Many websites regularly ask you to prove that you are not a robot by means of a CAPTCHA. This system is used to distinguish humans from bots before a connection is made, using visual and behavioural recognition (mouse movements) or logical resolution.

If these tests seem boring, the company Vercel, run by Guillermo Rauch, offers an original alternative: a CAPTCHA that invites you to... play DOOM.

This ‘DOOM CAPTCHA’ works using a WebAssembly version, which means that no downloading is required. The game runs directly in your browser and asks you to eliminate three enemies by using the arrow keys to move and the space bar to shoot.

However, what might seem fun at first quickly turns out to be frustrating for some Internet users, including retrogamers. The reason? You start with a simple pistol and have to face some particularly punishing enemies. The game seems to be set on the Ultra-Violence, or even Nightmare difficulty level, which requires bots' reflexes to prove that you are indeed flesh and blood.

The concept quickly gained in popularity. The link has been shared in many retrogaming communities, and you've probably come across it on the Recalbox Discord.

If you want to die to give it a go, head over to this address!