Doom: From Pixels to Petri Dishes – Running on Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Gut Bacteria

• The “Doom running on everything” movement takes an unprecedented turn as enthusiasts successfully integrate Doom into Bitcoin and Dogecoin blockchains.
• The simplistic design of Doom also allows it to adapt to various platforms and with recent upgrades to these decentralized networks.

The widely influential first-person shooter game, Doom, has demonstrated its versatility by running on various unconventional platforms, ranging from ATMs to pregnancy tests and even blockchain networks. Despite a dedicated community of fans determined to port Doom to unconventional devices, a recent and unexpected example has emerged.

A recent research study conducted by students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) explores the theoretical possibility of running Doom using E. coli bacteria. Initially reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, this experiment adds to the growing evidence that the classic game can function on a diverse range of systems, although the gaming experience may not be particularly enjoyable.

According to MIT biotech graduate student researcher Lauren “Ren” Ramlan, who led the study, running Doom only requires a screen and determination. Ramlan’s proposal involves utilizing E. coli cells arranged in a 32×48 well plate connected to a display controller.

Moreover, the wells within the plate serve as pixels, and a display controller translates Doom’s graphics into signals that control the fluorescence of the cells. Speaking to the Decrypt, Ramlan said:

I’ve always been drawn to the fun and entertaining side of science. I find bioengineering to be a wonderful yet underutilized avenue for art and creativity, which is what led me to the Media Lab and BE department here at MIT. This project is a great example of the type of scientific work I like to pursue—combining genetic engineering with engaging, thought-provoking entertainment.

Doom Expands to Bitcoin and Dogecoin Blockchains

The unconventional gaming movement known as “Doom running on everything” has taken an unexpected turn, with enthusiasts attempting to play the iconic game in various unintended ways. From ATMs to printers, blockchains, calculators, and Lego bricks, the movement seeks to explore the limits of where the game can run.

The simplistic design of Doom has facilitated its adaptation to unconventional platforms, including blockchain networks. Notably, upgrades to the Bitcoin and Dogecoin networks have paved the way for Doom’s presence on these decentralized platforms. Last year, following the launch of the NFT-like Ordinals protocol in January, a Bitcoin enthusiast successfully inscribed a basic clone of Doom on the Bitcoin blockchain.

In a recent development, a pseudonymous contributor known as Pimax leveraged the Dogecoin version of the Ordinals protocol, aptly named Doginals, to inscribe a full version of Doom on the blockchain of the popular meme coin. Furthermore, the larger 4.2 MB block size allowed by the Dogecoin blockchain enables users to play the entire game via a web browser.

Ramlan encourages people to explore the possibilities of what can be played or displayed on cellular systems. The diverse opportunities presented by this movement showcase the versatility of Doom, transforming it from a traditional computer game to a phenomenon with unexpected applications. Enthusiasts also continue to push the boundaries, imagining new and creative ways to experience Doom across a wide range of platforms.