Forget matching letters or identifying traffic lights.
Imagine proving you're human by playing the classic video game Doom, where success hinges on killing demons.
Released in 1993, "Doom" is a classic first-person shooter where players fight demons and undead across Mars' moons and hell.
This is the concept behind Doom CAPTCHA, an inventive project by Guillermo Rauch, CEO of Vercel.
In this new approach, users must conquer Doom’s nightmare mode and defeat three enemies to pass the test.
Rauch introduced the Doom CAPTCHA, a playful and challenging alternative to traditional bot-verification methods.
Rather than the typical distorted letters or ticking checkboxes, this CAPTCHA requires users to kill at least three demons in Doom's nightmare mode.
He announced the idea on X (formerly Twitter), explaining,
“Verify you're human by playing Doom and killing at least three enemies in nightmare mode.”
To pass the Doom CAPTCHA, players control the iconic space marine using the arrow keys and space bar.
The challenge isn’t just about moving through the maze—it’s about surviving Doom’s nightmare mode, where demons are faster, stronger, and more numerous.
One player shared their experience, saying,
“After like four tries of being an idiot, I realised if I just step forward, THEN backward, I can shoot the three dudes that spawn right in front of me, and I'm away from enemy fire.”
Rauch responded with,
“Yeah, that’s the winning move.”
It’s clear that while the challenge is fun, it’s far from easy.
Doom, first released in 1993 by id Software, has been a favorite for developers due to its open-source engine made public in 1997.
This allowed it to be modified and run on countless devices, from Bitcoin wallets to smart fridges.
Its adaptability has led to its installation on various platforms, from ATMs to blockchain networks making it an ideal choice for a quirky CAPTCHA.
Additionally, Doom has previously appeared in projects, such as its integration into the Dogecoin blockchain through the NFT-like Doginals protocol that allows users to inscribe media onto Dogecoin units permanently.
This adds a layer of blockchain culture to the game’s legacy.
The choice of Doom has garnered attention from tech enthusiasts, reflecting its enduring appeal.
The game's adaptability and the community's creative use of its engine have kept it relevant in tech circles.
This enthusiasm was seen in projects like the “Doom Olympics” on the Ethereum network in 2023, with significant prizes, demonstrating the game's potential to engage in competitive and creative tech scenarios.
Doom CAPTCHA also serves as a demonstration of Vercel's AI-powered web development tool, v0, which allows developers to create complex web projects from natural language.
The system uses AI to generate this CAPTCHA, showcasing the potential for creative solutions in web development.
However, there are potential legal concerns, as the use of Doom's non-open-source assets, such as maps and textures, may not fully align with copyright laws.
As AI models continue to evolve, the effectiveness of traditional CAPTCHA systems is being called into question.
Even advanced models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 can now play Doom, albeit not perfectly.
With AI improving rapidly, CAPTCHA's role in bot detection could soon be obsolete.
While Rauch has hinted at making the CAPTCHA more difficult, it’s unclear how much longer this method will stand up against the growing capabilities of AI.
While Doom CAPTCHA is an entertaining deviation from standard CAPTCHAs, it highlights the ongoing need for innovative solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of web security and human verification.
As bots grow more sophisticated, such creative approaches may become more common, blurring the lines between security and interactive experiences.
However, the difficulty level has to be considered.
This could become a barrier for users who are unable to complete the challenge and prefer a simpler verification process, potentially leading them to leave the website.
SushiSwap's price jumped 7.3% in the past 24 hours, likely boosted by both the crypto market recovery and the upcoming launch of Dojo, a new meme coin launchpad. The release, initially set for 10 September, has been delayed to 17 Septembe for a smoother rollout.
KikyoApple’s iPhone 16 is facing criticism in China for lacking advanced AI features, which has disappointed many consumers. This comes as Huawei’s innovative devices, like a tri-fold smartphone, gain popularity and pose a growing threat to Apple’s market share.
AnaisForbes Web3 will soon launch a blockchain-based loyalty platform with the qiibee foundation. An exclusive preview will be offered at the Crypto Carnival in Singapore on 19 September during Singapore Token2049.
CatherinePutin said Russia has become the world leader in Bitcoin mining, producing 54,000 bitcoins in 2023.
MiyukiThe SEC labeled Bitcoin and Ethereum as highly speculative, warning of the risks of investing in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs. BlackRock's Bitcoin spot ETF reported its third outflow of funds, with $9 million outflow at the beginning of the week.
WeiliangSingapore is cracking down on illegal trading of Worldcoin accounts and tokens, with seven individuals under investigation and five already arrested. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has clarified that Worldcoin itself isn't regulated under their Payment Services Act, but trading activities may violate the law, leading to severe penalties.
JoyTether has partnered with Tron and TRM Labs to form the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU), a public-private initiative to combat criminal activities involving USDT on the TRON blockchain.
CatherineCaroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, will be sentenced on 24 September 2024 for her role in the FTX fraud case, with privacy concerns raised over the redaction of supporters' names in her court filings. Her cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice may lead to a reduced sentence, despite facing charges that could result in up to 110 years in prison.
WeatherlyWithin two weeks, a record 17 million users claimed DOGS tokens, making it the top token by unique holders across any blockchain, with 4.5 million holders—surpassed only by Tether’s USDT on TRON and Ethereum (ETH).
KikyoSony Bank is launching a stablecoin pegged to the Japanese Yen in collaboration with the Layer 2 Ethereum blockchain, Soneium. This move aims to lower transaction costs and boost Japan's digital asset market, while other leaders like Justin Sun explore gas-free stablecoin solutions.
Anais