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DOOM CAPTCHA (doom-captcha.vercel.app)

1316 points by denysvitali · 581 days ago · 270 comments on HN

Article summary

The DOOM CAPTCHA project uses a minimal port of Doom compiled to WebAssembly, allowing users to play the game to prove they are human. The game is modified to introduce events needed for CAPTCHA usage and is compatible with the shareware version of Doom. Users must kill at least three monsters to pass the CAPTCHA. The project is built for educational and entertainment purposes.

Main themes

  • CAPTCHA innovation
  • Doom game modification
  • WebAssembly usage
  • Accessibility concerns
  • Gaming controls
  • AI and bot detection

What commenters say

  • The CAPTCHA is difficult to use due to the lack of standard keyboard controls, such as WASD keys or strafing capabilities.
  • Some users found the CAPTCHA to be inaccessible or difficult to use on mobile devices or with non-standard keyboard layouts.
  • The use of Doom as a CAPTCHA is seen as a fun and innovative approach, but may not be effective in the long term due to the potential for bots to be developed to play the game.
  • The CAPTCHA's difficulty level is high, with some users finding it challenging to kill the required number of monsters, while others found ways to exploit the game mechanics to pass the test more easily.
  • The project's use of WebAssembly and modification of the Doom game is seen as a notable technical achievement, but may not be suitable for all users due to accessibility concerns.
  • Some users believe that the CAPTCHA is not effective in preventing bots, as they can be programmed to play the game, while others see it as a temporary solution to prevent automated scripts.