player : Yes
Difficulty Settings : Not implemented
New Sounds : all of em!
New Graphics : No
New Music : yep. sorry, no MK theme song=(
Demos Replaced : None
* Construction *
Base : New level from scratch
Editor(s) used : Edmap, BSP, and Wintex4.3
NO Known Bugs
* Copyright / Permissions *
The only thing you can do with this file is play it and distribute.
* Where to get this WAD *
FTP sites:?
BBS numbers:?
Other:well, probably where you got it from. duh. Or email me and
ask for it.
ASK FOR MY AWESOME PATCH CALLED REALDOOM!!!
4. KILLER
Size: 255 KB
Created: Friday, July 19, 1996 at 5:50:34 PM
Title : KILLER
Filename : Killer.WAD
Author : Eric Harris
Email Address : Rebldomakr@aol.com or REBDOOMER@aol.com
Misc. Author Info : It took me about 2 hours to make this WAD,
so send me some credit!
Description : All the action is outside. The level has
all the weapons except for that ultra-cheap
BFG.
Additional Credits to : The creators of Edmap, BSP, and Wintex4.3.
And, of course, the creators of DOOM2!
Episode and Level # : map01
Single Player : Yes
Cooperative 2-4 Player : I guess, to go sight-seeing
Deathmatch 2-4 Player : Ooooh yeah.
Difficulty Settings : Not implemented
New Sounds : Yep
New Graphics : nope
New Music : yes.
Demos Replaced : None
Base : New level from scratch
Editor(s) used : Edmap, BSP, and WINTEX
Known Bugs : Well, I can't find any yet. e-mail me if
you come across one!
The only thing you can do with this WAD is play it and distribute it.
FTP sites:?
BBS numbers:?
Other: Well, probably where you got it from. duh. Or email me and
ask for it.
-note Ask for my awesome WAD called, REALDOOM.zip!!!!
5. STATION
Size: 301 KB
Created: Thursday, July 25, 1996 at 5:47:32 PM
Title : Station
Filename : station.WAD
Author : Eric Harris
Email Address : REBDOOMER@aol.com
Misc. Author Info : This is just one of my awesome deathmatch WADS
so be sure to check out my WAD page for the others!
Description : This level takes place in an abandoned space
station out in the middle of some funky galaxy.
The level has some pretty cool parts in it.
Like the swimming pool and the 2 doors to nothing.
You have to see them to know what I'm talkin about.
Additional Credits to : The creators of Edmap, BSP, and Wintex. Excaluber
for giving me some ideas about what to put in.
The creator of "fragland" for the pool idea.
And, of course, the creators of DOOM2!
* Play Information *
Episode and Level # : map01
Single Player : Yes
Cooperative 2-4 Player : I guess, to go sight-seeing
Deathmatch 2-4 Player : YES
Difficulty Settings : Not implemented
New Sounds : YES
New Graphics : YES, i love the new sky!
New Music : Nope
Demos Replaced : None
* Construction *
Base : New level from scratch
Editor(s) used : Edmap, BSP, and WINTEX
Known Bugs : Well, I can't find any yet. e-mail me if
you come across one!
The only thing people can do with this WAD is play it and distribute it.
FTP sites:http://members.aol.com/rebdoomer/rebpage.htm
BBS numbers:?
Other: Well, probably where you got it from. duh. Or email me and
ask for it.
-note Ask for my awesome multi-level PATCH, REALDOOM!!!!
6. UACLABS
Size: 3.20 MB
Created: Sunday, September 1, 1996 at 10:21:18 PM
Title : U.A.C. LABS
Filename : uaclabs.zip
Author : Eric Harris
Email Address : REBDOOMER@aol.com
Misc. Author Info : Whatsup all you doomers out there! REB here,
bringin you another kick-ass doom2 wad! This one
took a damn long time to do, so send me some bloody
credit man! Sorry the file is so damn big, but you
know how it is when you change sprites...well, you
should know if you've every made wads like this.
Enjoy the new death frames, made em all myself!
=DO NOT GO TO ANY OTHER LEVEL BESIDES THE 2 IN=
=THIS WAD, MANY SPRITES WHERE DELETED IN THE =
=WAD TO MAKE IT AS SMALL AS I COULD. SO SOME =
=MAPS MAY HAVE DELETED SPRITES IN THEM AND IT =
=WILL CRASH DOOM2. so dont do it, man. =
Description\Story : OK, here goes: After defeating the demons on
Earth, you learn of a new terror. Phobos, where
this hellish battle all began, has been taken over
again! When you were fighting hell on Earth, the
demon back-up crew decided to pay a visit to Phobos
again. No problem, right? All the installations
where already destroyed by you and the first attack
right? Yeah, that parts right, but half the
surviving humans from earth took refuge there!
We just re-did the structures to fit our needs,
and moved in again. Bad idea. Those gates were
still active. Sooo aah, chalk up another kill for
the demons. After the 2nd attack on phobos, only
99% of the human population is left. Once you
emerged from hell, you took the first ship you
could to phobos. Once again, there were no
survivors. Now its PAYBACK TIME! Those godamned
alien bastards are gonna get one helluva BFG blast
up their FREAKIN ASS! You land on the other side
of phobos. Where the humans landed for the 2nd
time. Your mission is to destroy the 2 main gates,
and destroy the platoon of demons at the main
teleporter from phobos to Earth. Use the maps,
you'll need them to find all the hidden secrets and
doors. Beware of the 2 gates, the ARE still active,
and more demons might come through any second.
The platoon guarding the teleporter out is VERY
large, so beware. Good luck marine, and dont forget,
KILL 'EM AAAAALLLL!!!!!
Additional Credits to : The creators of Edmap, Wintex, BSP, and doom2.
Episode and Level # : map01 and 2 ONLY!
Single Player : Yes
Cooperative 2-4 Player : Yes, very fun. challenging too!
Deathmatch 2-4 Player : yep
Difficulty Settings : well, just stick with ultra violence.
New Sounds : yep
New Graphics : yep
New Music : yep
Demos Replaced : nope
Base : New level from scratch
Editor(s) used : Edmap, BSP, and WINTEX
Known Bugs : Well, I can't find any yet. e-mail me if
you come across one!
Authors may NOT use this level as a base to build additional levels.
You may NOT change a damn thing with this WAD, if you do, i will blow you up.
And it will be cool.
FTP sites:http://members.aol.com/rebdoomer/rebpage.htm
BBS numbers:?
Other: Well, probably where you got it from. duh. Or email me and
ask for it.
-note Ask for my awesome PATCH called, REALDOOM.zip!!!!
Eric's list of levels
Hand drawn maps
From the 936 page release:
(936 pages, p.26373)
(936 pages, p.26374)
Dylan's hand drawn map
When you look closely at a map of Columbine's general layout next to one of Dylan's level maps, it becomes pretty obvious he also used the school's paper handouts as a template for creating his levels. It's not exact, but that's not the point. They had fun using their school as inspiration for their layouts.
(936 pages, p.26374)
Doom lawsuit
Several of the victims' families, including the Sanders family, filed a class action lawsuit against Midway Home Entertainment seeking $5 billion in punitive damages from a total of 25 entertainment companies including Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Time Warner, and ID Software. The Sanders family also filed a separate lawsuit their attorney, John DeCamp, had hoped would go to trial.