How Video Games Run on Bitcoin and Dogecoin
If you’ve seen headlines about classic games like Pac-Man and Tetris running on Bitcoin or Doom being playable on Dogecoin, you might be wondering how that’s even possible. Well, it all comes down to the launch of NFT-like protocols on these blockchains.
Ordinals is a protocol that allows media to be turned into on-chain assets on Bitcoin. Unlike Ethereum and Solana, Bitcoin doesn’t support executable code for things like NFTs or decentralized apps. However, Ordinals found a way to “inscribe” media onto individual satoshis, the smallest denomination of Bitcoin.
These inscriptions are fully added to the Bitcoin blockchain itself, making them intact and preserved. This innovation has led to experimentation with fungible tokens using the BRC-20 token standard.
Playing Games on the Blockchain
Ordinals and Doginals allow users to inscribe entire applications on-chain, including games. These games can be played through a web browser just like any other web game. However, due to size limitations, these games are relatively simple and are typically classic titles like Pac-Man and Tetris.
The Purpose of Inscribing Games
The intentions behind inscribing games on-chain vary. Some people do it for novelty or experimentation purposes, while others see it as a way to preserve games in an immutable and decentralized network. Regardless of the reasons, these classic games will remain playable as long as the networks remain active.
Hot Take: The Future of Gaming on Blockchains
The ability to run video games on blockchains opens up new possibilities for the gaming industry. It allows for unique experiences and offers a decentralized way to preserve and play classic games. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, we may see even more innovative ways to integrate gaming and cryptocurrencies. Whether you’re a fan of retro games or interested in the potential of blockchain gaming, this intersection of technology and entertainment is definitely worth keeping an eye on.