The concept of classic games running on blockchain technology may seem confusing at first glance, but with the rise of NFT-like protocols such as Ordinals and Doginals, it has become a reality. These protocols allow users to “inscribe” media like artwork and video games onto decentralized networks, such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin, preserving them for eternity or simply for the novelty of it.
Ordinals, created by Casey Rodarmor, launched in early 2023 as a way to turn media into on-chain assets on Bitcoin. Unlike other blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, Bitcoin does not natively support executable code for smart contracts. Instead, Ordinals allows users to inscribe media onto individual satoshis, the smallest denomination of Bitcoin, ensuring that the media is fully added to the chain itself.
This innovation has led to an explosion of experimentation around Bitcoin, including the launch of fungible tokens using the BRC-20 and Runes token standards. Additionally, developers have expanded the Ordinals tech with “recursive inscriptions,” allowing them to chain together multiple inscriptions to create richer apps and games.
Similarly, Dogecoin has its own version of the protocol called Doginals, while other chains like Solana, Avalanche, and BNB Chain have also adopted similar functionality. These protocols enable users to inscribe entire applications on-chain, including full games that can be played through a web browser.
Classic games like Pac-Man, Zork, Tetris, and even a shareware version of Doom have been inscribed on Bitcoin and Dogecoin, allowing users to play them directly from the blockchain. These games are relatively simple due to storage limitations, but original games like Super Doginals are also starting to appear on these protocols.
The motivations behind inscribing games on-chain vary, with some seeing it as an experimental novelty and others as a way to preserve games on a decentralized network. The Bitcoin Pizza collection, for example, inscribed a Super Nintendo emulator on Bitcoin to allow users to play digital copies of classic 16-bit games. Overall, the ability to play classic games on blockchain technology showcases the versatility and potential of this innovative technology. In a fascinating turn of events, a group of enthusiasts recently managed to make classic games playable through the use of Bitcoin and Dogecoin. By using blockchain technology, they were able to create a platform where users can access and play these games using these popular cryptocurrencies.
The process began with the enthusiasts creating an emulator for the iconic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This emulator allowed users to access a wide range of classic games from the SNES era, all through the use of Bitcoin and Dogecoin. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many gamers excited about the prospect of reliving their favorite childhood memories through this innovative method.
Building on their success, the group then set their sights on developing a Nintendo 64 emulator. This emulator opened up a whole new world of classic games for users to enjoy, further solidifying the platform’s appeal among retro gaming enthusiasts.
While the reasons behind this project remain unclear, one thing is certain – the end result is a treasure trove of classic games that are now accessible through Bitcoin and Dogecoin. As long as these networks continue to thrive, players will have the opportunity to revisit these timeless classics for years to come.
This groundbreaking initiative showcases the endless possibilities that blockchain technology offers, revolutionizing the way we interact with and experience games. With the rapid evolution of cryptocurrencies and their integration into various industries, it’s exciting to see how they are reshaping the gaming landscape.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on February 2, 2024, and has been updated with new details on November 13. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of blockchain gaming.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the GG Newsletter for the latest updates on web3 gaming news, insights from industry experts, and exclusive offers from our partners. Join us as we explore the ever-evolving intersection of blockchain technology and gaming.